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Family: Poaceae (grasses)

Life > eukaryotes > Archaeoplastida > Chloroplastida > Charophyta > Streptophytina > Plantae (land plants) > Tracheophyta (vascular plants) > Euphyllophyta > Lignophyta (woody plants) > Spermatophyta (seed plants) > Angiospermae (flowering plants) >  Monocotyledons >  Order: Poales

There are 668 genera and 10035 species (worldwide), with 162 genera and 790 species indigenous to southern Africa. An additional 33 genera and 116 species are naturalised in the region. An additional 14 genera and 41 species have been recorded as being cultivated in southern Africa. The family includes numerous economically important species including wheat, maize and rice.

Genera indigenous to southern Africa

List from Fish (2000, 2003).

Acrachne

There are 3 species worldwide  (Africa, SE Asia and Australia) of which one (Acrachne racemosa) is indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Acroceras

There are 19 species worldwide (Africa, Madagascar and Indomalayan region) of which one (Acroceras macrum) is indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Agrostis

There are about 220 species worldwide (in temperate regions and at high altitudes in the tropics) of which about 10  are indigenous to southern Africa and two naturalised. 

 

Alloteropsis

There are about eight species worldwide (in the Old World tropics) of which three are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Andropogon

There are 100 species worldwide (pantropical) of which 15 are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Anthephora

There are 12 species worldwide (Africa, Arabia, tropical America) of which three are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Anthoxanthum

There are about 20 species worldwide (north temperate regions, higher altitudes of tropical Africa and Asia) of which about four are indigenous to southern Africa and one is naturalised. 

 

Aristida

There are about 290 species worldwide (tropics and subtropics) of which 28 are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Arthraxon

There are about seven species worldwide (Old World Tropics) of which one (Anthraxon lanceolatus) is indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Arundinella

There are about 50 species worldwide (tropics and subtropics, mainly Asia) of which one (Arundinella nepalensis) is indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Bewsia

One species, Bewsia biflora, which is indigenous to Africa, including southern Africa. 

 

Bothriochloa

There are about 35 species worldwide (tropical regions) of which three are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Brachiaria

There are about 100 species worldwide (tropics, mainly Old World) of which 19 are indigenous to southern Africa and one is naturalised. 

 

Brachyachne

There are about 10 species worldwide (Africa, Java to Australia) of which one Brachyachne patentiflora is indigenous to southern Africa (Caprivi strip in Namibia). 

 

Brachychloa

Two species, both indigenous to southern Africa.

 

Brachypodium

There are 16 species worldwide (indigenous to temperate Eurasia, tropical mountains, Mexico to Bolivia) of which two are indigenous to southern Africa and one naturalised. 

 

Bromus

There are about 150 species worldwide (north temperate regions, tropical mountains, South America) of which five are indigenous to southern Africa and 10 naturalised. 

Bromus diandrus

Calamagrostis

There are about 270 species worldwide (temperate regions of both hemispheres) of which one Calamagrostis epigeios is indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Catalepis

One species: Catalepis gracilis, which is indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Cenchrus

There are about 22 species worldwide (indigenous to tropical and warm temperate regions, with one indigenous to southern Africa, and three naturalised. 

 

Centropodia

There are four species worldwide (indigenous to Africa and Middle East through to India) of which two are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Chaetobromus

One species, endemic to southern Africa.  

 

Chloris

There are about 55 species worldwide (tropical and warm temperate regions) of which seven are indigenous to southern Africa and one is naturalised. 

 

Chrysopogon

There are about 26 species worldwide (warm regions) of which one, Chrysopogon serrulatus,is indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Cladoraphis

There are two species, which are endemic to southern Africa. 

 

Cleistachne

One species: Cleistachne sorghoides, distributed through tropical Africa (including Mpumalanga in southern Africa) and India.  

