Guinea grass

Guinea grass is a large perennial grass that can grow up to 3.5 metres tall.

Description

• Stems are erect.

• Leaves are long (>1m) and light green in colour.

• Seedheads are large and branched bearing large amounts of small flower spikelets.

• Flower spikelets are hairless and green or purple in colour.

• Rhizomes are short.

• Seeds are dispersed by birds and wind. Vegetative spread via stolons.

• Habitats include open areas, grassland, riparian habitat, disturbed areas, crops, orchards, vineyards, roadsides, scrub, and gardens.

What you need to know

Guinea grass is an aggressive invader of crops, orchards and vineyards. It acts as a host for insect pests and diseases of cereal crops, is a strong competitor and potential fire hazard that can increase fire severity and spread.

Management approach

Guinea grass is declared an unwanted organism by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) because it is capable of causing harm to the natural environment, physical resources or human health in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

These species pose a high risk to our environment, economy, recreation, and cultural values.

Rules

Any species declared a pest, including unwanted organisms, cannot be sold or be in a place where plants are being sold. Pest plants cannot be propagated, bred, or multiplied, communicated, released, or cause to be released, or otherwise spread.

Control

Do not attempt to undertake control of Guinea grass yourself. Report any sightings to us.