Urochloa maxima

(Jacq.) R.D.Webster (1987)

This name is accepted

Kingdom: Viridiplantae Phylum: Magnoliophyta Class/Clade: Monocots Order: Poales Family: Poaceae Genus: Urochloa

colonial guinea, fiberglass grass, green panic, Guinea grass, mau‘u pulumi (Ni‘ihau via St. John), mini-guinea

Description

Key Characters:

Growth Form:

Stems:

Roots:

Leaves:

Flowers:

Fruit:

Ploidy:

Habitat:

Elevation Range:

Historical Distribution

Images

Synonyms (45)

Uses and Culture

USES

Natural History

Statewide Status

Naturalized

Island Status

Ni'ihau(Incl. Lehua) Naturalized
Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll) Naturalized
Kaua'i Naturalized
O'ahu Naturalized
Molokai Naturalized
Lana'i Naturalized
Kaho'olawe Naturalized
Maui Naturalized
Hawai'i Naturalized

Dispersal Agents

Wind

Vegetative Reproduction

Pollinators

Bibliography

Name Published In: Austral. Paniceae: 241 (1987)

Other References

Wagner et al. 1990:1569 (Ni, K, O, Mo, L, M, Ka, H [as Panicum maximum]); Starr et al. 2002:22 (Mi); Simon & Jacobs 2003:572 (Syn. P. maxima = Megathyrsus maximus); Wagner et al. 2012:97/Tomaszewska et al. 2023/Faccenda 2025b:125 (Syn. M. maximus = U. maxima); Holthuijzen 2017 (Mi†, 2008)

