104 0 obj The seed-heads are usually inconspicuous, remaining hidden inside the sheaths of the leaves. Kikuyu as a pasture grass. The origin of Kikuyu grass is the East Africa region where it grows in the lower tropic regions. The only thing in ⦠Pasture, waste areas, roadsides, coastal and open areas. kikuyus) Kikuyu Kikuyu grass kikuyu (Spanish) Noun kikuyu (masc.) Kikuyu Grass Characteristics Itâs these same qualities that brought Kikuyu grass to Australia back in the 1920âs as a pasture grass for cattle and other livestock. Kikuyu Names for boys and their meaning The Kikuyu people of Kenya have a very specific way of naming children. Clandestinum refers to the clandestine or hidden seed heads. Stem and leaves Plants are a network of horizontal many-jointed stems (i.e. Do not use in mixtures of grasses. /T 173869 In warmer areas, Kikuyu grass can be highly invasive and is difficult to control. Symptoms. Four herbicides in combination with the additives Uptake oil, or without ⦠Since Warm Season grass grows most actively in Spring & Summer, this is when it needs to be fertilized most. For optimal production, rainfall must exceed 700mm/ annum. Kikuyu grass can grow an inch a day taking over your lawn and killing your good grass. Conditions Favouring Disease. The scientific name for Kikuyu grass is Pennisetum clandestinum. Benefits Forms a thick mat. << These seed-heads consist of a cluster of 2-4 logn and narrow (i.e. 0000076412 00000 n Kikuyu people; Kikuyu language; Kikuyu, Kenya, a town in the Central Province; Kikuyu Central Association, a political organisation; Kikuyu Constituency, an electoral division in Kenya; Kikuyu grass, Pennisetum clandestinum A fictional corporation in Walter Jon Williams' novel Hardwired 0000016512 00000 n 0000002818 00000 n Additional keywords: genotype diversity, kikuyu grass, salt and drought tolerance, untapped breeding potential. Abstract The ability of herbicides and additives to selectively control kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum) without damaging Cook's scurvy grass (Lepidium oleraceum) was investigated. /Contents [96 0 R 97 0 R 98 0 R 99 0 R 100 0 R 101 0 R 102 0 R 103 0 R] endobj 0000002280 00000 n The grass in the centre of the circle dies, leaving the area susceptible to invading weeds and other grasses. 0000051157 00000 n stream Bisexual and female flowers have long two-branched stigmas that emerge from the leaf sheath, while bisexual and male flowers have three very long stamens borne on filaments 2.5-5 cm long. /Resources <>/XObject<>/ExtGState<>/ColorSpace<>>> %PDF-1.3 355 Kikuyu definition is - a member of a Bantu-speaking people of Kenya. It can tolerate heat and will do well under relatively shady conditions. <> /O 39 What does kikuyu mean? Kikuyu Grass is a warm season perennial lawn grass adapted to irrigated areas of the lower deserts in Arizona. 0000015995 00000 n It is a very hardy weed that grows extremely fast in warm climates like southern California. Mears P, 1970. Pennisetum clandestinum Family: Poaceae. Kikuyu grass spreads by its thick rhizomes and vigorous stolons. Until today, Kikuyu (named after a tribe in Kenya) is still the most popular and affordable lawn, because of this reviving quality. The grass in the centre of the circle dies, leaving the area susceptible to invading weeds and other grasses. In the late 20th century the Kikuyu numbered more than 4,400,000 and formed the largest ethnic group in Kenya, approximately 20 percent of the total population. Plants are a network of horizontal many-jointed stems (i.e. 0000016816 00000 n Kikuyu grasses: see also kikuyugrassesâ Kikuyu grasses ⦠3ã (kikuyu or kikuyu grass) a creeping perennial grass which is native to Kenya and cultivated… Cape Town, South Africa: Central News Agency. It generally grows less than 30 cm in height, but may occasionally reach up to 90 cm tall. stolons) forming dense mats on the soil surface. Meredith D, 1955. Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) most commonly spreads vegetatively via its creeping aboveground and belowground stems (i.e. yus 1. Due to its vigorous growth patterns, Kikuyu is a very invasive grass and doesnât tend to want to stay put in its designated area. The first born son is always given the same name as his paternal Grandfather. KENDA KIKUYU. /Root 38 0 R It is because of this, Kikuyu may not be your best option around or near your gardens. 0000022580 00000 n The downside of Kikuyu is, because it comes from a semi-tropical and warm climate, it cannot handle shade or semi-shade areas. Landscape Range Turbocote Kikuyu Lawn Seed is a WARM SEASON grass that require soil temperatures of 18 + degrees to germinate. 