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Sporobolus africanus

(Poir.) Robyns & Tournay (1955)

This name is accepted

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

African dropseed, African ratstail, parramatta grass, rattail grass, smutgrass

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Description

Key Characters:

Growth Form:

Stems:

Roots:

Leaves:

Flowers:

Fruit:

Ploidy:

Habitat:

Elevation Range:

Historical Distribution

Images

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Uses and Culture

USES

Natural History

Statewide Status

Naturalized

Island Status

Kaua'i Naturalized
O'ahu Naturalized
Molokai Naturalized
Lana'i Naturalized
Kaho'olawe Naturalized
Maui Naturalized
Hawai'i Naturalized

Dispersal Agents


Pollinators

Bibliography

Name Published In: Bull. Jard. Bot. État Bruxelles 25: 242 (1955)

Other References

Wagner et al. 1990:1596 (K, O, Mo, L, M, H); Herbst & Clayton 1998:36 (Ka, KEY, S. indicus misapplied, in part = S. africanus); Faccenda, Yorkston & Morden 2024:38, 39, 50 (ID confirmed via ITS sampling, KEY)

Occurrences

SNo. Scientific Name Locality Habitat Basis of Record Description Recorded By Record Number Island Source Date
1 Sporobolus africanus Honolulu; Lyon Arboretum From bend in access road near electric pole #8, below section 36 Sunny, often wet. Sickled periodically. Preserved_Specimen Baker, R.F. 67 Oahu BISH 1975-04-10
2 Sporobolus africanus Lua Makika Crater; NE rim Very scarce on denuded hardpan/bare substrate. Highly eroded clay loam soil. No vegetative associations present. Preserved_Specimen Warren, S. 906 Kahoolawe BISH 1990-09-19
3 Sporobolus africanus Mauna Loa Strip road ca. 4 miles from intersection with Kona-Hilo Highway & through Kipuka Ki. Plant was just before the left roadside pulloff & ca. 10 m S of road. (Plot 40) Acacia savanna community (transition area between Kipuka Ki & mountain parkland formation). Preserved_Specimen Grass ca. 1 m tall. Newell, C.L. 54 Hawaii BISH 1966-07-13
4 Sporobolus africanus Waimea, Kohala Mountains In bunches, covers hills in open fields. Preserved_Specimen Fosberg, F.R. 10202 Hawaii BISH 1933-02-09
5 Sporobolus africanus Puuwaawaa cone, west side slopes Rangeland Preserved_Specimen Common weed. Takeuchi, W.N. 5755 Hawaii BISH 1989-04-01
6 Sporobolus africanus Waianae District, Mt. Kaala Meadow. Preserved_Specimen Grant, M.L. 7460 Oahu BISH 1934-10-04
7 Sporobolus africanus Manele Road, about 2 km. from Lanai City. WGS84 coordinates: Lat. 20.795043, Long. -156.907306 dirt road coming off of the pasved road and heading towards the hale. Roadside, moist, sunny, occasionally mowed area. Uncommon along roadside. Preserved_Specimen Faccenda, K. 3142 Lanai BISH 2023-06-20
8 Sporobolus africanus Southwest flank of Mauna Loa, ahupuaa of Kapua Vegetation: Open grassy area with Metrosideros & Acacia growing on the perimeter. Preserved_Specimen Higashino, P.K. 6567 Hawaii BISH 1977-07-13
9 Sporobolus africanus Mahoelua, cinder cone near Saddle Road, South Kohala District The dominant grass in a Dodonaea-Wikstroemia-Sporobolus scrub grassland on the south slope of the pu'u. Preserved_Specimen Bunchgrass about 1 ft tall. Cuddihy, L.W. 852 Hawaii BISH 1981-08-12
10 Sporobolus africanus Kahaluu Forest Reserve in open places along trail; assoc w/ Metrosideros, Pipturus, Hedyotis. Preserved_Specimen Herbst, D.R. 193 Hawaii BISH 1966-08-06
11 Sporobolus africanus N Kona, Pohakuloa, near Firing Point 512, along Keekee Road Myoporum sandwicense, Dodonaea viscosa, Eragrostis atropioides, Bromus Preserved_Specimen Schulz, K. 3263 Hawaii BISH 1989-01-30