Occurrences

SNo. Scientific Name Locality Habitat Basis of Record Description Recorded By Record Number Island Source Date
1 Urochloa maxima Koloa District, Lawai Valley, National Tropical Botanical Garden, Lower valley Secondary vegetation of Leucaena, Panicum, Chloris, Digitaria, and planted Erythrina. Preserved_Specimen Clump-forming herb; blades dull medium green with thin, reddish margin and glossy midvein; sheath with glossy, linear nerves; spikelets pale, glossy green tinged purple. Flynn, T.W. 6150 Kauai BISH 1997-05-06
2 Urochloa maxima Westloch Naval Magazine Area, S of West Loch Pearl Harbor On coral soil. Preserved_Specimen Abundant; culms erect. Fosberg, F.R. 65086 Oahu BISH 1985-10-01
3 Urochloa maxima Kalihi, intersection of Kapalama Ave. and School St Growing out of shrub on edge of property Preserved_Specimen One plant, leaves bluish, many axillary inflorescences present Faccenda, K. 3024 Oahu BISH 2023-01-24
4 Urochloa maxima In the Univ. of Hawaii quarry, at base of steps leading down from Dole St. parking lot across from Bachman Hall. Wet Preserved_Specimen Herbst, D.R. 17 Oahu BISH 1966-03-19
5 Urochloa maxima East Maui, Hana District, Kauiki in the E side of Hana Bay, summit area Dominated by Casuarina planted in late 1930s but with numerous other alien species (Terminalia, Syzygium, Ardisia). Preserved_Specimen Anthers orange; stigmas purple, feathery. Flynn, T.W. 2511 Maui BISH 1987-10-21
6 Urochloa maxima Palehua Growing in shady mesic hillside. Associates; Schinus terebinthifolia, Toona ciliata, Megathyrsus maximus, Psidium cattleyanum. Preserved_Specimen Population: 5 m square. 1 colony, Spreading via culms which sprout abundantly from axillary nodes forming both roots and leaves. I have rarely seen guinea branch from axillary nodes, but this is the first time I've seen guinea forming a proper colony and abundantly rooting at the nodes. All other guinea in area was the typical caespitose form. Arthur, K. 125 Oahu BISH 2025-06-13
7 Urochloa maxima Tantalus Dr., vicinity of 5th switchback (ca .5 km above housing development) Sunny roadside Preserved_Specimen Dominant grass along road, this individual branching from old flowering clums. Only one clump was seen with this pattern Faccenda, K. 1865 Oahu BISH 2021-05-22
8 Urochloa maxima Kapaa Quary Road, Airplane Field Edge of airplane field, weedy area filled in with Panicum maximum, compacted mesic soil. Preserved_Specimen Tall, erect, stiff, hairy grass, fine sharp hairs. Grass growing upto a height of 9 feet clumping. Inflorescence loose raceme. Crago, L.M. 2005020 Oahu BISH 2005-01-21
9 Urochloa maxima Dole St. Base of Wa'ahila ridge Infrequently mowed roadside, part to full sun. Rather dry Preserved_Specimen Dominant grass in shaded areas under Leucaena Faccenda, K. 1723 Oahu BISH 2021-02-12
10 Urochloa maxima Parker Ranch, Kaala Planted pasture, wet. Preserved_Specimen Perennial. Ewart III, G.R. 321 Hawaii BISH 1934-02-16
11 Urochloa maxima Waimea Canyon Dr., about 400m up the road from the edge of the town, makai of Panini Ln Dry, exposed roadside, from hard soil on a S. facing slope Preserved_Specimen Abundant grass in area, mostly dead and brown but a few plants were still green. Inflorescence on this plant pink Faccenda, K. 2462 Kauai BISH 2022-06-02
12 Urochloa maxima Ho'olehua, intersection of Nenehanaupo Ave and Rt 480 Roadside weed and dominant across grasslands in area, dry, sunny or partially shaded areas Preserved_Specimen Most dominant grass on the island, forming large monocultures in areas where it's moist enough that buffelgrass isn't dominant Faccenda, K. 2922 Molokai BISH 2022-12-27
13 Urochloa maxima Makapu'u point, about 200m away from summit lookout Dry, sunny area Preserved_Specimen Common Faccenda, K. 2229 Oahu BISH 2022-02-12
