Plant descriptors contribute to the identification of a species with characteristics expressed according to variables of topography, climate, and geology, among others. Some grasses are naturally differentiated or have been modified and selected by specific characters that differ physically or chemically. Intraspecific differences expressed lead to a plant species being reclassified into varieties. Natal grass is an introduced species that became invasive. In America it is one of the most invasive grasses due to its establishment capacity. This species has the capacity to invade and displace native species of high ecological importance. The variability of this species is unknown, since it has a relatively short time of being naturalized in Mexico. The objective was to know the distribution and characterize wild populations of Natal grass through physical and chemical descriptors, to determine their morphological diversity and nutritional composition in Chihuahua, M�xico. The characterization was performed on 13 populations in mature phenological stage. The location of the populations collected were in the north, center, south and west of the State. A total of 20 quantitative morphological variables and 16 qualitative variables were measured on 65 individuals. The nutritional value was determined based on the fiber content with the Ankom protocol, based on the Van Soest method. In addition, crude protein (CP) was determined with the LECO protocol based on the DUMAS combustion method. Morphological data were analyzed through Correlation Analysis, Principal Components, Cluster and MANOVA. Structural fibers and CP were analyzed with ANOVA and comparison of means with the Tukey test. The morphological characteristics of Natal grass were determined. No diversity was found in the Rosado grass populations of the State of Chihuahua. Nutritional content was determined and difference (p <0.05) of CP was found among populations. Based on the nutritional contribution, the forage value for this species was estimated from regular to good. Key words: diversity, alien species, wild populations.
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