Melinis nerviglumis (Franch.) Zizka Family - Poaceae. Common Names(s) - Ruby grass, pink crystals. Synonym(s) - Rhynchelytrum nerviglume (Franch.) Chiov.

Answer

Score

1.01

Is the species highly domesticated?

y=-3, n=0

n

0

1.02

Has the species become naturalized where grown?

y=1, n=-1

1.03

Does the species have weedy races?

y=-1, n=-1

2.01

Species suited to tropical or subtropical climate(s) (0-low; 1-intermediate; 2-high) – If island is primarily wet habitat, then substitute “wet tropical” for “tropical or subtropical”

See Append 2

2

2.02

Quality of climate match data (0-low; 1-intermediate; 2-high) see appendix 2

2

2.03

Broad climate suitability (environmental versatility)

y=1, n=0

y

1

2.04

Native or naturalized in regions with tropical or subtropical climates

y=1, n=0

y

1

2.05

Does the species have a history of repeated introductions outside its natural range?

y=-2, ?=-1, n=0

n

3.01

Naturalized beyond native range y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2), n= question 2.05

n

0

3.02

Garden/amenity/disturbance weed y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

n

0

3.03

Agricultural/forestry/horticultural weed y = 2*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

3.04

Environmental weed y = 2*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

n

0

3.05

Congeneric weed y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2)

n=0

y

2

4.01

Produces spines, thorns or burrs

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.02

Allelopathic

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.03

Parasitic

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.04

Unpalatable to grazing animals

y=1, n=-1

4.05

Toxic to animals

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.06

Host for recognized pests and pathogens

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.07

Causes allergies or is otherwise toxic to humans

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.08

Creates a fire hazard in natural ecosystems

y=1, n=0

4.09

Is a shade tolerant plant at some stage of its life cycle

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.10

Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions (or limestone conditions if not a volcanic island)

y=1, n=0

y

1

4.11

Climbing or smothering growth habit

y=1, n=0

n

0

4.12

Forms dense thickets

y=1, n=0

n

0

5.01

Aquatic

y=5, n=0

n

0

5.02

Grass

y=1, n=0

y

1

5.03

Nitrogen fixing woody plant

y=1, n=0

n

0

5.04

Geophyte (herbaceous with underground storage organs -- bulbs, corms, or tubers)

y=1, n=0

n

0

6.01

Evidence of substantial reproductive failure in native habitat

y=1, n=0

n

0

6.02

Produces viable seed.

y=1, n=-1

y

1

6.03

Hybridizes naturally

y=1, n=-1

6.04

Self-compatible or apomictic

y=1, n=-1

6.05

Requires specialist pollinators

y=-1, n=0

n

0

6.06

Reproduction by vegetative fragmentation

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

6.07

Minimum generative time (years) 1 year = 1, 2 or 3 years = 0, 4+ years = -1

See left

1

1

7.01

Propagules likely to be dispersed unintentionally (plants growing in heavily trafficked areas)

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

7.02

Propagules dispersed intentionally by people

y=1, n=-1

y

1

7.03

Propagules likely to disperse as a produce contaminant

y=1, n=-1

y

1

7.04

Propagules adapted to wind dispersal

y=1, n=-1

y

1

7.05

Propagules water dispersed

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

7.06

Propagules bird dispersed

y=1, n=-1

n

-1

7.07

Propagules dispersed by other animals (externally)

y=1, n=-1

y

1

7.08

Propagules survive passage through the gut

y=1, n=-1

8.01

Prolific seed production (>1000/m2)

y=1, n=-1

8.02

Evidence that a persistent propagule bank is formed (>1 yr)

y=1, n=-1

8.03

Well controlled by herbicides

y=-1, n=1

y

-1

8.04

Tolerates, or benefits from, mutilation, cultivation, or fire

y=1, n=-1

8.05

Effective natural enemies present locally (e.g. introduced biocontrol agents)

y=-1, n=1

Total score:

7

Notes

Source

1.01

(1)No evidence

(1)Darke, R. 2007. The encyclopedia of grasses for livable landscapes. Timber Press. Portland, Oregon.

1.02

1.03

2.01

(1)Madagascar, Africa Sub Saharan South Africa. (2)Hardiness:
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F) (3)DISTRIBUTION Africa: west-central tropical, east tropical, southern tropical, south, and western Indian ocean. Asia-tropical: Indo-China.

