Family: Poaceae
Origin, Description & Uses
Dactyloctenium australe, commonly known as Durban grass, Natal crowfoot, or sweet smother grass, is a warm-season grass native to southern Africa. It is a low-growing, mat-forming species with spreading stems that root at the nodes, creating dense ground cover. The seedheads are distinctive, with several finger-like spikes radiating from a central point, giving it a “crowfoot” appearance. Because of its rapid growth and ability to tolerate heat, drought, and poor soils, it has been used in some regions as a pasture grass, erosion-control plant, and ground cover in lawns or disturbed areas.
Risks, Threats & Management
Although Dactyloctenium australe is not currently known to be naturalized in Hawaiʻi, it possesses traits that raise concern. Its creeping growth habit allows it to form thick mats that can smother other vegetation, and it produces abundant seeds that may aid in spread. In climates similar to parts of Hawaiʻi, it has the potential to establish in open, sunny areas such as roadsides, lawns, and agricultural fields. Further evaluation is needed to determine whether this species could become invasive or negatively impact native ecosystems, pastures, or managed landscapes in Hawaiʻi. Careful monitoring and responsible planting practices are recommended to prevent unintended spread.
High Risk Traits:
- Grows in tropical climates
- Naturalized in Australia (but no evidence in Hawaiian Islands to date)
- Described as “weedy” in some publications
- Other Dactyloctenium species are invasive
- Shade tolerant
- Tolerates many soil types (but may prefer sandy soils)
- Reproduces by seeds and vegetatively by stolons
- A perennial, but may reach maturity in one growing season
- Seeds dispersed by cattle and humans
Low Risk Traits:
- Despite naturalization and reports of weediness, generally regarded as a desirable lawn or pasture grass
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
- Provides fodder for livestock
- Herbicides may provide effective control
