Elephant Grass Elephant
grass is a tall grass that originally came from
Africa in 1913. It grows in dense clumps of up to
10 feet tall. In the savannas of Africa it grows
along lake beds and rivers where the soil is rich.
Local farmers cut the grass for their animals,
carrying it home in huge piles on their backs or on
carts. Yellowish
or purple in color,the stems are coarse and hairy,
and about 1 inch thick near the base. The leaves
are 2 to 3 feet long, pointed at the ends, and
about 1 inch wide. The edges of the leaves are
razor-sharp. This makes stands of elephant grass
nearly impenetrable. Many bird species make their
home in the stands. Elephant grass can be very invasive and clogs the natural waterways of Florida which have to be cleared periodically. It likes tropical weather and can be killed by a light frost. The underground parts will stay alive if the soil doesn't freeze. 2000
bibliography: "Pennistum purpureum", http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/nexus/Pennisetum_purpureum_ nex.html, (Sept. 2000). "Pennistum purpureum", http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duke_energy/Pennisetum_ purpureum.html, (Sept. 2000).
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