(1)Quattrocchi, U. 2006. CRC World Dictionary of Grasses: Common Names, Scientific Names, Eponyms, Synonyms, and Etymology. CRC Press. Boca Raton, Florida. (2)http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/81063/ [Accessed 26 Mar 2009] (3)Clayton, W.D., Harman, K.T. and Williamson, H. (2006 onwards). GrassBase - The Online World Grass Flora. http://www.kew.org/data/grasses-db.html. [Accessed 26 Mar 2008]

2.02

2.03

(1)Its more intense flower color and clump-forming habit make it a better garden subject than Melinis repens; however, it is not as cold hardy…Zone 9. (2)Altitude range: (metres) 1000 - 2400 m [elevational distribution >1000 m] (3)in grassland and Brachystegia woodland; 1,000–3, 000m. South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, northwards to Kenya and Gabon; also in Madagascar, Thailand, and Vietnam. [elevation range >1000 m]

(1)Darke, R. 2007. The encyclopedia of grasses for livable landscapes. Timber Press. Portland, Oregon. (2)http://www.zimbabweflora.co.zw/speciesdata/species.php?species_id=107410 [Accessed 26 Mar 2009] (3)http://www.sabonet.org.za/downloads/31_nyika/list/l_nyikalist_p349-368.pdf [Accessed 26 Mar 2009]

2.04

(1)Madagascar, Africa Sub Saharan South Africa.

(1)Quattrocchi, U. 2006. CRC World Dictionary of Grasses: Common Names, Scientific Names, Eponyms, Synonyms, and Etymology. CRC Press. Boca Raton, Florida.

2.05

(1)An ornamental gaining in popularity

(1)Quattrocchi, U. 2006. CRC World Dictionary of Grasses: Common Names, Scientific Names, Eponyms, Synonyms, and Etymology. CRC Press. Boca Raton, Florida.

3.01

(1)No records of naturalization to date (2)[plant growers discuss non-weediness of M. nerviglumis] A reader responds about ruby grass: The recommendation of ruby grass (July 9), whether called Melinis nerviglumis or Rhynchelytrum nerviglume, an African native, is questionable if there is any chance of wind carrying the fluffy seeds into surrounding areas. This grass seeds out readily and is very well adapted to growing conditions in most of the Bay Area. Usually when propagation from seed is recommended, we gardeners can bet the plant will show up elsewhere in the garden. Not a problem on a large property when a plant moves only a couple of feet from dropped seed and the gardener is vigilant; very much a problem when seeds become airborne.
Pam's reply: When I read this letter I was ready to "eat crow" and issue a warning, but then I did some more research, and now I think I have cleared this plant of wrongdoing.
I started by contacting Claire Woods, plant propagator at Annie's Annuals nursery in Richmond ( www.anniesannuals.com), who says this pink-flowered grass does not pop up where it wasn't planted in their nursery. In fact, she says the seed has been rather shy about germinating. Then I went online to search for any record of it as a weed. What I found was that another species in the genus, Melinis repens (natal ruby grass), is invasive in Southern California, Texas, Florida and Hawaii. However, I didn't find any complaints about Melinis nerviglumis (formerly Rhynchelytrum nerviglume) (ruby grass). In fact, I found many glowing endorsements, including from mild winter areas, where it is perennial. The cultivar 'Pink Crystals' is particularly popular. A call to the California Invasive Plant Council - www.cal-ipc.org, (510) 843-3902 - revealed that it doesn't have any complaints about M. nerviglumis either.
So, while I see the potential for seed spreading from a balcony in a windy site, it seems unlikely that this plant would be a problem. To reduce the hazard to just about zero, you could cut the flower stems as soon as the color fades.

(1)http://www.hear.org/gcw/scientificnames/scinamem.htm [Accessed 26 Mar 2009] (2)http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/08/06/HOCH121H6V.DTL [Accessed 26 Mar 2009] (3)http://www.learn2grow.com/PlantDatabase/Plants/PlantDetails.aspx?plantID=e0a3c93c-c7ef-4b46-a5f8-3719d73417e8 [Accessed 26 Mar 2009]

3.02

(1)No records to date as a garden/amenity/disturbance weed (2)found in disturbed veld, open veld, undisturbed open grassland, stony slopes [found in disturbed areas within native range] (3)[comment from grower] I love this beautiful grass, however, a year after planting, I have REMOVED every one of the Ruby Crystal plants. I have to call them invasive, as I do not provide supplemental water, and even with our Texas drought, they continued to spread. It's a shame, because they are a beautiful plant, but they kept coming up EVERYWHERE. I don't want them escaping into the hinterlands. My fellow Comal Master Gardeners have also been warned; they are invasive. [considers plant invasive and removed from garden]

