Aristida junciformis (Ngongoni) is a pioneer grass which encroaches rapidly into mismanaged veld in much of Natal. This grass, as well as Themeda triandra (Redgrass) were examined over a 10 year period at the Agriculture. Research Institute, Cedara, Natal. The investigation included: studies on the root development of these two grasses; their ontogeny; the effects of fire and of different intensities and frequencies of defoliation by mowing on the relative growth of the two grasses; and an examination of seed viability in A. junciformis. It is concluded that A, junciformis is a persistent pioneer grass in Natal as it has a well developed and vigorous root system, it is very resistant to frequent and intense defoliation, it produces an abundance of viable seed and its developmental pattern is not dissimilar from that of T. triandra. An attempt should be made to prevent it spreading further in Natal.
Journal articles from the Grassland Society of Southern Africa (GSSA) African Journal of Range and Forage Science as well as related articles and reports from throughout the southern African region.