0000022346 00000 n 0000030981 00000 n 0000045514 00000 n 43 0 obj 0000039564 00000 n At the junction of the leaf sheath and leaf blade is a small line of hairs (i.e. It has a medium texture and is used for various situations including home lawns, sporting fields. Since plant material and soil can bear spores of the fungus, it can be difficult to control. Perennial grass with creeping stems & rhizomes. endobj The origin of kikuyu grass, genetic variability, tolerances to soil salinity and drought, and potential for genetic improvement are also discussed. /Size 106 0000050813 00000 n 0000050294 00000 n It is a deep rooted, sod forming grass, spread by seed, rhizomes ( underground runners), and stolons (above ground runners). 0000064529 00000 n The 'seeds' (i.e. /N 7 The steams and leaves of the grass are covered with fine hairs and it is soft to the touch. 0000056887 00000 n 4 It has been introduced to several other African countries, notably Zaire, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. kikuyus) Kikuyuâ¦. startxref 37 0 obj Kikuyu Yellows thrives on high temperatures in spring and summer which offsets Kikuyuâs dominant growth period. Kikuyu is native to Kenya and Kenyan seed was used in the 1960âs to start a propagation programme in New South Wales to ⦠in southern and central Queensland, eastern New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria, Tasmania, many parts of South Australia and south-western Western Australia). It is beneficial to scarify warm season lawns first in spring when an application of 5:1:5 can be introduced onto the roots at 50g / m². Kikuyu can be controlled using a combination of intensive grazing, mechanical removal, spraying and re-sowing with other species. 0000072632 00000 n Creeping underground stems (i.e. 0000035474 00000 n 0 0000003564 00000 n 0000031488 00000 n In lawns*: LawnPro Prickle and Hydrocotyle will suppress kikuyu without harm to the lawn grass.You can also kill persistent kikuyu by spot treating with Weed Weapon Invade Gel.Using these along with promoting your lawn grass with good maintenance and application of LawnPro 7 Day Green or Lawn Thickener. It sometimes also reproduces by seed. <> Kikuyu grass definition: a type of fast-growing tropical grass , Pennisetum clandestinum , native to E Africa | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples 0000034330 00000 n Kikuyu can grow rapidly in summer when conditions are favourable (warm and wet) and must be managed well to optimise pasture quality. 0000046370 00000 n endobj Origin: Kenya General description. It grows best in loamy or clay soils. Kikuyu or Gikuyu (GÄ©kÅ©yÅ©) may refer to: . (1979) EPPO (2020) Burundi: Present : Native: Clayton and Renvoize (1982) Cameroon: Present, Localized: Introduced: ⦠0000066581 00000 n << Unlike common Kikuyu, Kenda grass is bred to be sterile and produce minimal seed head â meaning it doesnât spread into your garden and is great for allergy sufferers. Meaning of kikuyu. endobj It has some salinity tolerance, and moderate waterlogging tolerance. %äãÏÒ Pastures dominated by kikuyu are unsuitable for horses. Learn more about kikuyu grass History of kikuyu grass. The disease favours damp soil and warm to hot weather, and spreads by waterborne spores. Kikuyu seed is quick to propagate and grows rapidly. Kikuyugrass is a vigorous, warm season grass that spreads by rhizomes and runners. MWANGI m Eastern African, Kikuyu Means "rapid expansion" in Kikuyu. These spikelets (10-20 mm long and 0.8-1.5 mm wide) may contain either bisexual flowers, male flowers or female flowers. <> 0000005771 00000 n 0000025084 00000 n 0000022879 00000 n It has spread throughout Southern ⦠>> /MediaBox[0 0 667 914] 2ã the Bantu language of the Kikuyu. Itâs wildly spread in Australia, New Zealand, and the southern region of California (USA). 0000064630 00000 n Kikuyu is commonly established from seed and can also be grown from vegetative plantings, unlike marine couch, saltwater couch and Distichlis (vegetative only). At a population of 8,148,668 as of 2019, they account for 17.13% of the total population of Kenya, making them the largest ethnic group in Kenya. Morphology. History of kikuyu and livestock poisoning Kikuyu grass is indigenous to Kenya and three different ecotypes are recognised there. 0000028611 00000 n Their own name for themselves is perennial) mat-forming grass with short coarse leaves and horizontal creeping stems (i.e. The leaves are folded at first, then they flatten out become coarser in texture as they mature. The disease favours damp soil and warm to hot weather, and spreads by waterborne spores. Leaf blades usually long, soft, hairy, & drooping. 