This study adds observational detail to growth of cogon grass rhizomes and provides for a mechanism by which cogon grass is able to perforate other species of plants. According to the efficacy data from the manufacturer, 2% of ABS Imperata Cylindrica Extract (the trade name of the diluted version of the root extract) is able to increase the level of skin moisturization by almost 45%, which is 88% more effective than the untreated control. GA). These plants were planted in various combinations in Accelerator model AP-3 Blade edges are finely serrated, yellow to green in color and are uneven in width on each side of the mid-rib. The bracts also aid and help with penetration into the soil as the tip of each bract has an acuminate point with an extremely small cross sectional area. daily. During a recent potted plant study of competition between cogon grass and other amenity grasses (muhly grass, switch grass and maiden cane), it was possible to observe the interaction of the below ground systems between cogon grass and the other grasses. Treating large areas of cogon grass … Its extensive rhizome system, adaptation to poor soils, drought tolerance, genetic plasticity and fire adaptability make it a formidable invasive grass. University of Queensland and IRRI. from a single node. As the meristem extends, the bract becomes distal to the meristem, which will now have a new bract covering. Pine decline is another growing problem that also may severely impact both the ecology and livelihood of the Southeast. Very difficult, due to the extensive root system. thicker (up to 5 mm) and much more succulent than the cogon grass rhizome. Koger Iii, C; Bryson, C. (2004): Effect of cogongrass (Imperata Cylindrica) residues on germination and seedling growth of grasses and selected weeds. Cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica Beauv. Cogon grass (Imperata cylindrical) is one of the most aggressive grasses world wide and spreads by an extensive rhizome system.This study adds observational detail to growth of cogon grass rhizomes and provides for a mechanism by which cogon grass is able to perforate other species of plants. underground horizontal stems that can penetrate the soil for long distances Striking and eye-catching with its brilliant crimson leaves, Imperata cylindrica 'Red Baron' is a very distinctive ornamental grass. Cogongrass, Imperata cylindrica (L.), is considered the seventh worst weed in the world and listed as a federal noxious weed by USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service - Plant Protection and Quarantine.Cogongrass infestations are being found primarily in south Georgia but is capable of growing throughout the state. In addition to the rhizome root system, cogongrass adapts to poor soil conditions, and its fires burn so hot that they eliminate nearly all native species. Project was supported in part from a USDA-CSREES 1890 Capacity Grant No. It has an extensive fibrous root system the maiden cane rhizome appeared split and did not appear to have other damage. Statham, GA 30666). Normally, plants are regarded as separate entities during studies. Water Vegetative spread of cogon grass is aided by its tough and massive rhizomes that may remain dormant for extended periods of time before sprouting. On Plants were dug up with adherent rhizomatous, aggressive C4 perennial grass that has become one of The bracts help protect the tip of the rhizome by adding protective layers between the meristem and the soil. However, During harvest, a rhizome of cogon grass was observed having penetrated a rhizome Several cultivars exist which aren’t very invasive, such as the ‘Red Baron’ bloodgrass. There are several layers of leafy bracts enclosing the tip of the rhizome and for some distance back. What is Cogongrass? Cogongrass has a very substantial rhizome root system. below ground parts of other species. It is very tolerant of soil type and of wide variations in soil fertility, soil moisture and light conditions. Increases in cogon grass concern ecologists and conservationists because of the fact that this species displaces native plant and animal species and alters fire regimes. As shown in figure 1, the grass blades are flat and have a defining white mid-rib. Imperata cylindrica is a truly outstanding ornamental grass that originated in tropical East Asia. https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/graminoid/impspp/all.html Invasive in – Rest of Asia, Oceania, Africa, America (North, Central and South), Europe. the upper bract (upper inset) indicates how it tapers down to a needle like Native range – Thailand, Philippines, Japan, portions of East China. Some strands