RANGE GRASSES OF HAWAII 



15 



No. 13. CYNODON DACTYLON. CAPRIOLA DACTYLON (6, p. 162) 

 Common names: Bermuda grass, manienie 



Bermuda grass is a native of the Mediterranean region (6, p. 161) 

 and southern Asia, and is widely distributed over the warmer regions 

 of both hemispheres, extending through the Tropics well up into 

 the Temperate Zones. In Hawaii it was noted growing as early as 

 1895. It is perennial, and under favorable conditions attains a height 

 of 1 foot. Bermuda grass spreads rapidly by means of runners 

 ranging from a few inches to several feet in length. While Bermuda 

 grass will thrive under moist conditions, it is valued in Hawaii chiefly 

 because of its ability to grow under dry conditions where the better 



Figure 13. — Cynodon dactylon 



grasses fail. It does not thrive in combination with other grasses, 

 but grows well with various clovers, such as yellow sweetclover 

 (Melilotus officinalis), bur clover (Medicago denticulata) , Japan clover 

 (Lespedeza striata), and black medick (M. lupvlina). Bermuda grass 

 forms the foundation of most of the pastures of Molokai, Maui, 

 Oahu, and Hawaii, from sea level to altitudes of more than 4,000 feet, 

 except in the wetter regions where it is displaced by Hilo grass and 

 by carpet grass. Bermuda grass is relished by 'cattle when it is not 

 too old, and is of fair value for fattening. Ranchmen state that 

 pigeon peas will thrive in a locality in which Bermuda grass makes 

 good growth. 



A giant variety of Cynodon dactylon has been tried at the station 

 in Honolulu for several years and seems to have considerable merit. 

 It spreads rapidly, produces an abundance of feed, and appears to 

 be as palatable as the common variety. 



