Family: Poaceae
Origin, Description & Uses
Ehrharta calycina, commonly known as perennial veldtgrass or purple veldtgrass, is a fast-growing grass native to South Africa. It forms dense clumps with long, narrow leaves and produces striking purple-tinted flower spikes, making it sometimes used for ornamental purposes or soil stabilization. This perennial grass thrives in a variety of soils and climates, which has helped it establish beyond its native range.
Risks & Threats
This species is naturalized in Hawai‘i and is considered high risk due to its aggressive growth and ability to outcompete native vegetation. Perennial veldtgrass spreads quickly, altering habitats and increasing fuel loads that can exacerbate wildfire risks. Its traits—rapid reproduction, dense coverage, and adaptability—make it a concern for tropical island ecosystems, where it can disrupt native plant communities and ecological balance. Gardeners and landscapers are encouraged to choose low-risk or native alternatives to protect Hawai‘i’s unique biodiversity.
High Risk Traits:
- Exhibits environmental versatility (grows in a wide range of habitats)
- Grows in tropical climates
- Naturalized on Hawaii island and elsewhere (including India, Australia, California)
- Environmental weed (excludes native vegetation)
- Other Ehrharta species are invasive
- Increases fire risk
- Tolerates many soil types
- Forms dense and tall patches that exclude and replace native vegetation
- Reproduces primarily be seed (and rarely by rhizomes)
- Able to reach maturity in one year
- Seeds dispersed by wind, water, human activities, internally by grazing animals and possibly externally (attached to fur or feathers)
- Prolific seed production
- Forms a persistent seed bank
- Resprouts after fire
Low Risk Traits:
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
- Palatable to grazing animals (provides forage for livestock)
- Requires full sun
- Primarily outcrossing
- Rarely spreads vegetatively
- Herbicides may provide effective control
