Mossman river grass
Cenchrus echinatus
family
Poaceae
origin
Exotic
declaration
Council Pest Vegetation (BCC Natural Asset Local Law)
Council Pest Vegetation (BCC Natural Asset Local Law)
Common names
Buffel grass, Bur grass, Burr grass, Field sandbur, Galland's curse, , Hedgehog grass, , Innocent weed, Mossman burr grass, Sandbur, Seaforth burr, Southern sandbur, Southern sandbur grass.
Mossman river grass or Mossman burr grass is an annual grass with prostate or erect stems forming loose tufts. Seedlings are erect, robust, hairless and have bright mid-green leaves. The leaf sheaths are purplish-red, especially in older seedlings. Mature plants form prostrate or ascending tufts with stout stems up to 90 cm, but mostly up to 60 cm. The leaves are flat and rather stiff, tapering towards thetip. They are 5-25 cm long and 3-12 mm wide.
Impact
Impact
Mossman River grass (Cenchrus echinatus) is mainly regarded as an environmental weed in northern Queensland, the Northern Territory, and the northern parts of Western Australia. This species was also recently listed as a priority environmental weed in at least one Natural Resource Management region. It is an aggressive competitor that colonises sandy soils, particularly along the coast, and can have a significant impact on coastal sand dune communities.Though this species can provide good grazing when young, is becomes a pest in pastures if it is allowed to mature. The burrs also reduce the value of wool and make shearing hazardous. The spiny burrs also penetrate the hides of livestock causing injury and are also a problem in recreation areas. In addition, Mossman River grass (Cenchrus echinatus) is also an important weed of many summer crops in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of northern Australia.
Location
Location
Characteristics
Characteristics
Similar Species
Similar Species
Mossman River grass (Cenchrus echinatus) is mainly regarded as an environmental weed in northern Queensland, the Northern Territory, and the northern parts of Western Australia. This species was also recently listed as a priority environmental weed in at least one Natural Resource Management region. It is an aggressive competitor that colonises sandy soils, particularly along the coast, and can have a significant impact on coastal sand dune communities.Though this species can provide good grazing when young, is becomes a pest in pastures if it is allowed to mature. The burrs also reduce the value of wool and make shearing hazardous. The spiny burrs also penetrate the hides of livestock causing injury and are also a problem in recreation areas. In addition, Mossman River grass (Cenchrus echinatus) is also an important weed of many summer crops in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of northern Australia.