 

Coelachyrum

There are eight species worldwide (Africa, Arabian Peninsula and Pakistan) of which one Coelachyrum yemenicum is indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Coelorachis

There are about 21 species worldwide (tropical regons mainly) of which one Coelorachis capensis is indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Colpodium

There are about 20 species worldwide (indigenous to Africa and Middle East) of which one Colpodium drakensbergensis is indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Craspedorhachis

There are about five species worldwide (African and American tropics) of which two are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Ctenium

There are about 20 species worldwide (tropical and subtropical America, Africa and Madagascar) of which one Ctenium concinnum is indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Cymbopogon

There are about 40 species worldwide (tropical and subtropical Africa, Asia and Australia) of which six are indigenous to southern Africa. Cymbopogon citratus (Lemon grass) is cuiltivated in the region.

 

Cynodon

There are about 10 species worldwide (warm climates) of which six are indigenous to southern Africa and two are naturalised. Widely used for lawns and sports grounds.

 

Dactyloctenium

There are 13 species worldwide (warm regions) of which four are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Danthoniopsis

There are about 20 species worldwide (Africa and Arabian Peninsula) of which six are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Diandrochloa

There are about seven species worldwide (Americas, Australia, Asia and Africa) of which two are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Dichanthium

There are about 20 species worldwide (Old World tropics) of which one species, Dichanthium annulatum (Blue grama), is indigenous to southern Africa, and Dichanthium aristatum is naturalised. In addition, Dichanthium caricosum and Dichanthium sericeum are cultivated in the region.

 

Digitaria

There are about 230 species worldwide (cosmopolitan, mainly tropical and warm temperate regions) of which about 31 are indigenous to southern Africa and four are naturalised. 

 

Diheteropogon

There are five species worldwide (indigenous distribution limited to tropical Africa) of which two species are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Dinebra

There are three species worldwide (Africa to India and Madagascar) of which one Dinebra retroflexa is indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Dregeochloa

The two species are endemic to southern Africa. 

 

Echinochloa

There are 30-40 species worldwide (tropical and warm temperate regions) of which nine are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Ehrharta

There are about 35 species worldwide (Africa and Indonesia to New Zealand) of which 22 species are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Eleusine (Finger millet genus)

There are nine species worldwide (Africa) of which two are indigenous to southern Africa and two are naturalised. 

 

Elionurus

There are 15 species worldwide (cosmopolitan) of which two species are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Elymandra

There are about six species worldwide (indigenous to tropical Africa) of which one species Elymandra grallata is indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Elytrophorus

There are about four species worldwide (tropical Africa, Asia and Australia) of which two are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Enneapogon

There are about 30 species worldwide (warm, dry regions) of which six are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Enteropogon

There are about 17 species worldwide (tropical regions) of which four are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Entolasia

There are five species worldwide (tropical Africa and E Australia) of which two (Entolasia imbricata and Entolasia olivacea) are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Entoplocamia

One species: Entoplocamia aristulata, which within southern Africa is found in Namibia.  

 

Eragrostis

There are about 350 species worldwide (cosmopolitan) of which 86 species are indigenous to southern Africa and four species are naturalised.  

 

Eriochloa

There 30 species worldwide (tropical regions) of which five are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Eriochrysis

There are about seven species worldwide (Africa, India and tropical America) of which two are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Eulalia

There are about 30 species worldwide (tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia and Australia) of which two are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Eustachys

There are 10 species worldwide (tropics, mainly America) of which one Eustachys paspaloides is indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Festuca

There are about 450 species worldwide (temperate regions and high altitude areas in the tropics) of which eight are indigenous to southern Africa and one naturalised. An additional two species are cultivated in the region. 

 

Fingerhuthia

There are two species worldwide (southern Africa, Arabian Peninsula, Afghanistan) of which two are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Hackelochloa

There are two species worldwide (Africa, India, S China and S USA) of which one Hackelochloa granularis is indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Harpochloa

There are two species worldwide  (Africa) of which one Harpochloa falx is indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Helictotrichon

There are about 100 species worldwide (temperate regions and tropics at high altitudes) of which about 12 are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Hemarthria

There are 12 species worldwide (tropical and subtropical regions of the Old World) of which one Hemarthria altissima is indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Heteropogon

There are about six species worldwide (tropics and subtropics) of which two (Heteropogon contortus and Heteropogon melanocarpus) are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Holcus

There are six species worldwide (Europe, Africa and Middle East) of which one (Holcus setiger) is endemic and one (Holcus lanatus) is naturalised to southern Africa. In addition, Holcus mollis is cultivated in the region.