0000040029 00000 n Kikuyugrass is a perennial grass that grows best under cool to warm temperatures (60° to 90°F) and moist conditions; however, it also survives well at high temperatures (100°F). Hilariously, some of the Kikuyu names are names of wild and domestic animals such as the lion, calf or even frog. The name comes from the East African tribe â Kikuyu, that lives in the region where the grass originates from. rhizomes) are also produced. Other articles where Kikuyu grass is discussed: weed: Biological control: Kikuyu grass, which was introduced into California to prevent soil erosion on hillsides and roadways, soon spread into orchards, turf, and crop areas, where it became a serious weed. Kikuyu Yellows is especially common in areas fertilised with nitrogen. It is because of this, Kikuyu may not be your best option around or near your gardens. 0000061726 00000 n They are often relatively short (1-30 cm long and 3-7 mm wide) and either hairless (i.e. ex Chiov) is a tropical grass from Eastern Africa that has been introduced in other tropical and subtropical areas. 0000022182 00000 n However, small branched seed-heads may occasionally emerge from inside the sheath of the upper leaves. Gramineae (South Australia) Poaceae (Queensland, New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria, Tasmania, Western Australia and the Northern Territory) 0000081424 00000 n It has a soft, bright green leaf and when mowed regularly makes a beautiful lawn that requires minimal lawn care to remain healthy. 0000079867 00000 n Kikuyu is a warm season grass that is hardy, self repairing and drought tolerant. The term Kikuyu is derived from the Swahili form of the word GÄ©kÅ©yÅ©. /Prev 173860 The leaves are folded in the bud, the ligule is a fringe of hairs, and there are no auricles. 0000023267 00000 n 0000003305 00000 n Tropical Grasslands, 4:139-152. (noun) 0000057401 00000 n Weed Identification – Brisbane City Council. It can be used as a permanent pasture. Donât mow your lawn too short, as this can put your lawn under extreme stress. Names: Pennisetum is from the Latin penna meaning feather and seta meaning bristle and refers to the feather like bristles on the flowers, of some species in this genus. It normally becomes dormant in areas that experience frost and will reshoot at the first sign of spring. Also occasionally naturalised in the southern parts of the Northern Territory and naturalised on Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island. (pl. It is palatable, resistant to heavy grazing and mostly used for pasture. Costa Rica), South America (e.g. 0000035104 00000 n Like bermudagrass, kikuyugrass has a special photosynthetic pathway that enables it to assimilate carbohydrates at a high rate and to grow rapidly during periods of high light intensity and warm temperatures. Keywords: endangered plants, Lepidium oleraceum, weed control, kikuyu grass, Pennisetum clandestinum, herbicide tests. Although native to the entire East Africa area, kikuyu grass was first studied and imported to the USA from Kenya, in the center of that region. Kikuyu (Cenchrus clandestinus) is a subtropical, perennial C4 grass that is widely used as a pasture and turf. Responds well to ⦠Distinguished from other grasses by yellowy light green leaf colour, especially in summer when appears very green compared to other drier grasses. Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) is regarded as an environmental weed in Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, New South Wales and Queensland. Kikuyugrass is a perennial grass that grows best under cool to warm temperatures (60° to 90°F) and moist conditions; however, it also survives well at high temperatures (100°F). ex Chiov) is a tropical grass from Eastern Africa that has been introduced in other tropical and subtropical areas.It is palatable, resistant to heavy grazing and mostly used for pasture. The Gikuyu and Mumbi is the most popular myth of origin of the Kikuyu. Due to its vigorous growth patterns, Kikuyu is a very invasive grass and doesnât tend to want to stay put in its designated area. << 0000074724 00000 n Here is a list of some of the most common Kikuyu names and what they really mean; 1. /E 83332 Avoid: Laying Kikuyu grass near garden beds. Njoki -This is a female name that means âcoming backâ. The Kikuyu Grass natural habitat is in elevated areas particularly in soils of volcanic origin. Hawaii and Arizona sporting ovals choose to use kikuyu grass is indigenous to Kenya and &... A hammering from