16-001014-02A (Ultimate SCMMP)

                                                                     Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum)

                                                                     Spreading perennial grass to 50 cm with
     Image to be inserted
                                                                     an extensive rhizome and stolon system.
                                                                     The leaves are bright green, 5–20 cm long
                                                                     and 1 cm wide, with a prominent mid-rib.
                                                                     Flowers inconspicuous, concealed in the
                                                                     apices of some stolons.

                                                                     Pennisetum clandestinum readily invades
                                                                     bare areas of soil or sites subject to frequent
                                                                     disturbance.

                                                                     Flowering: Summer

                                                                     Reproduction: Rarely produces seeds. Usually
     Photo: Jason Sonneman, DesignFlow                               spreads vegetatively from rhizomes, rooting
                                                                     from the nodes or from broken fragments.

                                                                     Control: Physical removal, chemical control

                                                                     Very difficult to eradicate. Small infestations
                                                                     may be removed by hand pulling; however, all
                                                                     rhizomes must removed for this method to
                                                                     be effective.




                                                                     Common couch (Cynodon dactylon)

                                                                     Prostrate, mat forming, native perennial grass
                                                                     to 30 cm high, with erect culms and rooting
                                                                     at the nodes. Seed head comprising of a
                                                                     cluster of 2–7 spikelets (2–6 cm long).
                                                                     Stems often flattened and with a purple tinge.

                                                                     Readily invades bare areas of soil or sites
                                                                     subject to frequent disturbance. Highly
                                                                     tolerant of extended dry periods due to deep
                                                                     root system.

                                                                     Flowering: Summer

                                                                     Reproduction: Spreads rapidly by seed.
                                                                     Also grows vegetatively via rhizomes and
                                                                     small fragments.
     Photo: Geoff Sainty

                                                                     Control: Physical removal, chemical control

                                                                     Seedlings and small plants can be removed by
                                                                     hand; however, all rhizomes must be removed
                                                                     for this method to be effective. Difficult to
                                                                     eradicate without the use of herbicides.




74                            Maintaining Vegetated Stormwater Assets Version 1