12 Sporobolus africanus 4.1 miles down Chain of Craters towards Kalapana from intersection with Crater Rim Rd.; and ca. 2.1 miles up side road with cable across entrance (Escape Rd.). Plant was ca. 10 m NE of road. (Plot 49) Metrosideros-Sadleria-Dicanopteris forest community. Preserved_Specimen Grass about 2 ft. tall. Newell, C.L. 389 Hawaii BISH 1966-08-12
13 Sporobolus africanus Maunalei Gulch, Maunalei Pileline trail Occasional in local patch in grassland pasture. Preserved_Specimen Hosaka, E.Y. 1949 Lanai BISH 1938-04-12
14 Sporobolus africanus North Kohala; Waimea Range paddock Abundant, especially in over-grazed pasture. Preserved_Specimen Hosaka, E.Y. 2115 Hawaii BISH 1938-06-03
15 Sporobolus africanus Hamakua, Pohakuloa weathered pahoehoe lava; Myoporum sandwicense, Sophora chrysophylla, Dodonaea viscosa, Lythrum maritimun Preserved_Specimen Douglas, P. 3582 Hawaii BISH 1990-02-01
16 Sporobolus africanus Keauhou Ranch, Kau District, beside Puu oo road In Pennisetum - Axonopus - Sporobolus pasture on broken pahoehoe substrate. Preserved_Specimen Bunchgrass 2 1/2-3' tall. Cuddihy, L.W. 99 Hawaii BISH 1980-01-08
17 Sporobolus africanus East Maui, Makawao Roads & pastures. Preserved_Specimen Chung, H.L. Maui BISH 1931-02-05
18 Sporobolus africanus Honolulu; Lyon Arboretum, from bend in access road near electric pole #8, below section 36 Sunny, often wet. Sickled periodically. Preserved_Specimen Baker, R.F. 67 Oahu BISH 1975-04-10
19 Sporobolus africanus Molokai Ranch, Kalamaula, below Cooke's Mountain Cabin Open pasture Preserved_Specimen Whitney, L.D. 4335 Molokai BISH 1936-09-06
20 Sporobolus africanus East Maui, West Kaupo above RAWS weather station Preserved_Specimen Common name: rattailgrass Welton, P. 1613 Maui BISH 1992-05-27
21 Sporobolus africanus Volcano, Royal Hawaiian Estates, Puolani Street.. WGS84 coordinates: Lat. 19.432905, Long. -155.176915 Weedy roadside, sunny, moist, Uncommon Preserved_Specimen Faccenda, K. 3274 Hawaii BISH 2024-01-05
22 Sporobolus africanus Kamuela Preserved_Specimen Perennial. Ewart III, G.R. 306 Hawaii BISH 1934-02-10
23 Sporobolus africanus Along road to Kaluanui Valley Preserved_Specimen Weed. Corn, C. Oahu BISH 1978-03-21
24 Sporobolus africanus East Maui, slopes of Haleakala above Wailele Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. 170 Maui BISH 1910-07-01
25 Sporobolus africanus Hawaii National Park, bottom of Kilauea Iki Crater Weed in shallow soil on pahoehoe lava. Preserved_Specimen Webster, G.L. 1667 Hawaii BISH 1948-06-15
26 Sporobolus africanus Waianae Mountains; Schofield Barracks Military Resrevation West Range, east ridge of Haleanua Gulch In burn area; with Acacia koa, Buddleja & Phytolacca. Preserved_Specimen Higashino, P.K. 5618 Oahu BISH 1977-02-27
27 Sporobolus africanus Top of Tantalus In grassy openings. Preserved_Specimen Whitney, L.D. 3893 Oahu BISH 1935-11-23
28 Sporobolus africanus East Maui, Makawao Roads & pastures. Preserved_Specimen Chung, H.L. Maui BISH 1931-02-05
29 Sporobolus africanus Near Fire Break above Schofield Barracks Preserved_Specimen Whitney, L.D. 4093 Oahu BISH 1936-03-23
30 Sporobolus africanus close to Chain of Craters Road, northeast of Luu Manu crater Growing in clumps in open area. Preserved_Specimen Herat, T. 1027 Hawaii BISH 1974-07-15
31 Sporobolus africanus Hawaii Experiment Station Preserved_Specimen Very drought resistant; but exceedingly tough. Forbes, C.N. Oahu BISH 1913-01-01
32 Sporobolus africanus Waianae Range, Honouliuli, ridge trail north of Palikea Preserved_Specimen Webster, G.L. 1426 Oahu BISH 1948-03-27
33 Sporobolus africanus Makua Valley Preserved_Specimen Whitney, L.D. 4062 Oahu BISH 1935-11-17
