Ehrharta erecta

Ehrharta erecta is a species of grass commonly known as panic veldtgrass. The species is native to Southern Africa and Yemen. It is a documented invasive species in the United States,[1] New Zealand, Australia, southern Europe, and China.[2]

Ehrharta erecta
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Genus: Ehrharta
Species:
E. erecta
Binomial name
Ehrharta erecta

The species is perennial, and normally grows to about 30 to 50 centimeters, although it may reach two meters in height. It will grow in a wide variety of habitats, even in shade.[3]

The species has been used for birdseed, and in ecological restoration such as dune stabilization. However, it has become an invasive weed in many parts of the world. Flowering and seeding throughout the year, its seeds germinate rapidly, forming new plants in only a few weeks.[2][4][5]

Distribution

It was first recorded in Ireland in 2017, but there are earlier records from Great Britain.[6]

References
  1. Frey, Mark. "Element Stewardship Abstract for Ehrharta spp. Thunb". The Nature Conservancy. Archived from the original on 2005-11-24. Retrieved 2019-03-29.
  2. "Ehrharta erecta (panic veldtgrass)". Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International. Retrieved 2016-02-03.
  3. "Ehrharta erecta". International Environmental Weed Foundation. Retrieved 2016-02-03.
  4. "Panic Veldt Grass". Sydney Weeds Committees. Retrieved 2013-12-27.
  5. "Weed of the month archive". ANGAIR. Retrieved 2013-12-27.
  6. Nash, D. 2018 Panic Velt Grass (Ehrharta erecta L.) a grass new to Ireland. Irish Naturalists' Journal 36(1) p.30-31
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