Species Overview

Native to: Africa

Missiongrass has escaped cultivation and is invasive throughout tropical, subtropical and warm temperate regions worldwide. It is most frequently found on dry, disturbed sites, including pastures, croplands and roadsides, but has also been documented to invade undisturbed grasslands and open woodlands in Australia. It is particularly common on cleared forest lands in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. In the United States, it has been found only in Florida, Texas, and Hawaii.

Taxonomic confusion: Recent research indicates that Pennisetum, Cenchrus, and Odontelytrum form a single group, and Pennisetum and Odontelytrum should be transferred into Cenchrus. Consequently, the accepted name is now Cenchrus polystachios, although this has yet to be changed in much of the literature or regulatory lists.

Species Characteristics

Family: Poaceae

Habit: annual or short-lived perennial species that is polymorphic (variable in appearance), but generally upright and tufted in form. Clumps arise from a hard, knotty base, with erect, branching stems up to 6 feet high.

Leaves: linear-shaped leaf blades, which measure 1/6 to 3/4 inch wide and up to 22 inches long, may be hairless or pubescent toward the base. The ligule (intersection of the leaf sheath and leaf blade) is a ciliate membrane.

Flowers/Seeds: erect to slightly drooping, terminal panicles to 14 inches long. The inflorescence branches are very short, and the flower spikelets are sessile (stalkless) and densely packed, giving the panicles a spike-like appearance. Inflorescence color is variable, ranging from white, yellow or light brown to pink or purple. Spikelets consist of one fertile floret and one sterile or staminate (male) basal floret. Each spikelet is surrounding by an involucre of plumose (feathery) bristles, with one or several bristles noticeably longer than the others. Upon maturity, the seeds are shed with their bristly involucres, which aid in dispersal.

Distribution in Florida: limited reports from Hillsborough, Polk, Highlands, Palm Beach, Lee, Collier, and Hendry Counties.

Impacts

Missiongrass produces abundant seed, which is dispersed by wind, water, and attaching to animals, clothing and vehicles. It may also be spread as a contaminant in hay and grain. Branches may also root at the nodes, facilitating vegetative dispersal. It can negatively impact agriculture and pasture yields, outcompete native plants, and alter fire regimes. It is also a host for maize streak virus.

Thoroughly clean any equipment, gear, and clothing after working or recreating in infested areas.

Isolated plants can be hand pulled or dug out.

Seed production can be prevented by mowing or cutting of plants before flowering.

None known.

Consult your local UF IFAS Extension for assistance with management recommendations.