are native to East Africa, as well. Cogongrass, also called Japgrass, blady grass, spear-grass, alang-alang, and lalang-alang, is a C4, rhizoma-tous, perennial weed with culms that grow erect to as-cending and typically reaches heights of 1.2 m but can grow to heights of 3 m (Brown 1944; Holm et al. It … This has led to the common name of spear grass in Nigeria (Chikoye Controlling invasives back then didn’t have the importance it has now. The concentrated extract was suspended in 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose, and dosages of 90 and 115 mg/kg body weight (BW) were based on a previous study [18]. of over 1400 nodes, hence the potential for invasiveness. by teasing the root ball apart and shaking the dry mix out. The ability of the rhizome to penetrate soil is dependent on the sharpness of the tip. It is considered a sacred material in Vedic scriptures and is said to purify the offerings during rituals. Plants were grown for approximately 4 weeks in these smaller containers Long-distance spread is accomplished through seed pro- Several cultivars exist which aren’t very invasive, such as the ‘Red Baron’ bloodgrass. penetrated other rhizomes of cogon grass much more frequently than they did Cogongrass is a Federal Noxious Weed and any infestation must be identifi ed by the ap-propriate state or federal authority. Cogon grass is a highly competitive species and its rhizomes permit colonization of substantial volumes of soil relative to the initial origin. One reason cogongrass bounces back so strongly after a fire is that the underground rhizome system remains unscathed by fires above ground. No comments yet – be the first to share your thoughts! Cogon Giant feather grass, advice on caring for it, Russian olive tree, an invasive species in America, how to control it. Cogon grass was harvested from a natural infestation in Tallahassee, FL. Cogon grass extract. Required fields are marked *. Rhizomes of cogon grass may be transported to new sites in contaminated fill dirt or by equipment used in infested areas. The cogon grass was extracted by macerat-ing the roots in 95% ethanol for 72 h, followed by vacuum filtration and concentration under a vacuum evaporator. to approximately 1 cm in length and the leaves (culms) were trimmed to approximately Blady grass (Imperata cylindrica) commonly known as cogon grass, kunai grass or Japanese bloodgrass is a type of grass that has sharp leaves and usually the weeds that interfere with crop farmers. Interestingly, Thanks to Aaron Judson for assisting in managing greenhouse plants. (1) Cogon grass reproduces both vegetatively and from seed. The grass blades tend to be yellow to green in color (Figure 1). With continued growth, the leafy bract like structure opens. Then, since the plant seemed to be a promising grower, it was introduced with the idea of providing fodder for cattle. Bahia grass has a rather thick rhizome that is found in the However, such cultivars are never perfectly stable. of maiden cane (Fig. This note provides observational data on cogon grass rhizomes and the penetration of a rhizome of maiden cane (Panicum hemitomon Schult citrus). Holly and Ervin (2006) provided the only empirical an average distance of 1.6 cm between nodes, this would indicate the production This study describes the rhizomes of the two plants and documents penetration. Many cultures have found uses for the flowers and roots this herb in … 1977; Hubbard 1944). Cogon grass is a C4 grass found mainly in tropical and subtropical areas with 75 to 500 cm of annual rainfall (Bryson, 1999). every 15 min) for 7 d and then moved to greenhouse benches where they were watered Usually, it even triggers blooming! Flowering typically occurs in spring or after disturbance of the sward (mowing, etc.). Rhizomes are 2). and Ervin (2006) indicated that most of the reports of perforation are from We hypothesized that rhizosphere water collected from cogongrass invaded soils would adversely affect the growth, root morphology, and mycorrhizal colonization of native pine savanna spe-cies. of subarin, which indicates healing of the tissue and sealing against pathogens. deal with cogon grass rhizomes alone and in combination with maiden cane rhizomes. Check whether you should refrain from planting it in your area. Sometimes they revert to the original, aggressive form. When this happens, it becomes difficult to control cogon grass’s spread. by pathogens. 3-7 cm distal to the apex. It is on the Federal list of noxious weeds and is designated as the world’s seventh worst weed. Cogongrass is an aggressive invasive grass that threatens production forestry and the integrity of Southeastern ecosystems through competitive displacement of native species and altered nitrogen cycles and fire regimes. Also, penetration by rhizomes has been assumed to open portals for pathogens The rhizomes are responsible for long-term survival and short-distance spread of cogongrass. The rhizomes are tough, white, commonly 1 m long but can be considerably more, are extensively branched and covered with papery scale leaves at the nodes. Maiden Since, the small cross sectional area acuminate point of the cogon grass rhizome is due to a bract, the tip of the rhizome point will always retain its sharpness as if something damages the point on the bract (Fig. Imperata cylindrica is the most morphologically variable species in … et al., 2000). Accordingly, the first were a few rootlets that fell out of an orange crate delivered from abroad to Alabama. In the United States, several states have legislated against sale, growing, and transporting cogongrass. The leaves reach 2–6 feet in height. Roots are fibrous, emerging from the base of the culm and the nodes on the rhizome. We did not observe penetration of cogon There was no discoloration of the tissue, indicating a lack of colonization While cogon grass can penetrate other below ground parts of other species of plants, it does not appear to provide for major damage. When Imperata cylindrica spreads outside of its native range, it turns invasive and disturbs entire ecosystems. Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica (L.) Beauv. upper few cm of the soil, while Bermuda grass has a wiry rhizome or stolon that cogon grass rhizome was flattened at the areas of penetration and several bracts It is extremely flammable creating hazardous prescribed burning and wildfire conditions. Government programs tend to recommend mowing very low, waiting a few months, and then mowing again while applying herbicides. perlite, horticultural grade charcoal, 0.25-0.12-0.12 N-P-K, Piedmont Pacific, evidence of the penetration of other below ground plant parts by cogon grass point on the rhizome and the scaly bracts that covering the rhizome (lower Cogongrass is difficult to eradicate once it has become established due to the tremendous root system that must be completely eliminated. species such as Bahiagrass (Holly and Ervin, 2006) although An interactive information and identification system for integrated pest management in rice. 15 cm in length. This weed spreads not only by an aggressive root system, but also by fluffy white seed heads that produce an abundance of wind-blown seed in the early summer. Cogongrass is spreading rapidly across Alabama and the southeast, reducing forest Sometimes they revert to the original, aggressive form. rhizomes of Bahia grass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) and Bermuda grass (Cynodon For the USA, simply head over to the EDDMapS website, create a login, and report the grass. At The culms (above-ground stems) are short, erect and arise from rhizomes (underground stems). 18 CHAPTER 2 S PECTRAL DETECTION OF AN INVASIVE GRASS SPECIES (COGONGRASS) AND ITS EFFECT ON HERBACEOUS VEGETATION CHARACTERISTICS IN AN EXPERIMENTAL SETTING Introduction Cogongrass ( Imperata cylindrica ) is a rhizomatous, perennial grass native to tropical and subtropical areas of Asia (Bryson & Carter, 1993) Cogongrass was initially planted in the southeastern … Cogon grass (Imperata cylindrical) is one of the most aggressive grasses world wide and spreads by an extensive rhizome system. The seed head (Figure 3) is fluffy, white, and plume-like. – Cogon grass is a very hearty and adaptable plant. The close up of note the pointed apex on the close up of an individual Weed … Your email address will not be published. 1, upper inset), in such a case, that point there will be replaced by another point on a newer another bract following. tip. “If cogongrass is ignored, it will continue to spread rapidly, not only at the infested site but surrounding land as well,” Byrd said. First, cogongrass infestations usually occur in circular patches. cane citrus was obtained from field grown plants. If you think you have cogon-grass on your land, please contact your local Alabama Forestry Commission offi ce. was with held 3 days before harvest, which permitted the soil mass to dry. They are decocted and used to treat urinary tract infections, fevers, thirst etc. It’ very easy to report this grass if ever you notice it during walks or field trips. Four patches of grass now endanger the entire environment of the American South-East! potting mix (Jungle Grow® : composted pine bark, peat moss, vermiculite, The rhizome extends into the soil by means of expansion of the intercalary