34 Sporobolus africanus Kukuihaele Preserved_Specimen Rock, J.F.C. 4508 Hawaii BISH 1909-07-19
35 Sporobolus africanus Waianae District; Waianae Mountains, Mt. Kaala within a 100 yard radius of the radar installation Preserved_Specimen Herbst, D.R. 126 Oahu BISH 1966-06-11
36 Sporobolus africanus Near Schofield Barracks Preserved_Specimen Whitney, L.D. 3999 Oahu BISH 1935-12-08
37 Sporobolus africanus East Maui, Kula, Haleakala Volcano, E slope (?) Preserved_Specimen Small dense very firmly rooted bunches, culms ascending to erect. Fosberg, F.R. 56716 Maui BISH 1977-03-17
38 Sporobolus africanus unknown Preserved_Specimen Rock, J.F.C. BISH
39 Sporobolus africanus Waimea Preserved_Specimen Faurie, A. 1311 Kauai BISH 1909-09-01
40 Sporobolus africanus East Maui, Haleakala, Paliku Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 12484 Maui BISH 1939-08-17
41 Sporobolus africanus South Kona; ahupuaa of Kapua, Kaulanamauana and Manuka Preserved_Specimen Higashino, P.K. 6571 Hawaii BISH 1977-07-01
42 Sporobolus africanus Waialae, golf course Preserved_Specimen Egler, F.E. 37167 Oahu BISH 1937-05-18
43 Sporobolus africanus Tantalus, covering top Preserved_Specimen Webster, G.L. 1242 Oahu BISH 1948-02-02
44 Sporobolus africanus Waikane-Schofield Trail, on left side of road ca. 0.5 to 1 mile from parking area on Schofield end Preserved_Specimen Herbst, D.R. 12 Oahu BISH 1966-03-05
45 Sporobolus africanus Above kukuihaile, near cane fields Preserved_Specimen Rock 4509 Hawaii BISH 1909-07-19
46 Sporobolus africanus Puu Oo Preserved_Specimen Goff, R.A. 29 Hawaii BISH 1928-07-13
47 Sporobolus africanus Kau, along trail from Pahala to 1920 flow Preserved_Specimen Skottsberg, C.J.F. Hawaii BISH 1926-09-20
48 Sporobolus africanus Kauai Preserved_Specimen (Not on sheet) Kauai BISH 1940-02-12
49 Sporobolus africanus Pohakuloa Training Area (Kipuka Alala, Training Area 23). UTM 2176422 Northing, 216180 Easting Preserved_Specimen Questad, E. Hawaii BISH 2009-02-27
50 Sporobolus africanus Kilauea Volcano Preserved_Specimen Neal, M.C. Hawaii BISH 1928-08-01
51 Sporobolus africanus East Maui, Hana District, Kaupo Gap, 1.75 miles S of Paliku cabins Common along trail in heath scrub Preserved_Specimen Henrickson, J.S. 3890 Maui BISH 1969-07-16
52 Sporobolus africanus Kauai Forest Reserve Preserved_Specimen DLNR Staff Kauai BISH 1987-02-26
53 Sporobolus africanus Houokaa Preserved_Specimen Couter, F.E. Hawaii BISH 1903-05-01
54 Sporobolus africanus Northen Lanai, about 5 km NW of city. Roadside weed, dry sunny area. Preserved_Specimen Rather rare in area. Faccenda, K. 3173 Lanai BISH 2023-06-22
55 Sporobolus africanus 9.8 m down Hilina Pali Rd. toward ocean from intersection with Chain of Craters Rd.; 2.6 miles past Kipuka Nene; ca. 1.5 miles WNW from Hilina Pali Rd. to ash dunes. Plant in a relatively level area between two ash dunes, W of a small riverbed. (Plot 61) Andropogon glomeratus grassland community between stationary ash dunes. Preserved_Specimen Grass about 1 ft. tall. Newell, C.L. 947 Hawaii BISH 1967-06-22
56 Sporobolus africanus Hamakua District; Pohakuloa Training Area; along the Saddle Road Collected between the 30 & 45 mile markers; within 60 ft of the road. Preserved_Specimen Funk, E.J. Hawaii BISH 1990-12-13
57 Sporobolus africanus NE rim of Lua Makika crater Very scarce. Denuded hardpan/bare substrate. Highly eroded clay loam soil. No vegetative associations present. Preserved_Specimen Warren, S. 906 Kahoolawe BISH 1990-09-19
58 Sporobolus africanus Hawaii National Park, residence #21 Abundant along roadsides & trails. Preserved_Specimen Fagerlund, G.O. 560 Hawaii BISH 1943-05-21