(1)http://www.hear.org/gcw/scientificnames/scinamem.htm [Accessed 26 Mar 2009] (2)Quattrocchi, U. 2006. CRC World Dictionary of Grasses: Common Names, Scientific Names, Eponyms, Synonyms, and Etymology. CRC Press. Boca Raton, Florida. (3)http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/67224/ [Accessed 26 Mar 2009]

3.03

(1)Wells, M.J., Balsinhas, V.M., Joffe, H., Engelbrecht, V.M., Harding, G. and Stirton, C.H. (1986) A Catalogue of Problem Plants in Southern Africa, incorporating The National Weed List of South Africa. Memoirs of the Botanical Survey of South Africa No. 53. Botanical Research Institute, Pretoria, South Africa. (agricultural weed, weed) [R. nerviglume, a synonym for M. nerviglumis, listed as a weed, but with no information on negative impacts]

(1)http://www.hear.org/gcw/species/rhynchelytrum_nerviglume/ [Accessed 26 Mar 2009]

3.04

(1)No records to date as an environmental weed

(1)http://www.hear.org/gcw/scientificnames/scinamem.htm [Accessed 26 Mar 2009]

3.05

(1)Melinis minuitiflora…fast growing and fire adapted C4 grass…completely covering large areas and eliminating all native vegetation

(1)Weber, E. 2003.Invasive Plant Species of the World. A Reference Guide to Environmental Weeds. CABI Publishing. Wallingford, UK.

4.01

(1)Perennial, small to dwarf, densely tufted, erect, unbranched, sparse foliage, nodes conspicuously bearded, inconspicuous ligule rimlike

(1)Quattrocchi, U. 2006. CRC World Dictionary of Grasses: Common Names, Scientific Names, Eponyms, Synonyms, and Etymology. CRC Press. Boca Raton, Florida.

4.02

(1)1. L. simplex–M. nerviglumis Major Grassland Community The L. simplex–M. nerviglumis Major Grassland is found on shallow soils of rocky crests and slopes (average slope of 14°), of higher lying, quartzite, dolomite or chert ridges and hills, on a variety of aspects. These areas mostly represent the Ib land type, where the predominant soil series are Mispah and Glenrosa with a clay content ranging between 10% and 30%. The Ib land type generally indicates a very high surface rock cover and a lack of soil (Land Type Survey Staff, 1985, 1987a,b). The vegetation typically has a mixture of grass species of which the bunch grasses T. spicatus, D. amplectens, T. leucothrix, M. nerviglumis, P. natalense, L. simplex and Schizachyrium sanguineum are locally prominent. One or more of these grass species may be prominent in local patches. These patches occur scattered throughout the distribution range of this major plant community. This major community is characterized by Species Group A (Table 1). The diagnostic species are mostly the bunch grasses L. simplex, M. nerviglumis, S. sanguineum, Urelytrum agropyroides, and C. nardus. These grasses are classified as Increaser 1 species (Trollope et al., 1990), indicating the sour and under-utilized (grazing) nature of this vegetation (Van Oudshoorn, 1999). The shrubby A. capensis and Lopholaena coriifolia, the suffrutex Parinari capensis and the forbs Tephrosia longipes, Commelina africana and Senecio oxyriifolius and the xerophytic fern Pellaea calomelanos are also diagnostic species. This major plant community is rich in plant species — an average of 43 plant species was recorded per 200 m2. [no evidence of allelopathy in this species, which co-occurs with several other grasses]

(1)Grobler, C. H., G.J. Bredenkamp, and L.R. Brown. 2006. Primary grassland communities of urban open spaces in Gauteng, South Africa. South African Journal of Botany 72: 367–377.

4.03

(1)Perennial, small to dwarf, densely tufted, erect, unbranched, sparse foliage, nodes conspicuously bearded, inconspicuous ligule rimlike (2)moderately palatable to relatively unpalatable [relative to preferred grazing species]

(1)Quattrocchi, U. 2006. CRC World Dictionary of Grasses: Common Names, Scientific Names, Eponyms, Synonyms, and Etymology. CRC Press. Boca Raton, Florida.