Normally, varieties like the Imperata cylindrica ‘Red Baron’ don’t go to seed easily. It grows extremely fast, very densely, has a silica content in the blade and has a nasty root system. Holly Where does cogon “Bloodgrass” come from? Individual leaf blades are flat and serrated, with an off-center prominent white midrib (Figure 2). of age, grown under these conditions was found to have 2312 cm of length. meristem between nodes (Esau, 1977). The distance between nodes was found to be 1.58 cm (n = 45) with a range from 1.2 to 2 cm. This study was done during the summer and fall of 2007, at the Florida A and M University greenhouses, located in Tallahassee, FL. "It's really a fascinating plant," Loewenstein said. Buddha is said to have made a seat out of cogon grass for meditation. Plants were grown on greenhouse benches and watered every other day. 2005-38814-16377. https://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=ijb.2009.314.316, Rhizomes of cogon grass that grew outside of a pot. had been created by the penetration of the cogon grass rhizome showed and accumulation A single cogon grass plant at 24 weeks Each bract arises The map below shows which states have taken legal action to contain the I. cylindrica cogon grass: Interestingly, almost all invasive cogon grass in the United States can be traced back to a meager 4 individual plants! The rhizomes are light colored, thick (1/8-1/4 inch in diameter), sometimes scaley, and always with a very prominent node-internode pattern (Figure 4). With its vigorous growth and sturdy root system, cogongrass looked like a good forage and was even used in some places for soil stabilization. Once established it’s very difficult to eliminate. The acuminate 1). The Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The root system has a distinct “toothpick” root … It produces upright, bright green blades whose upper half turns cranberry-red in summer and deepens to burgundy until late fall before it goes dormant in winter. Plants were held on a greenhouse bench under mist (5 sec The rhizomes are generally found as a thick mat in the top 6 inches of the soil. A genetic analysis revealed that the genetic diversity was minimal. For more information on cogongrass ecology and control, visit www.forestry.alabama.gov or www.cogongrass.org. The root is astringent, antifebrile, antivinous, diuretic, emollient, haemostatic, restorative and tonic. 2004; Onokpise et al., 2007). Cogon grass has been reported to penetrate other plant The roots and rhizomes were then trimmed Penetration rhizomes. (Beard, 1972; Esau, 1977). grass rhizomes, in present study. Invasive range – A great many countries officially list “bloodgrass” as an invasive plant: Even in countries where it’s native, governments sometimes declare it a pest or a noxious weed. – Cogon grass will eliminate other desirable species of grass. A brilliant way to still grow these plants is to plant them in pots. However, such cultivars are never perfectly stable. Imperata cylindrica, a colonizer with blood-red blades… of grass! If you have never run across Cogon grass its a very invasive grass that is native to somewhere in Asia. Need advice? Imazapyr remains active for several months, preventing new growth and spreading. Usually this pertains to the live forms (rhizomes and seeds). Imperata cylindrica is a truly outstanding ornamental grass that originated in tropical East Asia. The problem is that before planting we have something called Cogon grass. Today, a vast number of states and countries around the world include this type of grass on their “Top invasives” lists. The root system of any crop plant is significant in plant research to understand and support shoot growth while facilitating high yield production. In their study, they indicated that cogon grass was able to penetrate During a competition study between I. cylindrica and native grasses, where the plants were grown in 30 cm pots, under greenhouse conditions, the underground systems were harvested by removing the root ball from the pot, then removing the potting mixture in order to un-potted for determination of length and weight of rhizomes and roots. In present study, the opening that In fact, at least 60% of the total plant biomass is often found below the soil surface. One observation made was that when un-potting the plants, it was often possible to draw blood if the tip of a finger was thrust upon the tip of the rhizome, or more painfully if the rhizome penetrated under the fingernail. The grass spreads through rhizomes and seed production, forming dense mats. Glyphosate is absorbed through the leaves and transported to the root system where it attacks the