59 Sporobolus africanus Wahiawa, Wahiawa district park, in baseball field In mowed lawn, moist, sunny area Preserved_Specimen Forming strange circles over 1m in diameter in lawn which was otherwise composed of Axonopus spp Faccenda, K. 3046 Oahu BISH 2023-02-20
60 Sporobolus africanus East Maui, Koolau Gap, Halemauu Trail Open, rocky south-facing banks. Preserved_Specimen Higashino, P.K. 815 Maui BISH 1975-06-18
61 Sporobolus africanus Mauna Loa Strip road ca. 4 miles from intersection with Kona-Hilo Highway & through Kipuka Ki. Plant was just before the left roadside pulloff & ca. 10 m S of road. (Plot 40) Acacia savanna community (transition area between Kipuka Ki & mountain parkland formation). Preserved_Specimen Grass ca. 2 ft. tall. Newell, C.L. 55 Hawaii BISH 1966-07-13
62 Sporobolus africanus Keahou Ranch, Kau district, Hawaii. Collected beside Puu Oo road Collected in Pennisetum-Axonopus-Sporobolus pasture on broken pahoehoe substrate. Preserved_Specimen Bunchgrass 2.5-3 ft tall. Cuddihy, L.W. 100 Hawaii BISH 1980-01-08
63 Sporobolus africanus Southwest flank of Mauna Loa, ahupuaa of Puu Ohohia Vegetation: Semi-enclosed Metrosideros & Acacia forest, Preserved_Specimen Higashino, P.K. 6334 Hawaii BISH 1977-08-05
64 Sporobolus africanus Haili Heights, Hilo Wet place along roadside Preserved_Specimen Hosaka, E.Y. 1380 Hawaii BISH 1936-06-28
65 Sporobolus africanus Waianae Mts., Honouliuliu, N Palikea gulch Dodonaea viscosa, Lobelia niihauensis, Grevillea robusta, Melinis, Schinus, Bidens torta, Lantana camara, Leucaena leucocephala, Chamaesyce Preserved_Specimen Wood, K.R. 2626 Oahu BISH 1993-01-01
66 Sporobolus africanus Saddle road at Pu'u Huluhulu In grassy area near the edge of the Pu'u Preserved_Specimen Common from areas with developed soil along trails Faccenda, K. 2305 Hawaii BISH 2022-03-04
67 Sporobolus africanus Ulupalakua, Makawao Pasture Preserved_Specimen Common Hosaka, E.Y. 1705 Maui BISH 1937-01-20
68 Sporobolus africanus Ca. 9 miles down Chain of Craters towards Kalapana from intersection with Crater Rim Rd.; and ca. 0.3 miles up Old Kalapana Trail. A tree with 2 smaller sticks propped against it (landmark), is located north of trail Metrosideros-Sadleria-Dicanopteris transition community. Preserved_Specimen Newell, C.L. 565 Hawaii BISH 1966-08-23
69 Sporobolus africanus Hualalai, Kaloko Dr., end of road Roadside weed Preserved_Specimen Uncommon Faccenda, K. 2280 Hawaii BISH 2022-03-03
70 Sporobolus africanus Waianae Mts., Palikea (Mauna Kapu Trail), ca. 1-1/2 mi from parking area. In assoc. w/ #40 [Paspalum orbiculare]. With Metrosideros and false staghorn fern. Preserved_Specimen Herbst, D.R. 41 Oahu BISH 1966-03-26
71 Sporobolus africanus Makawao District, Haleakala Crater, inner N slope betw Koolau Gap and Paliku, NE of Kalua Awa below Kalapawili Ridge Occasional in subalpine shrubland. Vegetation: Leptecophylla, Vaccinium, Deschampsia, Carex, Sophora, Coprosma, Luzula, Dubautia, Trisetum, Asplenium, Polypodium, Pellaea, Pteridium. Preserved_Specimen Oppenheimer, H.L. 100824 Maui BISH 2008-10-27
72 Sporobolus africanus Puuwaawaa cone, west side slopes Rangeland Preserved_Specimen Takeuchi, W.N. 5755 Hawaii BISH 1989-04-01
73 Sporobolus africanus 4.1 miles down Chain of Craters towards Kalapana from intersection with Crater Rim Rd.; and ca. 2.1 miles up side road with cable across entrance (Escape Rd.). Plant was ca. 10 m NE of road. (Plot 49) Metrosideros-Sadleria-Dicanopteris forest community. Preserved_Specimen Grass about 1.5 ft. tall. Newell, C.L. 253 Hawaii BISH 1966-08-02
