Spread of Cloncurry buffel grass (Cenchrus pennisetiformis) on a river levee in north-western Queensland

Abstract

Spread of Cenchrus pennisetiformis (Cloncurry buffel grass, previously C. ciliaris) from initial strip planting was studied. After 9 years, colonization of the area between the strips had reached the stage where the original plantings were no longer obvious. Several factors emerged as being of importance to the spread of C. pennisetiformis in this semi-arid environment. Trees and logs provided more favourable microhabitats than open areas. Of two soil textural types present, the spread was greater on loam than on loamy sand. Wind was shown to be important in seed dispersal. Lack of spread in the early years after sowing is attributed to the need to accumulate reserves of viable seed in the soil.