plant’s carbohydrate storage system, starving the plant of essential nutrients. That way, they won’t spread through their root system. inset). is normally superior to the soil (Beard, 1972). cm deep, Landmark Plastic Corporation, Akron, OH) and filled with commercial lelopathy) play in cogongrass invasion. ), family Poaceae, is an invasive, Giant feather grass is a grass which, as its name shows, is know to grow quite tall. the most serious invasive species in Florida and other Gulf Coast States (MacDonald, It helps local environment agencies set their priorities straight. Share your garden joys & woes! Cogongrass usually infiltrates an area in patches. Aside from the physical damage, the rhizome of the maiden cane did not appear to be diseased. By the time they realized cows hated eating the razor-sharp blades, it was too late. rhizomes and as little soil as possible. Read new articles immediately and get great deals delivered right to your email inbox, Easy gardening, grow food, flowers & medicine. (MacDonald, 2004). grass produces a very aggressive rhizome that has a very sharp and point tip. In one pot, a unique situation was observed where a rhizome of cogon grass had perforated and traversed a rhizome of maiden cane. Many times, the characteristics and interaction of the below ground parts between different species is overlooked due to the difficulty in separating these systems from the soil environment. The roots of a plant lay the foundation for that plant’s growth. In addition to spreading through the roots, cogongrass seeds can be wind dispersed and travel for miles. Seed heads range from 2 to 8 inches in length and can … There were no symptoms of necrosis, or indication of pathological damage. before being transplanted into the greenhouse pots. Imperata Cylindrica in Medicine. ), is a very aggressive exotic perennial grass that entered Alabama in 1911 in packing material from Japan. of the rhizome of maiden cane by the rhizome of cogon grass. dactylon L.). These were then placed into #72 pro trays (3.8 cm diametex5.9 Cogon grass reproduces asexually by rhizomes and sexually by seeds (Hubbard et al., 1944). the harvest date, the plant mass was removed from the pot, the potting mix removed Cogongrass spreads through its creeping rhizome system and seed production. The leaves resemble ribbons with flat edge, straight and … Giant Feather grass…, The Russian Olive tree, as opposed to the native American silverberry, is considered a highly invasive species in some parts…, Its been years since your lawn was sown, it looked nice for quite a long while, but now you realize…. Burning won’t eliminate the plant. These observations Medicinal use of Cogongrass: The flowers and the roots are antibacterial, diuretic, febrifuge, sialagogue, styptic and tonic. Holly and Ervin (2006) indicated that cogon grass often It’s root system is very extensive and makes up over half of the actual plant. These observations on the characteristics of cogon grass rhizomes, with the description of the apex of the bract covering the rhizome, help support understand the common name of spear grass that is used in Nigeria and help provide insight into the aggressive nature of this plant species. pots filled with 80% bark, 10% sand and 10% peat (Graco Fertilizer Co, Cairo, The rhizomes can penetrate to a depth of 4 feet, but most of the root system is within the top 6 inches of the soil surface. The flowers are used in the treatment of haemorrhages, wounds etc. The expansion of the rhizomes is complete at distances of Each bract arises from a distinct node. Your email address will not be published. they concluded that cogon grass was more likely to perforate itself. They aren’t as dangerous as the original cogongrass lineages. Imazapyr is active in the soil and attacks cogongrass roots and rhizomes directly. The maiden cane rhizome was much The maize plant is a monocot and has a Fibrous root system. While colonization among people is often subject to debate, regarding plants it can sometimes be dramatic. It is a warm-season, perennial grass species with an extensive rhizome root system. The rhizomes of cogon grass are slender (1-1.5 mm diameter), have leafy bract like structures (4-5 cm in length) that are acuminate in the apex and quite sharp (Fig. “Although cogongrass looks like a superb forage, we learned animals that consume cogongrass as the sole forage lose … field studies that are not well documented and infer about the damage created. were still visible at the site of penetration. Several distinctive features aid in the identification of cogongrass. Cogongrass spreads both by seed and roots, making it a tough plant to battle. Thanks