4.04

(1)Table 21.1 On a scale of grazing value ranging from 0 (poor) to 10 (excellent), Melinis nerviglumis scored a 2 [apparently some grazing value, but on poor end of spectrum] (2)This major community is characterized by Species Group A (Table 1). The diagnostic species are mostly the bunch grasses L. simplex, M. nerviglumis, S. sanguineum, Urelytrum agropyroides, and C. nardus. These grasses are classified as Increaser 1 species (Trollope et al., 1990), indicating the sour and under-utilized (grazing) nature of this vegetation (Van Oudshoorn, 1999). [under utilized, and therefore an increaser, not preferred, but not unpalatable] (3)moderately palatable to relatively unpalatable (4)With the SM a higher range condition index was shown for the medium rangeland than for both the good and poor rangelands. This phenomenon is particularly apparent on the mid-slopes (Figs 1 and 2). The climax vegetation of the mid-slopes are comprised mainly of species such as Diheteropogon amplectens (Nees) Clayton, Melinis nerviglumis (Franch.) Zizka, Schizachyrium sanguineum (Retz.) Alst. and Trachypogon spicatus (L.f.) Kuntze. Although the aforementioned species are not known to be highly palatable species, they are however reasonably well utilised by animals. (5)It is not a good fodder grass because of its rolled leaves. (6)Melinis nerviglumis (Figure 18) is a densely tufted grass which is moderately palatable but is a good indicator of grassland condition since it grows in underutilized pastures. It is extremely common on shallow soils in rocky areas.

(1)Spehn, E. M., M. Liberman, and C. Körner. 2006. Land use change and mountain biodiversity. CRC Press. Boca Raton, Florida. (2)Grobler, C. H., G.J. Bredenkamp, and L.R. Brown. 2006. Primary grassland communities of urban open spaces in Gauteng, South Africa. South African Journal of Botany 72: 367–377. (3)Quattrocchi, U. 2006. CRC World Dictionary of Grasses: Common Names, Scientific Names, Eponyms, Synonyms, and Etymology. CRC Press. Boca Raton, Florida. (4)Jordaan, F. P., L. C. Biel and P. I. M. du Plessis. 1997. A comparison of five range condition assessment technique

4.05

(1)Table 21.1 On a scale of grazing value ranging from 0 (poor) to 10 (excellent), Melinis nerviglumis scored a 2 [apparently some grazing value, but on poor end of spectrum, no evidence of toxicity]

(1)Spehn, E. M., M. Liberman, and C. Körner. 2006. Land use change and mountain biodiversity. CRC Press. Boca Raton, Florida.

4.06

(1)does not appear to be susceptible to pests and diseases. [no information found on specific pests or pathogens]

(1)http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantklm/melinnervi.htm [Accessed 26 Mar 2009]

4.07

(1)Allergenicity Although the grass family in general is considered significant allergenically, this genus is not typically considered to be problematic. [no evidence of toxicity either]

(1)http://www.pollenlibrary.com/botany_researchers_maps.php?view=genus.php&genus=Melinis&common=Molasses+Grass [Accessed 26 Mar 2009]

4.08

(1)South African grasslands have a high level of endemic species as opposed to forest species, which indicates a long evolutionary history of the grasslands (Bredenkamp 1999) and cannot be accounted for by the hypothesis that South African grasslands are anthropgenically derived and maintained by fire. [ecosystems apparently not created by anthropogenic fires, but no indication if grasslands are subject to natural fire regimes]

(1)Swanepoel, B. A. 2006. The vegetation ecology of Ezemvelo Nature Reserve, Bronkhorstpruit, South Africa. MSc. Thesis. University of Pretoria, South Africa.

4.09

(1)Best in full sun. (2)Sun Exposure: Full Sun

(1)Darke, R. 2007. The encyclopedia of grasses for livable landscapes. Timber Press. Portland, Oregon. (2)http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/81063/ [Accessed 26 Mar 2009]

4.10

(1)sandy to sandy loam soils, on very shallow and poor soil, clayey soils, bushveld, in rocky areas, (2) Soil pH: Acidic, Neutral Soil Moisture: Well Drained Soil Type: Loam, Sand

(1)Quattrocchi, U. 2006. CRC World Dictionary of Grasses: Common Names, Scientific Names, Eponyms, Synonyms, and Etymology. CRC Press. Boca Raton, Florida. (2)http://www.learn2grow.com/PlantDatabase/Plants/PlantDetails.aspx?plantID=e0a3c93c-c7ef-4b46-a5f8-3719d73417e8 [Accessed 26 Mar 2009]

4.11

(1)Perennial, small to dwarf, densely tufted, erect, unbranched, sparse foliage, nodes conspicuously bearded, inconspicuous ligule rimlike

(1)Quattrocchi, U. 2006. CRC World Dictionary of Grasses: Common Names, Scientific Names, Eponyms, Synonyms, and Etymology. CRC Press. Boca Raton, Florida.

