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NQ DRY TROPICS WEED FREE
AFRICAN FOUNTAIN GRASS
Cenchrus setaceus
AFRICAN FOUNTAIN GRASS
GRASSES
DESCRIPTION
This is an erect , densely-tufted perennial which grows to 1 metre tall and may live for up to 20 years .
Leaf blades are very coarse to touch . They are folded or flat and mostly eight to 30 centimetres long . Flowers are distinctive feathery and pinkish . Flowering occurs during spring and summer ; from September to February .
Seed head is a pink , feathery spike , 10 to 25 centimetres long and up to 1.6 centimetres wide .
Habitat it invades dry , hot sites and has been planted in gardens and along road sides .
Weed characteristics it is a highly invasive , fire adapted coloniser that readily out-competes native plants . It increases the intensity and spread of fires , resulting in severe damage to native dry forest species .
Dispersal The plant produces large numbers of wind dispersed seeds , whose spread is almost impossible to prevent .
BIOSECURITY MATTER
Restricted . This species is Category 3 Restricted matter under Queensland Legislation .
HOW TO ACT
Spot spraying with appropriate herbicide and control with slashing prior to seeding . Painting the leaf blades with a wiper covered in chemical-soaked wick or carpet may be used to control early growth . Individual plants can be physically removed with a need for follow up monitoring and control recommended .