Urochloa mutica
[Brachiaria mutica]
Para grass

Non-Native in Florida

Para grass is an invasive plant from Africa. It is a medium size sprawling grass that may be noticed covering large areas growing in water or on land. There are about 100 species of Brachiaria worldwide, some considered good fodder. In India, para grass is reported to be planted to control cat-tail (Typha). Para grass seeds are used by water birds.


Para grass is a NON-NATIVE grass. stems sprawling, recline on the ground then ascend upward, 3-12 ft. long; leaf nodes swollen, with dense shaggy hairs; leaf blades flat, 4-12 in. long, to 3/4 in. wide, fine short hairs on upper surface at base; sheaths loose, overlapping, with stiff hairs; inflorescence at stem tip, 8-20 alternate branches spreading upward; spikelets purplish


For more information and pictures about para grass, as contained in the Langeland/Burks book, Identification & Biology of Non-Native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas, download this Acrobat .PDF file.


The UF/IFAS Assessment lists plants according to their invasive status in Florida. View the list here.

Click here to see the herbarium specimen image of the UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA HERBARIUM DIGITAL IMAGING PROJECTS.

Home | Common Names |
CAIP-WEBSITE@ufl.edu
Copyright 2005 University of Florida