 

Hordeum (Barley genus)

There are about 40 species worldwide (temperate regions) of which one is indigenous to southern Africa and four are naturalised species.  Hordeum vulgare (Barley) is cultivated in the region, mainly for beer production.

 

Hyparrhenia

There are about 55 species worldwide (mainly Africa, also other tropical regions and the Mediterranean) of which 20 are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Hyperthelia

There are six species worldwide (Africa) of which one Hyperthelia dissoluta is indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Imperata

There are eight species worldwide (tropics and subtropics) of which one Imperata cylindrica is indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Ischaemum

There are about 60 species worldwide (tropics, mainly Asia) of which two (Ischaemum afrum and Ischaemum fasciculatum) are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Kaokochloa

One species: Kaokochloa nigrirostris endemic to southern Africa (NW Namibia). 

 

Karroochloa

The four species are endemic to southern Africa. 

 

Koeleria

There are 35-60 species worldwide (temperate regions) of which one Koeleria capensis is indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Leersia

There are 18 species worldwide (tropics and warm temperate regions) of which four are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Leptocarydion

One species: Leptocarydion vulpiastrum, which occurs in eastern and southern Africa. 

 

Leptochloa

There are about 30 species worldwide (tropics and subtropics) of which seven are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Lepturus

There are about 15 species worldwide (E Africa, Sri Lanka, Polynesia to Australia) of which one Lepturus repens is indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Leucophrys

One species: Leucophrys mesocoma, endemic to southern Africa (S Namibia to Northern Cape). 

 

Lintonia

There are two species worldwide (Africa) of which one Lintonia nutans is indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Lophacme

There are two species worldwide (Africa) of which one species Lophacme digitata is indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Loudetia

There are about 26 species worldwide (tropical Africa, Madagascar and South America) of which six are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Megaloprotachne

One species: Megaloprotachne albescens, endemic to southern Africa (Namibia, Botswana and Northern Cape). 

 

Megastachya

One species: Megastachya mucronata, which occurs in tropical areas of Africa and into southern Africa (KwaZulu-Natal).  

 

Melica

There are 80 species worldwide (temperate regions, excluding Australia) of which two are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Melinis

There are 20 species worldwide (mainly Africa) of which 12 are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Merxmuellera

The 17 species are endemic to southern Africa.  

 

Microchloa

There are about four species worldwide (tropics) of which three are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Microstegium

There are about 15 species worldwide (tropical Asia and Africa) of which one Microstegium nudum is indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Miscanthus

There are about seven species worldwide (tropical and southern Africa) of which two are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Monelytrum

One species: Monelytrum luederitzianum, which occurs from Namibia through to S Angola.  

 

Monocymbium

There are about four species worldwide (tropical and southern Africa) of which one Monocymbium ceresiiforme is indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Mosdenia

One species: Mosdenia leptostachys, indigenous to southern Africa (northern provinces). 

 

Odontelytrum

One species: Odontelytrum abyssinicum, which occurs from Ethiopia to southern Africa (Mpumalanga). 

 

Odyssea

There are two species worldwide (Africa) of which one Odyssea paucinervis is indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Olyra

There are 23 species worldwide (mainly tropics and subtropics of America and Africa) of which one Olyra latifolia is indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Oplismenus

There are five species worldwide (tropics and subtropics) of which three are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Oropetium

There are about six species worldwide (arid regions of  India and Africa) of which one Oropetium capense is indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Oryza (rice genus)

There are about 25 species worldwide (tropics and subtropics) of which three are indigenous to southern Africa. Oryza sativa (rice) has been cultivated in southern Africa, but most of the rice eaten in the region, is imported.

 

Oryzidium

One species: Oryzidium barnardii (southern tropical Africa, including southern Africa) 

 

Oxyrhachis

One species: Oxyrhachis gracillima, endemic to southern Africa (southern KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape). 

 

Oxytenanthera

One species: Oxytenanthera abyssinica (Africa, including southern Africa). 

