A. junciformis often grows in large tufts.
Photo: R Taylor (https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/24581380).
Apart from the negative aspects of A. junciformis , it does have its
uses too:
• A. junciformis is one of the best grasses for making brooms out of.
• It offers a good ground cover and hence good protection from erosion
(van Oudtshoorn, 2012).
• With its fine leaves, tuftiness and feathery seed heads, it also makes
a very attractive and hardy garden grass.
• Another attraction of A. junciformis – especially for those gardening
in the drier areas of the country is that it is a water-wise species.
• I t i s e a s y t o g r o w a n d c a n e a s i l y b e g e r m i n a t e d w i t h a s m o k e p r i m e r.
Interesting Facts
!
In 1998, an estimated 200 000km 2 (17%) of the total
land in South Africa contained A. junciformis – this
figure is likely to have grown fairly extensively since
then.
A. junciformis produces a large number of caryopses
(seeds) – where a mature plant can produce up to 19
0 0 0 ( a p p r o x . 3 8 0 0 0 / m 2 ) – o f w h i c h a n e s t i m a t e d 6 0 %
are viable.
The primary function of the three awns on the caryop-
sis is to orientate the seed correctly in its descent
from the parent plant and aid in
germination.
A. junciformis has a feathery inflorescence, which is very attractive in gardens.
Photo: R Ward (https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/28992436)
References:
Fish, L., Mashau, A.C., Moeaha, M.J. and Nembudani, M.T. 2015. Identification guide to southern African Grasses. An
identification manual with keys, descriptions and distributions. Strelitzia 36. South African National Biodiversity Institute.
Pretoria.Van Oudtshoorn, F. 2012. Guide to grasses of Southern Africa. Briza Publications. Pretoria Van Zyl, D.D. 1998.
Aspects of the invasion of Southern Tall Grassveld by Aristida junciformis subsp. Junciformis Trin. Et. Rupr. MSc Thesis.
University of Natal. Pietermaritzburg
10