Buffel Grass 
DESCRIPTION 
Buffel Grass is a native of South Africa, coming 
from the low rainfall area there. Many strains of 
it were tested over here, and the one which proved 
the best is known as T4464. It is a perennial bunch 
grass having tall, slender stems and branches. One 
of its outstanding characteristics is its extensive 
root system which penetrates the soi] to great 
depths. It is very leafy and forms many buds in 
the crown. These buds develop into separate stems, 
making the development process continuous. 
Buffel field on Cockrell farm less than two months 
after planting in spring of 1952. Seed heads nearing 
maturity. Measured growth following September 
rains, 24 inches in 12 days. 
USES 
Buffel Grass is an excellent source of grazing 
and of quick growing hay, Its fast recovery makes 
several cuttings a year possible. The hay has a 
high protein content. Cattle eat it readily and have 
shown a preference for it over other grasses. Ac- 
cording to Pat Higgins, a Buffel Grass grower near 
San Antonio, hay produced on mid-August showed 
a protein content of 13.85%, and hay produced in 
mid-May showed a protein content of 16.81%. Bu:- 
fel Grass, dry-land planted at our nursery, made a 
growth of 24 inches in twelve days after heavy 
rains in September. 
Buffel Grass is also a good soil builder and helps 
to control soil erosion. It is an unbeatable choice 
for worn out fields and deep blow sand. 
