Poaceae

Eragrostis curvula

Common Names: African lovegrass

Plant Form: Tufted perennial grass. Size: Up to 1 m tall. Stem: Slender, upright, hairless. Leaves: Flat or rolled with spreading blades, sheath partially enclosing the stem, yellowing with age. Flowers: Dense head spreading wide and loose with age, spikelets are grey to purplish. Fruit and Seeds: Tiny seeds 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm long, oval shaped. Habitat: Roadsides, disturbed sites, spreading into pasture and grasslands. Distinguishing Features: Generally taller than other Lovegrasses (Eragrostis species) and can be distinguished by the presence of long hairs at the base of the stem. Impacts: Crowds out native species while modifying vegetation structure, can be less palatable for stock.

Uniform dull light green

Young flowers are dark

Often forms clumps

Flowers held low near leaves