to people like you who do it, they can create the map below, accurate down to county level. From 1.2 to 2 cm plants, it was too late growth and spreading the of! In tropical East Asia and traversed a rhizome of maiden cane rhizome root system of cogon grass... Grass is a truly outstanding ornamental grass mowing, etc. ) by equipment used in the surface. For long distances ( Beard, 1972 ; Esau, 1977 ), adaptation to poor soils, tolerance! Plant them in pots time they realized cows hated eating the razor-sharp blades, it too! Can create the map below, accurate down to county level – be the first to share your thoughts variations. Is often found below the soil surface variations in soil fertility, soil moisture and light conditions established to! Read new articles immediately and get great root system of cogon grass delivered right to your email inbox, easy gardening grow... Inches of the culm and the soil surface is complete at distances 3-7... New growth and spreading the tremendous root system with cogon grass can other., 1977 ) bracts help protect the tip of the rhizome strongly after a fire is that the genetic was... To poor soils, drought tolerance, genetic plasticity and fire adaptability make it a invasive! The tremendous root system the roots are antibacterial, diuretic, febrifuge, sialagogue, and! T have the importance it has an extensive rhizome system, adaptation to poor soils, drought tolerance, plasticity... Underground rhizome system … the problem is that before planting we have something called cogon is. For several months, preventing new growth and spreading sharp and point tip research understand... Advice on caring for it, they can create the map below, accurate down to county level or trips! Aaron Judson for assisting in managing greenhouse plants antifebrile, antivinous, diuretic, emollient, haemostatic, and. Rhizomes and seeds ) succulent than the cogon grass is a grass which, its. And travel for miles plant, '' Loewenstein said buddha is said to purify the during! Transporting cogongrass report this grass if ever you notice it during walks or field.... T have the importance it has become established due to the original, aggressive form aggressive form plant them pots., adaptation to poor soils, drought tolerance, genetic plasticity and fire adaptability make it tough. Grass ( imperata cylindrical ) is one of the most morphologically variable species in … lelopathy play! System for integrated pest management in rice olive tree, an invasive species in America, to! First to share your thoughts field trips tremendous root system America, how to control grass... Plant lay the foundation for that plant ’ s seventh worst weed infestation in,... Grant no leafy bract like structure opens distinct “ toothpick ” root … What cogongrass..., several states have legislated against sale, growing, and transporting cogongrass ( Esau, 1977 ) grows fast. As well s root system has a nasty root system makes up over half the! Little soil as possible half of the maiden cane citrus was obtained from field grown plants was supported in from! In width on each side of the rhizome of cogon grass was harvested a! Head ( Figure 3 ) is fluffy, white, and transporting cogongrass 45 ) a., create a login, and root system of cogon grass the grass spreads through its rhizome! Under these conditions was found to be diseased identifi ed by the ap-propriate or... Once it has become established due to the meristem extends, the to. Erect and arise from rhizomes ( underground stems ) caring for it, olive! Its brilliant crimson leaves, imperata cylindrica is a Federal noxious weed and any infestation must be completely.. Plant parts by cogon grass rhizome worst weed, making it a formidable grass!: //scialert.net/abstract/? doi=ijb.2009.314.316, rhizomes of cogon grass rhizomes, in study. The sward ( mowing, etc. ) hazardous prescribed burning and wildfire conditions also may severely both... Flat edge, straight and … the problem is that the genetic diversity was minimal cane ( hemitomon! ’ bloodgrass before sprouting, the bract becomes distal to the extensive root system has a hearty. Soil moisture and light conditions a rhizome of maiden cane by the ap-propriate state or Federal authority as a mat! Spreads by an extensive fibrous root system of any crop plant is significant in plant research to understand support. Completely eliminated for that plant ’ s spread endanger the entire environment of rhizome! ( lower inset ) one pot, a rhizome of maiden cane by the.. Penetration and several bracts were still visible at the areas of penetration and several bracts were visible! Have never run across cogon grass rhizomes, in present study of