 

Panicum (Common millet genus)

There are about 470 species worldwide (tropical, subtropical and warm temperate regions) of which 41 are indigenous to southern Africa. Panicum miliaceum (Common millet) is a domesticated species originating from Central Asia that is grown to a limited extent in southern Africa and which has become naturalised as well. 

 

Paratheria

There are two species worldwide (Africa, Madagascar, Cuba and Brazil) of which one Pantheria prostata is indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Paspalidium

There are about 40 species worldwide (warm regions) of which two are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Paspalum

There are about 330 species worldwide (tropics, predominately New World) of which three species are indigenous to southern Africa and three naturalised. In addition, Paspalum nutans (indigenous to tropical America) is cultivated in the region.

 

Pennisetum

There are about 80 species worldwide (warm regions) of which eight are indigenous to southern Africa and five are naturalised. An additional species is cultivated in the region.  Pennisetum glaucum (Pearl millet) is cultivated widely in Africa and India and is also naturalised  in southern Africa. Pennisetum clandestinum (Kikuyu grass) is cultivated as a pasture grass and has also become naturalised.

 

Pentameris

The nine species are endemic to southern Africa (mountains of Western Cape and Eastern Cape) 

 

Pentaschistis

There are about 65 species worldwide (Africa and Madagascar) of which 56 are indigenous to southern Africa (mainly mountainous regions). 

 

Perotis

There are about 10 species worldwide (Africa to Asia and Australia) of which three are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Phacelurus

There are about nine species worldwide (Africa to Indo-China and Japan) of which one Phacelurus franksiae is indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Phragmites

There are three species worldwide (cosmopolitan) of which two are indigenous to southern Africa (aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats). 

 

Poa

There are about 500 species worldwide (cosmopolitan) of which three are indigenous to southern Africa and three naturalised. An additional species is cultivated in the region.  

 

Pogonarthria

There are four species worldwide (Africa) of which three are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Polevansia

One species: Polevansia rigida, endemic to southern Africa (Lesotho, Eastern Cape). 

 

Polypogon

There are about 18 species worldwide (tropics and warm temperate regions) of which one is indigenous to southern Africa and two are naturalised. 

 

Prionanthium

The three species are endemic to the Western Cape, South Africa.  

 

Prosphytochloa

One species: Prosphytochloa prehensilis, indigenous in southern Africa. 

 

Pseudechinolaena

There are six species worldwide, five are endemic to Madagascar and the other has a pantropical distribution that includes southern Africa. 

 

Pseudopentameris

The four species are endemic to the Western Cape, South Africa. 

 

Puccinellia

There are about 80 species worldwide (mainly north temperate regions) of which two are indigenous to southern Africa and two are naturalised. 

 

Rendlia

One species: Rendlia altera, found in the high eastern regions of southern Africa. 

 

Rhytachne

There are 12 species worldwide (Africa, Madagascar and South America) of which three are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Rottboellia

There are four species worldwide (tropical and subtropical Africa and Asia) of which one Rottboellia cochinchinensis is indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Sacciolepis

There are 30 species worldwide (tropics, mainly Africa) of which eight are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Sartidia

There are four species worldwide (Africa and Madagascar) of which three are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Schismus

There are five species worldwide (Africa, Mediterranean region to NW India) of which four are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Schizachyrium

There are about 60 species worldwide (tropics) of which six are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Schmidtia

There are two species, both are indigenous to southern Africa, but the genus occurs elsewhere in Africa and in Pakistan. 

 

Schoenefeldia

There are two species worldwide (Africa, Madagascar and India) of which one Schoenefeldia transiens is indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Secale (Rye genus)

There are about five species worldwide (Mediterranean, E Europe, central Asia) of which one is indigenous to southern Africa. Secale cereale (Rye)  is a domesticated species originating from E Turkey and Armenia that is cultivated to produce grain low in gluten and used in rye bread, crispbreads, and some alcoholic spirits (e.g. some whiskeys made in the USA, gin and some types of vodka). 

