Family: Poaceae
Cynodon nlemfuensis (African Bermuda grass, star grass) is a grass native to Tropical Africa except West Africa. It is commonly used as forage grass around the world. It is reported to be naturalized in South Africa, Australia, Texas, Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean. It has also naturalized on Molokai, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island. There have been a few reports of livestock poisoning due to high levels of cyanic acid when cultivated in the shade, but this is a rare occurrence. Despite reports of weediness elsewhere, negative impacts have not been reported in the Hawaiian Islands
High Risk Traits:
- Grows and spreads in regions with tropical climates
- Naturalized on Molokai, Maui, and Hawaii (Hawaiian Islands) and widely naturalized elsewhere
- Identified as a weedy grass of disturbed areas, sandy places, along roadsides, arable land, and perennial crops
- A potential environmental weed
- Other Cynodon species have become invasive
- When cultivated in the shade, can accumulate cyanide acid, and cause cyanogenic poisoning in cattle (rarely)
- Tolerates many soil types
- Forms dense swards that could inhibit other vegetation
- Reproduces by seeds (rarely) and vegetatively by stolons
- Hybridizes with Bermudagrass
- Seeds, when produced, may be dispersed by wind, attached to animals and vehicles, as a contaminant in agricultural produce and intentionally by people
- Stolon pieces may be dispersed by humans, wild animals, livestock, and vehicles
- Tolerates grazing and fire
Low Risk Traits:
- Despite reports of weediness elsewhere, negative impacts have not been reported in the Hawaiian Islands
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
- Valued as forage grass for livestock
- Relatively shade-intolerant (dense shade or cover may inhibit spread)
- Limited or absent seed production may limit long-distance dispersal
- Herbicides may provide effective control
