Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.
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Description
Cynodon dactylon is a perennial creeping grass, usually 10–40 cm tall, forming dense mats through extensive stolons and rhizomes. Culms are slender, erect to ascending, and arise from creeping underground stems. The plant has a highly developed fibrous root system that enables rapid colonization and drought tolerance. Leaves are linear, narrow, and flat, usually 2–15 cm long and 1–5 mm wide. Leaf blades are green to bluish-green, slightly rough on the margins, and arise alternately from the culm. Leaf sheaths are compressed, and the ligule is membranous with a ring of hairs. The inflorescence is a characteristic digitately arranged cluster of 3–7 slender spikes, arising from the top of the flowering stem. The spikes are usually 2–6 cm long and arranged like fingers radiating from a central point. Spikelets are small, arranged in two rows along one side of the rachis, and contain a single fertile floret. The fruit is a small caryopsis, enclosed within lemma and palea.
Diagnostic Characters
Distribution
Native range: Native to Africa, Asia, Australia.
In Pakistan: Widely distributed throughout Pakistan, India, Middle East, Tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Common in Pakistan Agricultural fields, Lawns, Roadsides, Riverbanks.
Phenology
Ethnobotany & Uses
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Where it grows on campus
Taxonomic Notes
Cynodon dactylon belongs to tribe Cynodonteae.