 

Sehima

There are seven species worldwide (Africa, India and Australia) of which two (Sehima galpinii and Sehima ischaemoides) are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Setaria

There are about 110 species worldwide (tropics and subtropics) of which 15 are indigenous to southern Africa and two are naturalised. There is an additional species that is cultivated in the region. Includes Setaria italica (Foxtail millet), which was domesticated in East Asia over 7000 years ago and is now cultivated to a minor extent, mainly for producing bird seed. 

 

Sorghastrum

There are about 20 species worldwide (mainly tropics and subtropics of America and Africa) of which two (Sorghastrum friessii and Sorghastrum stipoides) are indigenous to southern Africa. In addition, Sorghastrum nutans (Indiangrass), which is indigenous to the North American prairies, is cultivated in the region.

 

Sorghum (Sorghum genus)

There are about 24 species worldwide (tropics and subtropics of the Old World) of which two are indigenous to southern Africa and one is naturalised. Sorghum bicolor (Sorghum) is one of the indigenous species and has domesticated varieties grown as crops.

 

Spartina

There are about 16 species worldwide (temperate America, coastal Europe and Africa) of which one Spartina maritima are indigenous to southern Africa (found along edges of estuaries along the coast of Namibia, the Western Cape and Eastern Cape). 

 

Sporobolus

There are about 160 species worldwide (tropical and warm temperate regions) of which 38 are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Stenotaphrum

There are seven species worldwide (tropics and subtropics) of which two (Stenotaphrum secundatum and Stenotaphrum dimidiatum) are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Stereochlaena

There are five species worldwide (tropical East Africa to South Africa) of which one Stereochlaena cameronii is indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Stiburus

The two species are endemic to southern Africa. 

 

Stipa

There are about 300 species worldwide (tropical through to temperate regions) of which two are indigenous to southern Africa and two are naturalised.

 

Stipagrostis

There are about 50 species worldwide (Africa, NW India and SW Asia) of which 29 are indigenous to southern Africa. The San people are known to collected and eat wild seeds of Stipagrostis uniplumis and Stipagrostis brevifolia.

 

Streblochaete

One species: Streblochaete longiarista (tropical Africa, Réunion, Indonesia, Philippines). Within southern Africa it occurs in the Eastern Cape. 

 

Styppeiochloa

There are two species worldwide (mountains of south and southeast tropical Africa) of which one Styppeiochloa gynoglossa is indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Tarigidia

One species: Tarigidia aequiglumis, endemic to southern Africa. 

 

Tetrachne

One species: Tetrachne dregei, endemic to southern Africa. 

 

Tetrapogon

There are five species worldwide (Middle East, India and Africa) of which one Tetrapogon tenellus is indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Thamnocalamus

There are about six species worldwide (E Asia, Africa) of which one Thamnocalamus tessellatus is indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Thelepogon

One species: Thelepogon elegans (tropical Africa through to Indonesia). Within southern Africa it occurs in the Caprivi (Namibia). 

 

Themeda

There are 18 species worldwide (Old World tropics and subtropics, mainly Asia) of which one Themeda triandra is indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Trachypogon

There are 13 species worldwide (Africa, Madagascar and tropical America) of which one Trachypogon spicatus is indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Tragus

There are seven species worldwide (tropics, mainly Africa) of which four are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Tribolium

The 10 species are endemic to southern Africa. 

 

Tricholaena

There are four species worldwide (mainly Africa, also Canaries, Mediterranean and Madagascar) of which two are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Trichoneura

There are seven species worldwide (Africa, Arabian Peninsula, USA) of which two are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Trichopteryx

There are five species worldwide (Africa and Madagascar) of which one Trichopteryx dregeana is indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Tripogon

There are about 30 species worldwide (tropical Africa, India, Australia) of which one Tripogon minimus is indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Triraphis

There are seven species worldwide (Africa, Arabian Peninsula, one in Australia) of which five are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Tristachya

There are about 22 species worldwide (tropical Africa and America, Madagascar) of which six are indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Urelytrum

There are seven species worldwide (tropical Africa) of which one Urelytrum agropyroides is indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Urochloa

There are about 12 species worldwide (Old World tropics) of which six are indigenous to southern Africa. Bushveld signal grass Urochloa mosambicensis is used as a cereal in rural areas of southern Africa.

