Cynodon

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Bermuda grass
Cynodon dactylon.jpg
Cynodon dactylon
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
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.

Contents

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.

Species [1] [3] [4]
Formerly included [1]

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 .

Cultivation and uses

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]

Related Research Articles

<i>Arundo</i> Genus of grasses

Arundo is a genus of stout, perennial plants in the grass family.

<i>Cynodon dactylon</i> Species of grass

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.

<i>Cynosurus</i> Genus of grasses

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Angulate tortoise</span> Species of tortoise

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.

<i>Dinebra</i> Genus of grasses

Dinebra is a genus of Asian, African, and Pacific Island plants in the grass family.

<i>Leptochloa</i> Genus of grasses

Leptochloa is a widespread genus of Asian, African, Australian, and American plants in the grass family.

<i>Digitaria didactyla</i> Species of flowering plant

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cynodonteae</span> Tribe of grasses

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.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
  2. ↑ Richard, Louis Claude Marie, in Persoon, Christiaan Hendrik. 1805. Synopsis Plantarum 1: 85
  3. ↑ The Plant List search for Cynodon
  4. ↑ Biota of North America Program 2013 county distribution maps
  5. ↑ CBS News (June 23, 2012). "Grass linked to Texas cattle deaths". CBS News. Retrieved June 24, 2012.
  6. ↑ Glenn W. Burton; Roger N. Gates; Gary M. Hill. "TIFTON 85 BERMUDAGRASS". University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Archived from the original on October 20, 2019. Retrieved June 24, 2012.
  7. ↑ T.L. Provin; J.L. Pitt. "Nitrates and Prussic Acid in Forages" (PDF). Texas A&M University System. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 21, 2012. Retrieved June 24, 2012.

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