4.12

(1)1. L. simplex–M. nerviglumis Major Grassland Community The L. simplex–M. nerviglumis Major Grassland is found on shallow soils of rocky crests and slopes (average slope of 14°), of higher lying, quartzite, dolomite or chert ridges and hills, on a variety of aspects. These areas mostly represent the Ib land type, where the predominant soil series are Mispah and Glenrosa with a clay content ranging between 10% and 30%. The Ib land type generally indicates a very high surface rock cover and a lack of soil (Land Type Survey Staff, 1985, 1987a,b). The vegetation typically has a mixture of grass species of which the bunch grasses T. spicatus, D. amplectens, T. leucothrix, M. nerviglumis, P. natalense, L. simplex and Schizachyrium sanguineum are locally prominent. One or more of these grass species may be prominent in local patches. These patches occur scattered throughout the distribution range of this major plant community. This major community is characterized by Species Group A (Table 1). The diagnostic species are mostly the bunch grasses L. simplex, M. nerviglumis, S. sanguineum, Urelytrum agropyroides, and C. nardus. These grasses are classified as Increaser 1 species (Trollope et al., 1990), indicating the sour and under-utilized (grazing) nature of this vegetation (Van Oudshoorn, 1999). The shrubby A. capensis and Lopholaena coriifolia, the suffrutex Parinari capensis and the forbs Tephrosia longipes, Commelina africana and Senecio oxyriifolius and the xerophytic fern Pellaea calomelanos are also diagnostic species. This major plant community is rich in plant species — an average of 43 plant species was recorded per 200 m2. [M. nerviglumis makes up a prominent component of grassland within native range, but does not form dense thickets or impede movement]

(1)Grobler, C. H., G.J. Bredenkamp, and L.R. Brown. 2006. Primary grassland communities of urban open spaces in Gauteng, South Africa. South African Journal of Botany 72: 367–377.

5.01

(1)Terrestrial

(1)Quattrocchi, U. 2006. CRC World Dictionary of Grasses: Common Names, Scientific Names, Eponyms, Synonyms, and Etymology. CRC Press. Boca Raton, Florida.

5.02

(1)Poaceae

(1)Quattrocchi, U. 2006. CRC World Dictionary of Grasses: Common Names, Scientific Names, Eponyms, Synonyms, and Etymology. CRC Press. Boca Raton, Florida.

5.03

(1)Poaceae

(1)Quattrocchi, U. 2006. CRC World Dictionary of Grasses: Common Names, Scientific Names, Eponyms, Synonyms, and Etymology. CRC Press. Boca Raton, Florida.

5.04

(1)Perennial, small to dwarf, densely tufted, erect, unbranched, sparse foliage, nodes conspicuously bearded, inconspicuous ligule rimlike

(1)Quattrocchi, U. 2006. CRC World Dictionary of Grasses: Common Names, Scientific Names, Eponyms, Synonyms, and Etymology. CRC Press. Boca Raton, Florida.

6.01

(1)No evidence

(1)Quattrocchi, U. 2006. CRC World Dictionary of Grasses: Common Names, Scientific Names, Eponyms, Synonyms, and Etymology. CRC Press. Boca Raton, Florida.

6.02

(1)Best propagated by seed.

(1)Darke, R. 2007. The encyclopedia of grasses for livable landscapes. Timber Press. Portland, Oregon.

6.03

Unknown

6.04

Unknown

6.05

(1)The flowers are wind pollinated, and the light, fluffy seeds are scattered by wind.

(1)http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantklm/melinnervi.htm [Accessed 26 Mar 2009]

6.06

(1)Propagation Methods: By dividing the rootball From seed; direct sow after last frost [although not known to spread vegetatively]

(1)http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/81063/ [Accessed 26 Mar 2009]

6.07

(1)a cold tender, Zone 8 perennial that is grown as an annual in much of the intermountain West

(1)http://www.highcountrygardens.com/catalog/product/82610/ [Accessed 26 Mar 2009]

7.01

(1)seeds with no obvious means of external attachment

(1)Clayton, W.D., Harman, K.T. and Williamson, H. (2006 onwards). GrassBase - The Online World Grass Flora. http://www.kew.org/data/grasses-db.html. [Accessed 26 Mar 2008]

7.02

(1)ornamental (2)This pretty, tufted grass with its bluish leaves and shining pink inflorescences is an attractive addition to any border or wild garden. It is particularly effective when planted in wide swathes.