14 Urochloa maxima Waianae Mts., Palikea (Mauna Kapu Trail) in dry gulch; assoc. w/ Klu, Santalum sp. Very common at lower el. in this area, but not found along trail Preserved_Specimen Herbst, D.R. 32 Oahu BISH 1966-03-26
15 Urochloa maxima Honolulu, cultivated on my Lanai, Plant originally collected in Waimanalo at the UH experimental farm Cultivated in pot Preserved_Specimen Same plant as collection no. 2032, but cultivated until flowers formed Faccenda, K. 2136 Oahu BISH 2021-10-23
16 Urochloa maxima Ewa; Mauka of Varona Village In abandoned sugar cane fields. Assoc. with Waltheria, Momordica. Preserved_Specimen Erect, clumping perennal to 1 m high. Culms hispid at nodes. Nagata, K.M. 4436 Oahu BISH 1996-10-01
17 Urochloa maxima By Visitor Center and main ruins, Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park Predominantly exotic vegetation; area highly modified by ancient Polynesians. Preserved_Specimen Higashino, P.K. 10311 Hawaii BISH 1984-04-08
18 Urochloa maxima Waianae kai. Next to shelter at trailhead. Growing in dry forest with Macadamia, Toona, Schinus, and Psidiuim. Abundant along road with more typical looking Megathyrsus maximus. Preserved_Specimen Plants barely 1 m tall, decumbent. Thomas, M.K. 807 Oahu BISH 2024-10-10
19 Urochloa maxima Palawai Basin, old piggery. Dry, sunny, disturbed area on edge of parking area. Dominant across landscape in area Preserved_Specimen Faccenda, K. 3178 Lanai BISH 2023-06-22
20 Urochloa maxima W Maui, Lahaina District, Lihau Lowland Ohia Mixed Mesic Shrubland at 3000 ft with low statured Metrosideros, Dodonaea, Styphelia, Wikstroemia, Osteomeles, Dubautia linearis, Gahnia, Pityrogramma, Sphenomeris, Pteridium, Trisetum inaequale, Cocculus, Carex and Psilotum Preserved_Specimen Welton, P. 1499 Maui BISH 1992-01-10
21 Urochloa maxima Naalehu, Kau. Lantana pasture, dry place Preserved_Specimen Common Hosaka, E.Y. 1440 Hawaii BISH 1936-07-20
22 Urochloa maxima Palaau, W side of Molokai airport In pineapple field; dry, exposed, windy. Preserved_Specimen Tall, tufted grass. Herbst, D.R. 5095 Molokai BISH 1974-11-11
23 Urochloa maxima Waimea District, Hanapepe, Port Allen, just north of Burns Field at junction of Lokokai Road and Lele Road Secondary vegetation dominated by Cenchrus ciliaris with Eragrostis, Eleusine, and Echinochloa. Preserved_Specimen Erect, perennial herb; sheath and culm yellow-green; blade dull medium green with sunken midvein, below dull, slightly paler; spikelets tinged purple. Flynn, T.W. 5926 Kauai BISH 1996-01-11
24 Urochloa maxima Along road leading to Kaluanui Valley In old sugar cane field. Preserved_Specimen Weed. Corn, C. Oahu BISH 1978-03-21
25 Urochloa maxima In the Univ. of Hawaii quarry, at base of steps leading down from Dole St. parking lot across from Bachman Hall. Wet Preserved_Specimen Very common pasture grass. Herbst, D.R. 17 Oahu BISH 1966-03-19
26 Urochloa maxima Univ. of Hawaii, Manoa campus Construction site. Preserved_Specimen Weed. Herbst, D.R. 1366 Oahu BISH 1969-01-04
27 Urochloa maxima Hanamaulu, Lihue Edge of pasture Preserved_Specimen Local clumps. Hosaka, E.Y. 1654 Kauai BISH 1936-11-04
28 Urochloa maxima Honolulu, Pensacola St., Hawaii Agriculture Experimental Station Grass in cultivated plot Preserved_Specimen Wong, R. Oahu BISH
29 Urochloa maxima Near Kekaha Roadside. Preserved_Specimen Roadside grass. Herbst, D.R. 5235 Kauai BISH 1975-02-26
30 Urochloa maxima Waimea Canyon Lookout Edge of parking lot Preserved_Specimen Appeared rhizomatous in the field, but was perhaps just rooting at the nodes on the fallen culms. Forming a colony several meters wide, only this one clump seen in this area. Most of the M. maximus disappeared several hundred feet of elevation earlier and Faccenda, K. 2509 Kauai BISH 2022-07-05
