Family: Poaceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Urochloa dictyoneura is a perennial tropical grass native to sub-Saharan Africa, with a natural range extending from Nigeria and Ethiopia south to southern Africa. It forms dense mats of creeping stems that root at the nodes, producing broad green leaves and slender flowering stems with multiple seed-bearing branches. Because of its vigorous growth, tolerance of poor soils, and ability to persist under grazing, it has been widely introduced in tropical regions as a forage grass for cattle and other livestock. It is also sometimes planted for pasture improvement, erosion control, and ground cover.

Risks & Threats:
Although Urochloa dictyoneura is not currently known to be naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands, it possesses several characteristics associated with invasive grasses and is considered a high-risk species. It spreads readily by both seed and creeping stolons, can form dense, persistent ground cover, and is well adapted to disturbed habitats. These traits could allow it to outcompete native vegetation, alter ecosystem processes, and increase management challenges if introduced into suitable tropical environments. Because it has the potential to negatively impact tropical island ecosystems, Plant Pono recommends choosing a low-risk or native alternative whenever suitable options are available.

High Risk Traits:

• Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized in Puerto Rico and South America (no evidence in Hawaiian Islands to date)
  
• Aggressive, weedy grass with potential to outcompete other pasture species (esp. legumes)
  
• Other Urochloa species are invasive
  
• Allelopathic
  
• Photosensitization has been recorded in horses grazing U. humidicola pasture for over 5 months (uncommon)
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Forms a dense cover that excludes other vegetation
  
• Reproduces by seeds and vegetatively by stolons
  
• Several accessions are apomictic
  
• Dispersed and cultivated intentionally by people
  
• Tolerates grazing, defoliation and fire

Low Risk Traits:

• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Palatable to grazing animals
  
• Aggressive growth suppresses other weedy species
  
• Low seed set may limit ability to disperse
  
• Seeds lose viability quickly
  
• Herbicides provide effective control