 

Vetiveria

There are 10 species worldwide (tropical Africa, Asia and Australia) of which one Vetiveria nigritana is indigenous to southern Africa. In addition, Vetiveria zizanioides is cultivated in the region.

 

Vossia

One species: Vossia cuspidata (tropical Africa and India). Within southern Africa it occurs in Namibia (Caprivi) and N Botswana. 

 

Willkommia

There are four species worldwide (tropical Africa, USA) of which three are indigenous to southern Africa (N Namibia, Botswana). 

 

Genera naturalised in southern Africa

List from Fish (2000, 2003).

Achnatherum

Achnatherum clandestinum.

 

Aira

There are eight species worldwide (indigenous to Europe and the Mediterranean through to Iran) of which two are introduced weeds in southern Africa. 

 

Ammophila

There are two species worldwide (indigenous to north temperate regions) of which one, Ammophila arenaria (Marram grass) has become naturalised in southern Africa. 

 

Arrhenatherum

There are about six species worldwide (indigenous to Europe, Mediterranean and Middle East) of which one (Arrhenatherum elatius - False Oat, French rye-grass) has been cultivated in southern Africa and become naturalised in KwaZulu-Natal.

 

Arundinaria

Three species cultivated.

 

Arundo

There are three species worldwide (indigenous from Mediterranean to China) of which one (Arundo donax - Giant reed) is cultivated and naturalised in southern Africa. This is the species used for making wind instruments and is also grown in gardens. 

 

Avena (oats genus)

There are about 25 species worldwide (indigenous to the Mediterranean and Middle East) of which five have been introduced to southern Africa and become naturalised, including Avena sativa (Oats), which is cultivated for the production of oats, the primary ingredient of porridge.

 

Axonopus

There are 110 species worldwide (indigenous to tropical and subtropical America) of which one Axonopus affinis has become naturalised in southern Africa. 

 

Bambusa (bamboos - part)

There are about 120 species worldwide (indigenous to tropical Asia and America) of which one, Bambusa balcooa (Common bamboo), has become naturalised in southern Africa. An additional eight species are cultivated in the region.

 

Briza (quake grass, quaking grass, shaking grass)

There are about 20 species worldwide (temperate Eurasia, South America) of which three have become naturalised in southern Africa. 

Large Quaking Grass Briza maxima in weedy field, Cape Town.

Catapodium

There are two species worldwide (indigenous from Europe and North Africa to Iran) of which one Catapodium rigidum has become naturalised in southern Africa (coastal areas of the Western Cape). 

 

Coix lacryma-jobi (Job's tears)

There are about five species of Coix worldwide (indigenous to tropical Asia) of which Coix lacryma-jobi is cultivated in southern Africa and has become naturalised. 

 

Cortaderia (Pampas grass genus)

There are 24 species worldwide (indigenous to South America, New Zealand and New Guinea) of which two, Cortaderia jubata (Pampas grass, Pampasgras) and Cortaderia selloana (Pampas grass, Pampasgras, Silwergras) have been cultivated and naturalised in southern Africa. The commoner of the two species is Pampas grass, which has been grown in gardens and in the past was misguidedly used for vegetative reclamation of mine dumps. Both species are now declared Category 1 invader plant in South Africa and hence can no longer be cultivated and you have to remove them from your land. However, land users are permitted to grow sterile cultivars of Pampas grass.

 

Corynephorus

There are five species worldwide (Europe and Mediterranean to Iran) of which one Corynephorus fasciculatus has become naturalised in southern Africa (Western Cape). 

 

Cynosurus

There are eight species worldwide (Europe, Middle East and Africa) of which two are naturalised (Cynosurus echinatus and Cynosurus coloratus).

 

Dactylis (Cock's-foot genus)

There are about five species worldwide (indigenous to temperate Eurasia) of which one,  Dactylis glomerata (Cock's-foot), is cultivated in southern Africa and sometimes occurs naturally as an escapee. . 

 

Deschampsia (hair grasses)

There are 40 species worldwide (indigenous to temperate regions and high-altitude tropics) of which two have become naturalised in southern Africa. 

