Family: Poaceae
Hemarthria altissima (limpo grass, halt grass) is a perennial grass native to Africa, as well as temperate and tropical Asia. Limpo grass is primarily cultivated as a forage crop for livestock, including cattle and other ruminants. It is known for its high-quality and nutritious foliage, which is palatable to animals. It also makes for good, fragrant silage. It is reported to be naturalized in the United States, including the island of Maui. Although it is naturalized in Maui, no negative impacts on the local environment have been recorded to date.
High Risk Traits:
- Broad climate suitability and elevation range
- Thrives, and can spread, in regions with tropical climates
- Naturalized on Maui (Hawaiian Islands) and elsewhere in America
- An environmental weed in natural areas of Florida
- Allelopathic
- Tolerates many soil types
- May form dense monocultures that can exclude other vegetation
- Reproduces by seeds (rarely) and vegetatively by creeping rhizomes and culms rooting at the lower nodes
- Dispersed by water and intentionally by people
Low Risk Traits:
- Naturalized, but no negative impacts, documented in the Hawaiian Islands to date
- Generally regarded as a valuable pasture grass, and non-invasive in most locations where cultivated
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
- Palatable to grazing animals
- Thrives in high light environments (dense shade may inhibit spread)
- Limited seed production reduces risk of long distance or accidental dispersal
- Herbicides may provide effective control
- Does not tolerate heavy grazing or fire
