Melica racemosa is a grass species belonging to
the family Poaceae that is endemic to Southern
Africa which was described by Carl Peter Thunberg in 1794.
_w.jpg)
Close up of spikelets of Melica racemosa
Distribution
Melica racemosa is native to Lesotho, Swaziland and South
Africa where it is found in the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Western Cape, Free
State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga,
Description
Melica racemosa is perennial and caespitose
(forming a dense turf) with culms that are 30–60 centimetres in
height.
The leaf-blades are erect, flat and are 4–30 centimetres
long by 1.5–5 millimetres wide
The white flowers or spikelets as they are known in
grasses are produced from September to April
Melica racemosa grows mostly in pure stands
on hills, mountain slopes and east to south facing banks on road
reserves.
_w.jpg)
Melica racemosa inflorescence
Cultivation
Melica racemosa prefers full sun where it will flower
best but will also grow well in a half-shady situation where it will not flower
in such profusion as it does in the full sun.
Melica racemosa prefers damp situations but will also
grow where it is quite dry, it appears to be able to grow on a range of soils
including heavy clay soils.
Melica racemosa displays allelopathic properties, which
helps suppress weed growth in cultivation.
Allelopathy is a biological phenomenon by which an
organism produces one or more biochemicals known as
allelochemicals that influence the growth, survival, and reproduction of
other organisms.
Corn gluten meal (CGM) is a natural pre-emergence weed
control used in turfgrass, which reduces germination of many broadleaf and
grass weeds.
I have had Melica racemosa growing very successfully in
my grass garden for a number of years during which time it has spread a little
out competing some of the grasses but none of the established grassland fobs
such as Vernonia capensis and Vernonia natalensis have been affected.
.JPG)
Melica racemosa
Propagation
Propagation as with most grasses is best done by seed but
it can also be grown vegetatively by subdivision.
Landscaping
Melica racemosa is a very attractive grass in particular
when it is in flower which displays characteristics that may make it a good
subject for landscaping.
.JPG)
Melica racemosa growing naturally
Staggers grass Melica decumbens a close relative when eaten in large quantities has a narcotic effect on cattle and to a lesser degree on sheep.
Michael Hickman
Landscape Design and Rehabilitation Specialist
02.12.14
Please do not leave this page without clicking on the G+ button below if you do not have a Google profile it is about time that you registered for one
