Family: Poaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Melinis minutiflora (molasses grass) is native to tropical and southern Africa, including Madagascar and the Comoros. It is a fast-growing, perennial grass that forms dense stands with highly flammable, aromatic foliage often described as having a sweet or “molasses-like” scent when crushed. The plant spreads readily through abundant seed production and can quickly colonize open or disturbed sites. It has historically been introduced in many tropical regions as a forage grass for livestock and for erosion control due to its rapid growth and ability to cover bare ground.

Risks & Threats
In Hawaiʻi, molasses grass is naturalized and found across most main islands (except Niʻihau), particularly in dry to mesic, disturbed, and open areas from about 120–1,220 m elevation. It was first recorded on Lānaʻi in 1914 and is now considered a serious invasive pest in some habitats. This species forms dense mats that can choke out native vegetation, reduce biodiversity, and prevent native plant seedlings from establishing. Its high flammability can also increase fire risk, further degrading already stressed ecosystems.

High Risk Traits:

• Environmental weed reducing native biodiversity
  
• Creates fire hazard & promotes grass/fire cycle
  
• Smothers vegetation with dense mats (to 1.5 m deep)
  
• Broad climate tolerance (sea level to >2000 m)
  
• Naturalized widely beyond native range
  
• Congeneric weed (M. repens)
  
• Reproduces by seed & vegetatively (stolons, rhizomes)
  
• Apomictic (no pollinator needed)
  
• Wind-dispersed seeds
  
• Seeds survive cattle gut passage
  
• Prolific seed production (millions per plant)
  
• Wide soil tolerance (pH 4.5–8.4, low fertility)

Low Risk Traits:

• Palatable to grazing animals (used as fodder)
  
• Non-toxic to humans & animals
  
• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Shade intolerant
  
• Herbicide-sensitive (controllable)