Family: Poaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Melinis nerviglumis (bristle-leaved red top, pink bubble grass, pink crystals, ruby grass) is native to central and southern Africa, including regions from the Congo to southwestern Ethiopia, as well as southern Africa and Madagascar. It is an attractive perennial bunchgrass known for its soft, bristle-edged leaves and eye-catching, airy flower heads that range from pink to ruby-red. Because of its ornamental appeal and drought tolerance, it has been used in landscaping and garden design, especially in naturalistic plantings and ornamental borders where its colorful seed heads provide seasonal interest.

Risks & Threats
On Oʻahu, Melinis nerviglumis is considered potentially naturalizing, meaning it is already showing signs it may establish in the wild. Like other grasses in the Melinis genus, it has traits that raise concern, including prolific seed production, effective wind dispersal, and the ability to grow in open, disturbed habitats. These characteristics can allow it to spread beyond intended plantings, where it may form dense stands that compete with native vegetation and contribute to changes in habitat structure. It also has the potential to increase fire risk by adding fine, flammable plant material to landscapes. Because of these concerns, this species could detrimentally impact tropical island ecosystems, and it is recommended to choose a low-risk or native alternative when available.

High Risk Traits:

• Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Grows in tropical climates
  
• Started to naturalize on Oahu (Hawaiian Islands); Controlled before naturalization
  
• Disturbance-adapted, weedy grass
  
• Potential pasture weed due to relatively low palatability and ability to compete with more preferred forage grasses
  
• Other Melinis species are invasive
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• A perennial, but grows as an annual in some climates
  
• Seeds dispersed by wind, birds (in nesting material) and both intentionally and unintentionally by people

Low Risk Traits:

• Not currently reported as naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Palatable to grazing animals, but palatability relatively low
  
• May grow best in full sun, high light environments (but able to grow in partial shade)
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively
  
• Herbicides may provide effective control