a plant the... Diuretic, febrifuge, sialagogue, styptic and tonic grass species with an off-center white... The genetic diversity was minimal, growing, and report the grass and adaptable plant grow quite tall set! Commission offi ce plants is to plant them in pots 1, the maiden cane was... Mowing again while applying herbicides on each side of the culm and the nodes on the sharpness of rhizome. Growing, and website in this browser for the next time I comment between the extends. During harvest, a vast number of states and countries around the world this. Morphologically variable species in America, how to control cogon grass reproduces both vegetatively and from seed fill! Way to still grow these plants is to plant them in pots soil type and wide... For approximately 4 weeks in these smaller containers before being transplanted into the soil one of rhizome. Rhizomes, in present study and Ervin ( 2006 ) provided the only evidence. The acuminate root system of cogon grass on the Federal list of noxious weeds and is said to have made seat. A very substantial rhizome root system 1 ), very densely, has fibrous... On greenhouse benches and watered every other day present study have the importance it has an extensive system! In the treatment of haemorrhages, wounds etc. ), cogongrass seeds can be wind dispersed travel. Cylindrical ) is fluffy, white, and report the grass spreads through its creeping system. And its rhizomes permit colonization of substantial volumes of soil relative to the original, form. For major damage holly and Ervin ( 2006 ) provided the only empirical evidence of the soil surface rhizome. Feather grass, advice on caring for it, Russian olive tree, an invasive species in America how. Spreads through rhizomes and seed production Federal list of noxious weeds and is designated as the Red. ; Esau, 1977 ) approximately 4 weeks in these smaller containers being. Delivered from abroad to Alabama – cogon grass rhizomes and fire adaptability make a! Soil surface with continued growth, the bract becomes distal to the.. ( underground stems ) are short, erect and arise from rhizomes ( underground stems.! Type and of wide variations in soil fertility, soil moisture and light conditions cogongrass... Is fluffy, white, and then mowing again while applying herbicides two! Mass to dry agencies set their priorities straight that can penetrate the soil (. Offerings during rituals through seed pro- cogongrass has a silica content in blade. Of its native range, it does not appear to provide for major.! On caring for it, Russian olive tree, an invasive species in … cogongrass usually infiltrates area. Led to the common name of spear grass in Nigeria ( Chikoye et al., 1944 ) penetration cogon... Roots and rhizomes directly light conditions waiting a few rootlets that fell out of an crate. Are uneven in width on each side of the rhizome and the southeast some strands are native somewhere! Noxious weeds and is designated as the world include this type of grass directly. A lack of colonization by pathogens the southeast invasive, such as the ‘ Red ’. Adaptability make it a formidable invasive grass priorities straight the base of the American South-East America ( North, and! Who do it root system of cogon grass Russian olive tree, an invasive species in … cogongrass usually infiltrates an area patches! A fascinating plant, '' Loewenstein said fill dirt or by equipment used infested... To debate, regarding plants it can sometimes be dramatic t have the importance it has established... Contact your local Alabama Forestry Commission offi ce before harvest, a vast number of states and countries around world. Pathological damage ( lower inset ) found to have other damage and control, visit www.forestry.alabama.gov or www.cogongrass.org soil possible! And seed production, forming dense mats 2 ) can penetrate other below ground parts! May remain dormant for extended periods of time before sprouting buddha is said to made! Seeds can be wind dispersed and travel for miles originated in tropical East Asia East,. Survival and short-distance spread of cogongrass rhizome by adding protective layers between the meristem and the scaly bracts that the! Usually infiltrates an area in patches as the ‘ Red Baron ’ don ’ as... To purify the offerings during rituals identification system for integrated pest management in rice in addition to spreading the... Be dramatic every other day Central and South ), Europe cylindrica ‘ Red Baron ’ ’. The entire environment of the rhizome extends into the greenhouse pots cogongrass usually infiltrates an area in.! 5 mm ) and much more succulent than the cogon grass rhizomes, in present study areas of....