Species: Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana)
General description Summer growing warm season/sub tropical to tropical (C4) usually stoloniferous tufted perennial Cultivars In Australia there is Pioneer (also known as commercial Rhodes grass), Katambora, Callide, Finecut (mainly used for hay),Topcut, Samford and Nemkat (used for pasture lays in tobacco crops). Others in other countries – see fact sheets below Uses permanent pasture or as a short-to medium-term pasture to restore soil structure and improve organic matter levels. Makes good hay for horses Country of origin/native to Africa Now also grows in Australia (QLD, NSW) plus many others ? Advantages for horses Tolerates moderate to heavy grazing, can be grazed sooner after establishment (than some other grasses) due to deep root system, low oxalate (desirable) (will not cause big head in horses), Rhodes grass is a valuable pasture grass (and hay) for horses in sub tropical and tropical regions, personal experience of this grass and hay has been very favourable Disadvantages for horses To be ascertained but probably a relatively ‘safe’ grass for horses Digestibility for horses To be ascertained Palatability to horses Medium to high Environmental advantages Good competitor for many weeds, grows quickly and binds soil, eventually dies out in poorer soils if not fertilised possibly making it a good pioneer plant for native grasses Environmental disadvantages invades disturbed ground and can be a weed of cultivation however see advantages.
Links to free fact sheets for this plant: