Stipagrostis namaquensis explained

Stipagrostis namaquensis (river bushman grass;^[1] Afrikaans: Steekkweek, "stinging weed"^[2]) is a species of grass native to Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, and the Cape Provinces and Free State of South Africa, especially in the Nama Karoo. It is listed as "safe" (LC) on the SANBI Red List.^[3]

Stipagrostis namaquensis is a perennial loose tussock with extended rhizomes. The lower sheathes are fuzzy, and the stems are kneaded or upright at 10–20 cm long. The leaf sheaths can be bare or fuzzy, but the leaves stick up 6–10 cm long and measure 1–2 mm wide. The flower is an open or lance-shaped plume if 10–15 cm, and the spines are 10–15 mm long.

African lovegrass is mildly suited to grazing.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Kyffhauser .
2. also: Kalaharikweek ("Kalahari weed"); steekrietboesmangras "stinging reed bushman grass"; steekwiet, bamboeskweek, "bamboo weed")
3. Web site: Red List entry . SANBI.
4. Web site: Du Toit . P.C.V. . Objektiewe weidingsindekswaardes van Nama-Karoo plantegroei: grasse en bossies van die Karoo . Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute.