Megathyrsus maximus
Family: Poaceae
Description: Rhizomatous (short) perennial with culms up to 2.5 m tall and 1 cm tick. Sheaths typically shorter than the internodes; collars densely pubescent; blades flat and up to 1 m long. Small, light green seeds in inflorescence.
Location: Lower Gulf Coast from Galveston to Brownsville.
Soil Type: Sand and clay.
Trivia: Introduced from Africa. Sometimes cultivated as a forage crop.
Economic, Environmental Importance: Invasive and tends to form a monoculture, aggressively taking up space over native plants. Small infestations can be controlled by manual extraction of plants and removal of seeds. Large infestations need to be treated chemically with Roundup type herbicides.