 

Elytrigia

There are about eight species worldwide (temperate regions) of which one Elytrigia repens has become naturalised in southern Africa. 

 

Gastridium

There are two species worldwide (indigenous to Mediterranean region) of which one Gastridium phleoides has become naturalised in southern Africa (Western Cape). 

 

Hainardia

One species: Heinardia cylindrica, indigenous to the Mediterranean region and has become naturalised in southern Africa (coastal regions of Eastern and Western Cape).  

 

Lagurus

One species: Lagurus ovatus, indigenous to the Mediterranean region and naturalised to southern Africa. 

 

Lamarckia

One species: Lamarckia aurea, indigenous from the Mediterranean to Pakistan and introduced to southern Africa. 

 

Lolium

There are eight species worldwide (indigenous to temperate regions of Eurasia) of which four have become naturalised in southern Africa. 

 

Lophochloa

There are about 85 species worldwide (temperate regions) of which two have become naturalised in southern Africa. 

 

Microlaena

There are about 10 species worldwide (Philippines, Java to Australia) of which one Microlaena stipoides has become naturalised in southern Africa. 

 

Nassella

There are about 15 species worldwide (South America) of which three have become naturalised in southern Africa. Nassella tenuissima (White tussock, Witpolgras) and Nassella trichotoma (Nassella tussock, Nassella polgras) are Category 1 weeds in South Africa.

 

Parapholis

There are six species worldwide (Europe and Asia) of which one Parapholis incurva has become naturalised in southern Africa. 

 

Periballia

There are three species worldwide (indigenous to Mediterranean) of which one Periballia minuta is indigenous to southern Africa. 

 

Phalaris

There are about 16 species worldwide (northern temperate regions, South America) of which six have become established in southern Africa as weeds or escapees from cultivation. 

 

Sphenopus

There are two species worldwide (Mediterranean to Iran) of which one Sphenopus divaricatus has become naturalised in southern Africa. 

 

Steinchisma

Steinchisma hians has become naturalised in southern Africa.

 

Thinopyrum

There are about five species worldwide (coastal Europe, southern Africa) of which one Thinopyrum distichum is naturalised in southern Africa (Western and Eastern Cape). 

 

Vulpia

There are about 23 species worldwide (temperate regions, mainly Mediterranean) of which four have become naturalised in southern Africa. 

 

Other genera, cultivated in southern Africa

List from Glen (2002).

Agropyron caninum

Indigenous to Europe.

 

Alopecurus pratensis (Meadow foxtail)

 

Bouteloua

Two species cultivated.

 

Buchloe dactyloides

Indigenous to the western USA.

 

Chasmanthium latifolium

Indigenous to the eastern USA.

 

Dendrocalamus (Giant bamboo genus)

Three species cultivated, including Dendrocalamus giganteus (Giant bamboo).

 

Hilaria belangeri

Indigenous to North America.

 

Hystrix patula (Bottle-brush grass)

Indigenous to North America.

 

Phyllostachys aurea (Fish-pole bamboo)

Indigenous to southeast China.

 

Pogonatherum paniceum

Indigenous from India through to Japan.

 

Saccharum officinarum (Sugarcane)

 

Triticum (wheat genus)

Two species cultivated: Triticum aestivum (Bread wheat) and Triticum turgidum (Durum wheat).

 

Zea mays (Mielies, Corn)

Zoysia japonica (Shiba)

Indigenous to Japan, China and Korea.

 

Publications

  • Fish, L. 2000. Poaceae. In: Seed Plants of Southern Africa (ed. O.A. Leistner). Strelitzia 10: 659-726. National Botanical Institute, Pretoria.

  • Fish, L. 2003. Poaceae. In Germishuizen, G. & Meyer, N.L. (eds), Plants of southern Africa: an annotated checklist. Strelitzia 14: 1152-1194. National Botanical Institute, Pretoria. 

  • Glen, H.F. 2002. Cultivated Plants of Southern Africa. Jacana, Johannesburg.

  • van Oudtshoorn, F. 1999. Guide to Grasses of Southern Africa. Briza, Pretoria.

 

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