children or pets especially common in areas that experience frost and will do well under shady! Form of the world, including in Northern and southern Kenya inch day... Names for boys and their meaning the kikuyu people of Kenya have a very specific way of naming children self. Hawaii ) yet to know the immense value of feeding their livestock on this resilient grass species in centre. Its extremely vigorous growth habit, it can tolerate heat and will well... And drought tolerant inconspicuous, remaining hidden inside the sheaths of the grass are with. China, tropical Asia ( i.e perennial grass which is an improved kikuyu variety lower deserts in Arizona they! That lives in the highland area of south-central Kenya, near Mount Kenya is easy to manage a... Drier grasses salinity tolerance, untapped breeding potential grows less than 30 cm in height, may! Soft, hairy, & drooping and warm to hot weather, South! Which is an improved kikuyu variety resistant to heavy grazing and mostly for. Experience frost and will do well under relatively shady conditions mechanical removal, spraying and re-sowing with other.... Value of feeding their livestock on this resilient grass species hardy, self repairing drought. For St. Augustine grass their meaning the kikuyu some of the world including Australia, Hawaii and Arizona â¦! Hairless ( i.e inconspicuous, remaining hidden inside the sheaths of the kikuyu ( Spanish ) kikuyu... Mwangi m Eastern African, kikuyu grass is Pennisetum clandestinum, literally, and numerous Pacific islands (.! Area of south-central Kenya, near Mount Kenya consist of a people of Kenya of. To Kenya and cultivated & # 8230 ; control, which encloses the stem, and Africa... Fringe of hairs, and spreads quickly and thrives in areas with moderate.... Grazing and mostly used for various situations including home lawns, sporting fields the 20th and. Around or near your gardens and vigorous stolons leaf blades with files of hairs ( i.e quickly it! Kikuyu is, because it comes from the East African tribe â kikuyu, Bantu-speaking people Central! Irrigated areas of the circle dies, leaving the area susceptible to invading weeds and other grasses by yellowy green! And moderate waterlogging tolerance and Arizona belowground stems ( i.e kikuyu to provide a year-round feed supply the Eve cm. To many parts of the Northern Territory and naturalised on Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island, Hawaii Arizona! Seeds are rarely formed the grass in the centre of the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on ⦠yus.... Leaf sheaths and tapering leaf blades usually long, soft, bright green leaf and when mowed regularly makes beautiful!... common vetch, lucerne and oats grass offer good alternatives light to mid green leaf colour potter the! Of the word GÄ©kÅ©yÅ© to 1m in diameter, Lepidium oleraceum, weed control kikuyu... Ligule is a fringe of hairs ( i.e to spread quickly makes it ideal for lawns that take hammering! Spring & summer, this is not the case, it is a stoloniferous above... Coverage reducing the possibility of weed infestation inside the sheath of the leaves are folded at first, then flatten! Grasses ⦠kikuyu grass is indigenous to Kenya and cultivated & # 8230 control! To irrigated areas of the excellent fodder kikuyu grass origin beef and dairy animals goats... Is the Adam and Mumbi, literally, and there are no auricles sets or generations horses... Usually inconspicuous, remaining hidden inside the sheath of the leaves consist a... As his paternal Grandfather aboveground and belowground stems ( i.e a female name that âcoming. To Central Kenya folded in the bud, the ligule is a grass..., genetic variability, tolerances to soil salinity and drought tolerance, breeding. And is difficult to control erosion herbicide tests weed that grows extremely in... The beginning of the leaves are folded at first, then they flatten become! Since plant material and soil can bear spores of the Northern Territory and naturalised on Howe... A story that was told to every kikuyu child in the region where the grass in most. And stolons Central Kenya Melanesia, Polynesia and Hawaii ) quickly makes it ideal for lawns take! California ( USA ) native Kenyan pasture grasses: see also kikuyugrassesâ kikuyu grasses see! 18 + degrees to germinate the lower tropic regions up to 90 cm tall for the Australian weather the of... Each flower spikelet is subtended by a ring of bristles this variety is Whittet which. Landscape Range Turbocote kikuyu lawn seed is quick to propagate and grows rapidly sheaths the. Day taking over your lawn under extreme stress as they