Bermuda grass | |
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Cynodon dactylon | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Clade: | Commelinids |
Order: | Poales |
Family: | Poaceae |
Subfamily: | Chloridoideae |
Tribe: | Cynodonteae |
Subtribe: | Eleusininae |
Genus: | Cynodon Rich. in Pers. 1805, not Brid. 1819 (a moss in family Ditrichaceae) |
Type species | |
Cynodon dactylon | |
Synonyms [1] | |
Cynodon is a genus of plants in the grass family. [2] It is native to warm temperate to tropical regions of the Old World, as well as being cultivated and naturalized in the New World and on many oceanic islands.
The genus name comes from Greek words meaning "dog-tooth". The genus as a whole as well as its species are commonly known as Bermuda grass or dog's tooth grass.
Several species now considered better suited to other genera, namely Arundo , Bouteloua , Brachyachne , Chloris , Cortaderia , Ctenium , Digitaria , Diplachne , Eleusine , Enteropogon , Eragrostis , Eustachys , Gynerium , Leptochloa , Molinia , Muhlenbergia , Phragmites , Poa , Spartina , Tridens , and Trigonochloa .
Some species, most commonly C. dactylon, are grown as lawn grasses in warm temperate regions, such as the Sunbelt area of the United States where they are valued for their drought tolerance compared to most other lawn grasses. Propagation is by rhizomes, stolons, or seeds. In some cases it is considered to be a weed; it spreads through lawns and flower beds, where it can be difficult to kill with herbicides without damaging other grasses or plants. It is difficult to pull out because the rhizomes and stolons break readily, and then re-grow.
It is also noted for its common use on the surface of greens on golf courses, as well as football and baseball playing fields.
Recent news reports claim that a Bermuda-derived F1 hybrid called Tifton 85 suddenly started producing cyanide and killed a cattle herd in Texas, USA. [5] [6] [7]
Arundo is a genus of stout, perennial plants in the grass family.
Cynodon dactylon, commonly known as Bermuda grass, is a grass found worldwide. It is native to Europe, Africa, Australia and much of Asia. It has been introduced to the Americas. Contrary to its common name, it is not native to Bermuda and is in fact an abundant invasive species there. In Bermuda it has been known as "crab grass". Other names are Dhoob, dūrvā grass, ethana grass, dubo, dog grass, dog's tooth grass, Bahama grass, crab grass, devil's grass, couch grass, Indian doab, arugampul, grama, wiregrass and scutch grass.
Cynosurus is a genus of Eurasian and North African plants in the grass family. Plants in this genus are known generally as dogstail grass. They are native to the Mediterranean Basin and neighboring regions, but some have been introduced into Australia as well as North and South America.
The angulate tortoise is a species of tortoise found in dry areas and coastal scrub vegetation in South Africa. This tortoise is the only known member of the genus Chersina.
Dinebra is a genus of Asian, African, and Pacific Island plants in the grass family.
Leptochloa is a widespread genus of Asian, African, Australian, and American plants in the grass family.
Digitaria didactyla is a species of grass known by the common names blue couch, Queensland blue couch, blue serangoon grass, green serangoon grass, blue stargrass, and petit gazon. It is native to Mauritius, Réunion, parts of mainland Africa, and Madagascar. It has been introduced widely outside its native range, mainly for use as a pasture and turf grass. It has naturalized in some regions.
Cynodonteae is a large tribe of grasses in the subfamily Chloridoideae, with over 800 species.
Nonnative grasses that are invasive in Brazil include Arundo donax, Rottboellia cochinchinensis, Cortaderia selloana, Nassella neesiana, Spartina densiflora, and Spartina alterniflora. These species have been identified and are being managed by the Ministry of Environment and Forest.
Media related to Cynodon at Wikimedia Commons
Data related to Cynodon at Wikispecies