31 Urochloa maxima West Maui, Lahaina District, Honokahua Clumping grass growing in very disturbed open field Preserved_Specimen New panicles sometimes purple. Oppenheimer, H.L. 100308 Maui BISH 2003-10-15
32 Urochloa maxima Pupukea-Paumalu, Koolauloa, Koolau Mts In Waltheria herbland pasture, in plateau region. Preserved_Specimen Clumping grass. Nagata, K.M. 3775 Oahu BISH 1987-12-11
33 Urochloa maxima Palehua Growing in shady mesic hillside. Associates; Schinus terebinthifolia, Toona ciliata, Megathyrsus maximus, Psidium cattleyanum. Preserved_Specimen Population: 5 m square. 1 colony, Spreading via culms which sprout abundantly from axillary nodes forming both roots and leaves. I have rarely seen guinea branch from axillary nodes, but this is the first time I've seen guinea forming a proper colony and abundantly rooting at the nodes. All other guinea in area was the typical caespitose form. Arthur, K. 125 Oahu BISH 2025-06-13
34 Urochloa maxima Waiahole, across Kamehameha Hwy toward the ocean, between Waiahole Homestead and Valley Road. Walk a dirt road in Hibiscus tiliaceus boardering a swampy area. Plot 9091, US Forest Service Pacific HibTil dominant area w/ CitCau, SyzCum, Leuleu, WedTri, Pen Dominant in open swampy areas. Up to 6 ft tall. Hairs on stem and on margins of leaves. aLvs dark green daaxially, dull but dark green below. White hairs on stem. Inflorescence speaading, bracts red-brown Preserved_Specimen Tangalin, N. 2242 Oahu BISH 2010-01-19
35 Urochloa maxima Pearl Harbor National Wildlife Refuge, Oahu Growing along the edges of the ponds throughout the refuge in dry to wet soil conditions. Preserved_Specimen Grass 5 feet or more tall, thick spreading stands. Crago, L.M. 2005069 Oahu BISH 2005-02-23
36 Urochloa maxima Kiei Islet on summit Rare. Preserved_Specimen One small clump. Too large to pull. Starr, F. 6040621 Lanai BISH 2006-04-06
37 Urochloa maxima East Maui, Hana District, Ka Iwi O Pele; NE slope Secondary forest dominated by Hibiscus, Eucalyptus, Casuarina, Schinus and Ardisia; with Sporobolus in Casuarina grove. Preserved_Specimen Common grass to 6 ft. Flynn, T.W. 2625 Maui BISH 1987-11-13
38 Urochloa maxima Waialae On edge of alfalfa fields. Preserved_Specimen Plant 1 m high. Hadden, F.C. 310 Oahu BISH 1927-04-04
39 Urochloa maxima Waiehu sand dune area, near golf course In open area along cane fields; associated with Mirabilis, Leucaena. Preserved_Specimen Erect to 6 ft. tall. Ishikawa, S. 315 Maui BISH 1973-11-29
40 Urochloa maxima PTBG, Lawai Valley Along valley floor. Preserved_Specimen Occasional. Herbst, D.R. 2287 Kauai BISH 1972-01-03
41 Urochloa maxima Kunia Roadside; sugar cane. Preserved_Specimen Erect, tufted, to 3 m; flower green; abundant. Swarbrick, J.T. 0.55 Oahu BISH 1976-01-07
42 Urochloa maxima Kula, Crater road ca. 1 km E of rt 337 Roadside weed, disturbed area Preserved_Specimen Highest elevation this species was seen on Maui, uncommon in this area, not becoming common until several hundred meters of elevation down slope Faccenda, K. 2814 Maui BISH 2022-10-27
43 Urochloa maxima Whitmore village, Whitmore Rd., about 500 m up from Rt 80 Roadsides and field Preserved_Specimen Dominant grass over the central plain of Oahu. This plant was infected with at least 2 parasites, Conidiosporomyces ayresii (causing the large inflated florets) and something else which grew as a white mold on the florets. In this area about a dozen plant Faccenda, K. 3005 Oahu BISH 2023-01-18
44 Urochloa maxima West Maui, Waihee, Maui Coastal Land Trust coastal wetland property south of Waihee Point Closed Prosopis pallida forest on sandy soil, thick understory of of Guinea grass with Mirabilis jalapa, Asystasia gangetica, some Pluchea carolinensis and Leucaena leucocephala. Preserved_Specimen Tall robust form of Guinea grass with broad leaves 2-3 in. wide, and thick stems covered with stiff white hairs. Shorter delicate form with thin, lax stems and narrow leaves is adjacent. Imada, C. 200450 Maui BISH 2004-09-17