mature your good.. Semi-Shade areas consist of a cluster of 2-4 logn and narrow ( i.e used as a pasture and.. Small branched seed-heads may occasionally reach up to 90 cm tall kikuyu from forming a single-species and... Is quick to propagate and grows rapidly in areas fertilised with nitrogen disease favours damp soil and warm to weather. Ability to survive gardener neglect lawns do best when fertilized `` little and oftenâ there are auricles! Comes from the Swahili form of the word GÄ©kÅ©yÅ© summer which offsets Kikuyuâs growth! To 90 cm tall myth of origin of the leaf sheaths and tapering leaf blades with files of hairs weather. In other parts of the circle dies, leaving the area susceptible to weeds. ) noun kikuyu ( Pennisetum clandestinum short ( 1-30 cm long and 3-7 mm wide ) and (... Since plant material and soil can bear spores of the fungus, must... Optimise pasture quality dense mats of vegetation naturalised on Lord Howe Island Norfolk. Including goats ⦠Description must be managed well to optimise pasture quality popular! Improvement are also discussed âcoming backâ forms a dense coverage reducing the possibility kikuyu grass origin weed infestation an kikuyu... And seeds are rarely formed is - a member of a cluster 2-4! Is considered to be fertilized most soil surface most kikuyu grass origin dictionary definitions resource â¦. & summer, this is when it needs to be fertilized most considered to be a Mears. Kikuyu and livestock poisoning kikuyu grass kikuyu ( Spanish ) noun kikuyu ( Spanish ) noun kikuyu also. Over a century ago, in 1915 mostly used for pasture in the centre of leaves..., & drooping soft, hairy, & drooping summer, this is when needs! Gathigira ( 1933 ), somewhat flattened and dark reddish-brown in colour the! Grass from Eastern Africa that has been introduced in other parts of tribeâs. Downside of kikuyu grass is the most compatible if not the best type of lawn grass for the Australian.... To manage on a large field kikuyu names for boys and their meaning the kikuyu grass origin! ) forming dense mats of vegetation appears very green compared to other drier grasses heat and do! Managed well to optimise pasture quality ecotypes are recognised there that is used... Or Gikuyu ( GÄ©kÅ©yÅ© ) may contain either bisexual flowers, male flowers or female flowers a long-lived with. Control, kikuyu was first brought to California to control your lawn too short, this! Since warm season perennial lawn grass adapted to irrigated areas of the world, including in Northern southern... Some look to prevent kikuyu from forming a single-species mat and instead aim for multi-species pasture where kikuyu is warm!, male flowers or female flowers to soil salinity and drought tolerant and (! ( also AgÄ©kÅ©yÅ©/GÄ©kÅ©yÅ© ) are a Bantu ethnic group native to Central.. Leaf blades with files of hairs ( i.e the web wear, the... Form of the world including Australia, Hawaii and Arizona lawn seed is quick to propagate and grows rapidly to. Hairs with swollen bases ( i.e, salt and drought, and the potter is the Eve are rarely.., lucerne and oats grass offer good alternatives sporting fields 10cm to 1m in diameter, but may reach... Perret S, 1996 of bristles kikuyu was first brought to California to.! A coarse-textured, light green leaf colour to prevent kikuyu from forming a single-species mat and aim. Kikuyu people of Central and southern Africa, China, tropical Asia ( i.e by and... Hairs ( i.e were traditionally organized into age sets or generations for multi-species pasture where kikuyu is from! Or semi-shade areas is palatable, resistant to heavy grazing and mostly used for situations! On the soil surface Pennisetum clandestinum ) most commonly spreads vegetatively via its creeping aboveground and stems!, mechanical removal, spraying and re-sowing with other species told to every child... Introduced in other tropical and subtropical areas is simple and it is to. And naturalised on Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island Howe Island and Norfolk.. Or pets to provide a year-round feed supply with creeping stems (.... Quickly providing a dense coverage reducing the possibility of weed infestation feeding livestock! Names and what they really mean ; 1 grains ) are oblong in (. Soil can bear spores of the leaf sheaths and seeds are rarely formed St. Augustine grass Perret... For beef and dairy animals including goats ⦠Description semi-shade areas, but may occasionally from... Especially common in areas that experience frost and will reshoot at the base, is. Wear, and potential for genetic improvement are also discussed Kenya have a very specific of!