Creeping Molasses Grass
Melinis repens (Willd.) Zizka
Melinis repens, commonly known as Creeping Molasses Grass, is a grass species native to southern Africa but has been introduced to various regions worldwide, often becoming a problematic invasive species. It is recognized for its rapid growth and distinctive inflorescence, which features silky white or pink spikelets. The plant is adaptable and thrives in a range of environments, including wooded savannahs and disturbed areas. It is used in traditional medicine and has been reported to have medicinal applications.
Description
Melinis repens is an annual or perennial grass that can grow up to one meter in height. It forms dense tufts and is characterized by its open inflorescence, which consists of branches bearing spikelets covered in silky white or pink hairs. The plant is often found in wooded savannahs and disturbed sites, where it can spread quickly due to its vigorous growth. It is known for its ability to colonize new areas, which has led to its classification as a noxious weed in some regions outside its native range.
Habitat
This grass species is typically found in wooded savannahs, as well as in disturbed areas such as roadsides, agricultural fields, and degraded land. It is well adapted to a range of environmental conditions and can tolerate both dry and moist soils. Melinis repens is native to southern Africa but has been introduced to many other parts of the world, including North and South America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific islands, where it often becomes invasive.
Cultivation
Melinis repens is not typically cultivated for agricultural purposes, but it can be found in disturbed or abandoned lands where it spreads easily. It is a hardy species that can thrive in poor soil conditions and is often considered a weed in pastures and crop fields. Its rapid growth and ability to form dense stands can make it difficult to control once established.
Uses
In some regions, Melinis repens is used in traditional medicine for its potential therapeutic properties. It is also sometimes used as a forage plant for livestock, although its value as forage is limited due to its low nutritional content and tendency to form dense, unpalatable stands. In its native range, it may play a role in stabilizing soil in degraded areas, but in introduced regions, it is often targeted for removal due to its invasive nature.
Other common names
Rose natal grassred Natal grassNatal grassNatal-redtopCreeping Molasses Grass
Distribution
Antioquia, Atlántico, Boyacá, Caldas, Cesar, Cundinamarca, Huila, La Guajira, Magdalena, Nariño, Norte de Santander, Tolima, Valle del Cauca · BR · SFF Iguaque | Área Natural Única Los Estoraques Vía Parque Isla de Salamanca | Parque Nacional Natural El Tuparro · VU · ZA · Rapa Nui - Easter Islands · CU · CK · CW · SX · AW · SB · AI · NR · KI · CO · MX · TH · KM · FM · VN · MU · SG · Piedecuesta · AR · KN · IN · MY · GY · MG
Synonyms
Erianthus repensPanicum roseumPanicum tonsumRhynchelytrum dregeanum var. annuumRhynchelytrum dregeanum var. intermediumRhynchelytrum gossweileriRhynchelytrum repensRhynchelytrum repens var. roseumRhynchelytrum roseumRhynchelytrum ruficomumRhynchelytrum stolziiRhynchelytrum tonsumSaccharum repensTricholaena atropurpureaTricholaena dregeanaTricholaena repensTricholaena violaceaRhynchelytrum roseumTricholaena rosea f. violacea