Kikuyugrass, Pennisetum clandestinum is a aggressive perennial turfgrass. It is a fast growing grass and can reach heights up to 18" if it is left to grow unmanaged. Kikuyugrass is native to Africa, and because of this it is classified as a (C4) warm-season grass. Kikuyugrass is adapted to temperate climates such as California, where it was first introduced around 1918 as a means to control erosion. Growth habits make this a tough grass to control, with thick stolons (above ground roots) and rapid spreading rhizomes (below ground roots).

Kikuyugrass is classified as a beneficial turfgrass and also a a perennial weed. Beneficial qualities of Kikuyugrass include groundcover in highly saturated areas where erosion is a problem. Kikuyugrass as a perennial weed has more of an impact on the economy, because of its invasive characteristics into undesired areas such as golf courses and orchards.

Like many other perennials, Kikuyugrass is very difficult to eliminate and even to control. Kikuyugrass is able to spread by seed or stem sections of mature plants. The best control measure of Kikuyugrass is abstinace, don't allow it in the area and once it is introduced then you need to prevent it from spreading to new areas. When introducing new materials to a pre-existing area make sure that these materials are not contaminated with Kikuyugrass paraphenallia, this will decrease the chance of invasion. Introducing other turfgrass competitive turfgrass species has been proved to show posotive control results.

Kikuyugrass Links:

Seed Information

Kikuyugrass Information

Resources:
http://turfgrass.cas.psu.edu/education/turgeon/Modules/03_TurfgrassSpecies/Characterization/kikuyuygrass/MainSet.html
http://www.turf.uiuc.edu/turfSpecies/Pennisetumclandesinum.html
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7458.html
http://www.invasive.org/browse/subject.cfm?sub=4537
http://pi.cdfa.ca.gov/weedinfo/PENNISET2.html