caterpillar grass
Paspalum dilatatum Poir.
Paspalum dilatatum, also known as caterpillar grass, is a grass species native to Brazil and Argentina. It has been introduced to many regions worldwide, including Açores, Madeira, Portugal Continental, BR, Corvo Island, Faial Island, Flores Island, Graciosa Island, Pico Island, Santa Maria Island, São Jorge Island, São Miguel Island, Terceira Island, Madeira Island, Parque Nacional Natural Gorgona, TR, TW, VU, ZA, HR, and others. It is commonly found in the southern half of North America, southern Europe, much of Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and various tropical and subtropical areas. Due to its rapid growth and spreading rhizomes, it is considered an invasive pest in some regions.
Description
Paspalum dilatatum belongs to the genus Paspalum in the family Poaceae. It is known by other common names such as dallisgrass, Dallas grass, or sticky heads. This grass species is widely distributed and has become established in many parts of the world outside its native range. Its ability to spread quickly and form dense patches makes it a problematic weed in agricultural and natural settings. The species was first described in 1804.
Other common names
Dallisgrassdallis grasswater grasscaterpillar grassDallis-grass
Distribution
Açores · Madeira · Portugal Continental · BR · Corvo Island · Faial Island · Flores Island · Graciosa Island · Pico Island · Santa Maria Island · São Jorge Island · São Miguel Island · Terceira Island · Madeira Island · Parque Nacional Natural Gorgona · TR · TW · VU · ZA · HR · SA · CK · Belgium · Flemish Region · NU · AS · WS · SB · France · The Netherlands
Synonyms
Digitaria dilatataPanicum platensePaspalum dilatatum subsp. flavescensPaspalum dilatatum var. decumbensPaspalum dilatatum var. sacchariferumPaspalum eriophorumPaspalum lanatumPaspalum moluccanumPaspalum ovatumPaspalum ovatum var. grandiflorumPaspalum peduncularePaspalum platensePaspalum selloiPaspalum dilatatum subsp. dilatatumPaspalum dilatatum var. dilatatumPaspalum ovatum var. ovatumPaspalum dilatatum f. paucispicaPaspalum dilatatum var. eriophorum