(1)Quattrocchi, U. 2006. CRC World Dictionary of Grasses: Common Names, Scientific Names, Eponyms, Synonyms, and Etymology. CRC Press. Boca Raton, Florida. (2)http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantklm/melinnervi.htm [Accessed 26 Mar 2009]

7.03

(1)The attractive pinkish inflorescences can be used in flower arrangements. [thereby spreading seeds unintentionally] (2)Seed stalks are 12 to 18 inches tall and can easily be pulled directly from the plant for use in arrangements. [could unintentionally spread seeds] (3)Nice pink/purple color; Small size for bouquets, interesting addition to arrangements;

(1)http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantklm/melinnervi.htm [Accessed 26 Mar 2009] (2)http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/81063/ [Accessed 26 Mar 2009] (3)http://www.ncsu.edu/project/cutflowers/trials/trial_data/melinis_nerviglumis/savannah.htm [Accessed 26 Mar 2009]

7.04

(1)The flowers are wind pollinated, and the light, fluffy seeds are scattered by wind.

(1)http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantklm/melinnervi.htm [Accessed 26 Mar 2009]

7.05

(1)The flowers are wind pollinated, and the light, fluffy seeds are scattered by wind.

(1)http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantklm/melinnervi.htm [Accessed 26 Mar 2009]

7.06

(1)Birds make use of the fluffy seed heads as nesting material. [potentially dispersing seeds to new sites, but not internally] (2)The attractive seedheads gently weep above neat tufted clumps of slender pale blue-green blades that curl gracefully. Small songbirds will eat and spread the seeds. [apparently disperse seeds by carrying them externally. answer yes to 7.07]

(1)http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantklm/melinnervi.htm [Accessed 26 Mar 2009] (2)http://www.learn2grow.com/PlantDatabase/Plants/PlantDetails.aspx?plantID=e0a3c93c-c7ef-4b46-a5f8-3719d73417e8 [Accessed 26 Mar 2009]

7.07

(1)Birds make use of the fluffy seed heads as nesting material. [potentially dispersing seeds to new sites] (2)The attractive seedheads gently weep above neat tufted clumps of slender pale blue-green blades that curl gracefully. Small songbirds will eat and spread the seeds.

(1)http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantklm/melinnervi.htm [Accessed 26 Mar 2009] (2)http://www.learn2grow.com/PlantDatabase/Plants/PlantDetails.aspx?plantID=e0a3c93c-c7ef-4b46-a5f8-3719d73417e8 [Accessed 26 Mar 2009]

7.08

A non-preferred, but not unpalatable grass [unknown if viable seeds can be passed through ruminants]

8.01

(1)Produces millions of stems, but the stems just aren't very strong, thus my customers will go for the bigger stronger stemmed grasses first, it is so easy to grow, it might be a better landscape grass; Full blooms, larger than expected, they shimmer a metallic pink in the light, plants are tidy and healthy looking all season; They are so soft, we had no pest problems, and we are still harvesting after frost; Plants were a nice clump of grass, it may have potential as grown in pots for the cut flower industry, also, easy to sow and grow, we simply seeded it into plug trays and germinated it under a mist system. [natural densities unknown]

(1)http://www.ncsu.edu/project/cutflowers/trials/trial_data/melinis_nerviglumis/savannah.htm [Accessed 26 Mar 2009]

8.02

Unknown (1)Storage Conditions: Long-term storage under IPGRI preferred conditions at RBG Kew, WP. Oldest collection 12 years; germination change 95 to 100%, 11 years, 1 collection [related species M. minutiflora & M. repens maintains seed viability in storage for a long time, both orthodox]

(1)Liu, K., Eastwood, R.J., Flynn, S., Turner, R.M., and Stuppy, W.H. 2008. Seed Information Database (release 7.1, May 2008) http://www.kew.org/data/sid

8.03

(1)Melinis minutiflora & M. repens sensitive to 1% glyphosate in water…[presumably M. nerviglumis would be susceptible as well]

(1)Motooka, P., L. Castro, D. Nelson, G. Nagai, and L. Ching. 2003. Weeds of Hawaii's Pastures and Natural Areas: an Identification and Management Guide. College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawaii at Manoa.

8.04

Unknown [no information found on tolerance to fire or mowing]

8.05

Unknown [probably not]