Hyparrhenia hirta is a species of grass known by the common names common thatching grass and Coolatai grass. It is native to much of Africa and Eurasia, and it is known on other continents as an introduced species. In eastern Australia it is a tenacious noxious weed.New South Wales FloraChejara, V.K., et al. (2008). Factors affecting germination of Coolatai grass (Hyparrhenia hirta). Weed Science 56:4 543–48. In South Africa, where it is native, it is very common and one of the most widely used thatching grasses.PlantZAfrica.comBussmann, R. W., et al. (2006). Plant use of the Maasai of Sekenani Valley, Maasai Mara, Kenya. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed 2 22. It is also used for grazing livestock and weaving mats and baskets.
This is a perennial grass forming clumps to tall with tough, dense bases sprouting from rhizomes. The inflorescence atop the wiry stem is a panicle of hairy spikelets with bent awns up to long. The grass can grow in a variety of habitat types, in dry conditions, heavy, rocky, eroded soils, and disturbed areas.
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External links
Jepson Manual Treatment USDA Plants Profile Grass Manual Treatment