RANGE GRASSES OF HAWAII 



11 



No. 9. BROMUS UNIOLOIDES (14, pi. 85) 

 Common names: Rescue grass, bromegrass, wild oatgrass 



Rescue grass or bromegrass (13, p. 32) is found growing from Chile 

 to the southern part of the United States, and was first reported in 

 Hawaii in 1916. It thrives only in warm climates, is an annual, and 

 grows to a height of 2 to 3% feet. It is hardy, does well in mixtures 

 with Bermuda grass, Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, and velvet grass 

 (mesquite), and is very palatable and nutritious. Regarded as one of 



Figure 9. — Bromus unioloides 



the most valuable grasses on the Parker ranch it has, by self-seeding, 

 spread for miles over the moist upper areas at elevations ranging from 

 2,500 to 6,000 feet. It has not been so successful on the wetter wind- 

 ward slopes. When first planted it should be protected from cattle 

 until after it has seeded. It grows best where the sod has been loos- 

 ened. Table 2 (p. 53) shows that two samples from the Parker ranch 

 were exceptionally high in protein, calcium, and phosphorus. A 

 sample from the upper part of the Kapapala ranch was of fair quality. 

 It is strongly recommended for areas of medium altitude and moderate 

 rainfall. 



