Cenchrus clandestinus sheath NC1
Rhizomatous and stoloniferous perennial grass to 90 cm tall. Leaf sheaths hairy, blades 3–7 mm wide, glabrous or slightly hairy and ligules are dense ciliate rims. Flowerheads are reduced to a cluster of 2–4 spikelets and are enclosed within leaf sheaths. Terminal spikelet has up to 15 delicate bristles, the lateral with fewer. Spikelets are bisexual or functionally unisexual and 10–20 mm long. Suited to very fertile, well-drained soils. In favourable conditions the runners spread rapidly, making kikuyu a very suitable species for erosion control. Most growth in spring, summer and autumn. Responds very well to nitrogen fertiliser and irrigation combined with intensive grazing. Pastures dominated by kikuyu are unsuitable for horses. Ryegrass or oats are often direct-drilled into established kikuyu to provide a year-round feed supply. White clover is the main companion legume used. Do not use in mixtures of grasses.