45 Urochloa maxima Kii, 0.2 mi W Beside trail. Preserved_Specimen 2 m clumps. St.John, H. 23605 Niihau BISH 1949-03-29
46 Urochloa maxima Tantalus Dr., vicinity of 5th switchback (ca .5 km above housing development) Sunny roadside Preserved_Specimen Dominant grass along road, this individual branching from old flowering clums. Only one clump was seen with this pattern Faccenda, K. 1865 Oahu BISH 2021-05-22
47 Urochloa maxima Outside Akaka Falls State Park Roadside, moist sunny area Preserved_Specimen Uncommon, but frequent in area Faccenda, K. 2352 Hawaii BISH 2022-03-06
48 Urochloa maxima Ka'iwi shoreline, within 20m of Kalaniana'ole highway Dry, sunny sand. With Kiawe and Leucaena Preserved_Specimen Leaves glaucous blue Faccenda, K. 2119 Oahu BISH 2021-09-25
49 Urochloa maxima West Maui, Waihee, Maui Coastal Land Trust coastal wetland property south of Waihee Point Closed Prosopis pallida forest on sandy soil, thick understory of of Guinea grass with Mirabilis jalapa, Asystasia gangetica, some Pluchea carolinensis and Leucaena leucocephala. Preserved_Specimen Delicate form of Guinea grass not over 3 ft. tall; stems thin, lax, running along the ground, not stiff-hairy; leaves narrow. Tall robust form with broad leaves 2-3 in. wide, and thick stems covered with stiff hairs is adjacent. Imada, C. 200449 Maui BISH 2004-09-17
50 Urochloa maxima All around the outer edges of Kawa Bay freshwater pond and along the stream leading into the pond area Preserved_Specimen Large perennial. Funk, E.J. 103 Hawaii BISH 1990-04-23
51 Urochloa maxima W Maui, Lahaina District, Honolua Bay, near Honoapiilani Hwy Common in secondary forest. Preserved_Specimen Oppenheimer, H.L. 99904 Maui BISH 1999-09-05
52 Urochloa maxima Kapaa Quary Road, Airplane Field Edge of airplane field, weedy area filled in with Panicum maximum, compacted mesic soil. Preserved_Specimen Tall, erect, stiff, hairy grass, fine sharp hairs. Grass growing upto a height of 9 feet clumping. Inflorescence loose raceme. Crago, L.M. 2005020 Oahu BISH 2005-01-21
53 Urochloa maxima At Kamoa State Historical Park, North Kona Growing occasionally, particularly in cleared area. Preserved_Specimen Corn, C. Hawaii BISH 1985-09-03
54 Urochloa maxima Pupukea-Paumalu, Koolauloa, Koolau Mts In Waltheria herbland pasture, in plateau region. Preserved_Specimen Clumping grass. Nagata, K.M. 3775 Oahu BISH 1987-12-11
55 Urochloa maxima Ewa; Mauka of Varona Village Occasional clumping grass in abandoned sugar cane fields. More abundant along gulches & moist areas. Preserved_Specimen Nagata, K.M. 4435 Oahu BISH 1996-09-27
56 Urochloa maxima Oahu Sugar Co In cane fields. Preserved_Specimen Weed. Caum, E.L. Oahu BISH 1945-10-01
57 Urochloa maxima Along hwy near Kailua-Kona Preserved_Specimen Tall tufted grass. Herbst, D.R. 5034 Hawaii BISH 1974-09-18
58 Urochloa maxima East Maui, Makawao District, Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve, Kipuka at the head of the trail towards Pohaku Paea from the midstop along Makena-Keoneoio Road Pockets of vegetation in a'a lava and at roadside. Preserved_Specimen Abbott, I.A. 91.44 Maui BISH 1991-03-06
59 Urochloa maxima Kaumalapau Hwy, side road off highway, W Lanai Preserved_Specimen Clumpy grass to 2.5 m tall; stems flat, hairs at joints; leaves to 90 cm long by 3 cm wide; with hairs at base upper side; spikes to 60 cm long. Spence, G. 301 Lanai BISH 1973-10-18
60 Urochloa maxima Koolau Poko District, Mokapu Peninsula. Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe. Collected at the junction of Palikilo and Sumner Rds Preserved_Specimen Perennial grass. 6ft tall. Abundant. robust, tufted. Herbst, D.R. 9757 Oahu BISH 1996-03-03
61 Urochloa maxima Koko Head Rd Preserved_Specimen Meebold, A. 10595 Oahu BISH 1935-10-01
62 Urochloa maxima Pensacola Preserved_Specimen Large leaf variety Lyman, R.A. 83 Oahu BISH 1939-08-11
63 Urochloa maxima UH Experimental farm at Waimanalo Open exposed moist area which surprisingly did not have many plants growing on it Preserved_Specimen Faccenda, K. 2032 Oahu BISH 2021-07-10
64 Urochloa maxima Among tires in a gully just N of LZ-1 Preserved_Specimen Warren, S. 33 Kahoolawe BISH 1987-04-11
65 Urochloa maxima Univ. of Hawaii farm, Honolulu Preserved_Specimen Nitta, K. 9151 Oahu BISH 1930-04-28
66 Urochloa maxima Kalaupapa; Waihanau Preserved_Specimen robust cespitose perennial Hughes, G.D. 1109 Molokai BISH 2004-12-02
67 Urochloa maxima Keauhou Preserved_Specimen A bunch grass 4 ft. tall. Fagerlund, G.O. 391 Hawaii BISH 1943-02-20
68 Urochloa maxima Pohakea Trial Preserved_Specimen Funk, E.J. 402 Oahu BISH 1982-05-27
69 Urochloa maxima Lawai Valley, PTBG, Pump Six area Preserved_Specimen Large clumping grass to 3 ft. Flynn, T.W. 571 Kauai BISH 1983-09-01
70 Urochloa maxima Pensacola Station grounds. Hawaii Agriculture Experiment Station, Honolulu Preserved_Specimen Kauai Guinea strain TN 52 Lyman, R.A. Oahu BISH 1938-09-01
71 Urochloa maxima Kohala Preserved_Specimen Barnum, C.C. 240 Hawaii BISH
72 Urochloa maxima Grounds of Haw. Agr. Exp. Sta., Prospect and Nehoa sts., Honolulu Preserved_Specimen Plants up to 3 m high. Weber, P.W. Oahu BISH 1947-12-27
73 Urochloa maxima Kapaa Preserved_Specimen Sewn from air, 3 months old, panic grass Plucknett, D.L. Hawaii BISH 1966-12-01
74 Urochloa maxima Pensacola Station grounds. Hawaii Agriculture Experiment Station, Honolulu Preserved_Specimen Kauai Guinea strain TN 52 Lyman, R.A. Oahu BISH 1938-09-01
75 Urochloa maxima Ahupu Valley, near bay, near water tank Preserved_Specimen Bryan Jr., E.H. 719 Kahoolawe BISH 1931-02-13
76 Urochloa maxima Kapaa Preserved_Specimen Sewn from air, 3 months old, panic grass Plucknett, D.L. Hawaii BISH 1966-12-01
77 Urochloa maxima SW of Dillingham Ranch, Kawaihapai Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 11057 Oahu BISH 1937-03-12
78 Urochloa maxima Univ. of Hawaii farm, Honolulu Preserved_Specimen Nitta, K. 10727 Oahu BISH 1930-04-28
79 Urochloa maxima Forestry planting near Lua Makika Preserved_Specimen Char, W.P. 78.043 Kahoolawe BISH 1978-11-23
80 Urochloa maxima Hilo Preserved_Specimen Kelsey, H.E. 2 Hawaii BISH 1903-04-16
81 Urochloa maxima Pensacola Preserved_Specimen Lyman, R.A. 3831 Oahu BISH 1939-10-12
82 Urochloa maxima Kaena Point Preserved_Specimen Bennett, T. 189 Oahu BISH
83 Urochloa maxima Kauai Preserved_Specimen Lee, H.A. 249 Kauai BISH 1925-11-01
84 Urochloa maxima Honolulu Preserved_Specimen Caum, E.L. Oahu BISH 1923-09-01
85 Urochloa maxima Kapiolani Park Preserved_Specimen Funk, E.J. Oahu BISH 1993-04-25
86 Urochloa maxima Honolulu, via Makiki; from Oahu Sugar Co Preserved_Specimen Caum, E.L. Oahu BISH 1945-11-29
87 Urochloa maxima Moomomi Preserved_Specimen Corn, C. Molokai BISH 1982-05-17
88 Urochloa maxima Honolulu, Liliha St Preserved_Specimen Lange, A. Oahu BISH 1954-01-19
89 Urochloa maxima Makapuu Preserved_Specimen Staples, G.W. Oahu BISH 2000-12-01
90 Urochloa maxima Moanalua Valley Preserved_Specimen Bryan, W.A. Oahu BISH 1903-11-13
91 Urochloa maxima Leeward side of Kalepa Ridge, northern portion Preserved_Specimen Corn, C. Kauai BISH 1977-07-21
92 Urochloa maxima Diamond Head crater Preserved_Specimen Corn, C. Oahu BISH 1984-05-05
93 Urochloa maxima NONE Preserved_Specimen Westgate, J.M. 12 BISH 1920-12-03
94 Urochloa maxima Diamond Head, Aina Haina Preserved_Specimen Munro, G.C. 55 Oahu BISH 1950-04-22