ALEMAN GRASS

Echinochloa polystachya

Description Aquatic or semi-aquatic grass that forms dense stands in swampy areas and along banks of watercourses. Grows up to 2.5 m and in water up to 2 m deep.

Leaves Flat, smooth, tapered, 20–50 cm long and 2–3.5 cm wide, with rough edges.

Seedhead 15–30 cm long and have many side branches, each 2–11 cm long, consisting of tiny flower spikelets (up to 7 mm long). May be present all year round.

Stems Lower parts of the stems are coarse and thick, arising from long, rooted runners. The leaf base area (ligule) is a fringe of stiff yellow hairs up to 4 mm long.

Dispersal Seed and vegetative reproduction from broken stems, runners and roots, dispersed by waterways.

Confused with Weed species Johnson grass (Sorghum halepense)

Control Contact your local Rous County Council Weed Biosecurity Officer for control advice and disposal. Manually remove where appropriate. Ensure plant material does not contact the soil. Foliar spray with herbicide registered for aquatic use.

GAMBA GRASS Andropogon gayanus

PROHIBITED MATTER – REPORT THIS WEED (02) 6623 3800

Description Perennial, clumping tropical grass up to 4 m tall and up to 1 m wide. Forms dense patches. There is variation within this species as plants can have many or few shoots.

Leaves Up to 1 m long, 1.5–5 cm wide with a prominent white midrib.

Seedhead Triangular shaped and loosely branched, have up to 6 groups of primary branches and 2–18 branches per group.

Seed Light brown to brownish-black, 2–3 mm long and 1 mm wide.

Stems Due to variation within species, stems may be thick with wide leaves or fine with thinner leaves. The stems are usually hairy.

Roots It has three types of roots 1. fibrous roots close to the soil surface that grow up to 1 m away from the clump; 2. rhizomes (stems that grow under the surface); 3. deep vertical roots.

Dispersal Seed dispersed by waterways, contaminated hay and in mud attached to vehicles, slashers, and other machinery. Spreads short distance by wind.

Confused with Weed species Thatch grass (Hyparrhenia rufa).

Control Please do not attempt to treat or dispose of this weed yourself Call (02) 6623 3800 if you see this plant anywhere in the Far North Coast region.