74 Sporobolus africanus Kaunakakai, along road to Maunahui Tufts in open bare grassy slope Preserved_Specimen St.John, H. 12619 Molokai BISH 1932-12-26
75 Sporobolus africanus Haleakala Ranch near Makawao Forest Reserve Common pasture grass. Preserved_Specimen Herbst, D.R. 4088 Maui BISH 1974-08-27
76 Sporobolus africanus East Maui, Hana District, Haleakala Crater, Kaupo Gap On dry rocky slopes. Preserved_Specimen St.John, H. 21177 Maui BISH 1945-08-27
77 Sporobolus africanus Hawaii Loa ridge trail, about 1 km below summit Along trail, only found within 1-2 m of edge of trail, sunny, moist areas Preserved_Specimen Common, to about 80 cm tall Faccenda, K. 2691 Oahu BISH 2022-09-03
78 Sporobolus africanus 5.3 miles up Keauhou Ranch Rd. (near Kialuea Military Camp). Mileage from first gate to green water tank (landmark) at left of road & approx. north of Kipuka Puaulu. (Plot 53) Metrosideros-Acacia grazing savanna community. Preserved_Specimen Grass ca. 2 ft. tall. Newell, C.L. 802 Hawaii BISH 1967-01-22
79 Sporobolus africanus East Maui, Kula, near foot of Haleakala Road Very abundant in pasture. Preserved_Specimen Densely caespitose, small clumps but toughly rooted, culms ascending, heavily infected with smut. Fosberg, F.R. 55692 Maui BISH 1975-03-16
80 Sporobolus africanus East Maui, Makawao District, Kanaio, SW slope of Haleakala On rough a`a lava. Preserved_Specimen Forbes, C.N. 1791 Maui BISH 1920-03-01
81 Sporobolus africanus 200 m down Hilina Pali Rd. from intersection with Chain of Craters Rd. Plant was ca. 20 m west(right side) of road. (Plot 1) Metrosideros-native shrub-Andropogon community. Preserved_Specimen Grass about 2.5 ft. tall Newell, C.L. 426 Hawaii BISH 1966-08-15
82 Sporobolus africanus Hilo Forest Reserve; Keanakolu Vegetation: Dryopteris, Pennisetum clandestinum, Acacia koa, Coprosma, Passiflora mollissima & Rubus. Preserved_Specimen Higashino, P.K. 6969 Hawaii BISH 1978-03-01
83 Sporobolus africanus Lanaihale, southern part. Edge of dirt road, sunny, dry. Growing out of Lantana plants, rare along road. Preserved_Specimen Faccenda, K. 3207 Lanai BISH 2023-06-23
84 Sporobolus africanus Pass west of Schofield Barracks Grassy slope. Preserved_Specimen Hitchcock, A.S. 13949 Oahu BISH 1916-07-06
85 Sporobolus africanus NE rim of Haleakala Crater Among tussocks of Deschampsia, particularly along trail well grazed by goats. Preserved_Specimen Harrison, B. 512 Maui BISH 1973-11-09
86 Sporobolus africanus East Maui, Haleakala Crater floor, Halemanuu Trail between Bottomless Pit & foot of pali Ash flat Preserved_Specimen Fosberg, F.R. 9991 Maui BISH 1933-08-23
87 Sporobolus africanus Belt Rd. S of Waimea, about 2 km N from Saddle Rd. Dry roadside, full sun. Preserved_Specimen From compressed soil near edge of road Faccenda, K. 2308 Hawaii BISH 2022-03-04
88 Sporobolus africanus Schofield Barracks Open grassland. Preserved_Specimen Hitchcock, A.S. 13940 Oahu BISH 1916-07-05
89 Sporobolus africanus East Maui, Hana District, Haleakala Crater, Kaupo Gap Clumps on dry rocky slope. Preserved_Specimen St.John, H. 21184 Maui BISH 1945-08-27
90 Sporobolus africanus 9.8 m down Hilina Pali Rd. toward ocean from intersection with Chain of Craters Rd.; 2.6 miles past Kipuka Nene; ca. 1.5 miles WNW from Hilina Pali Rd. to ash dunes. Plant in ash dune.(Plot 60) Scattered Metrosideros-Andropogon grassland community on stationary ash dunes. Preserved_Specimen Grass about 2 ft. tall. Newell, C.L. 661 Hawaii BISH 1966-08-29
91 Sporobolus africanus Ridge between Maunahui, Kaunakakai and Hanalilolilo, Kawela Along road to edge of forest. Preserved_Specimen St.John, H. 12288 Molokai BISH 1932-12-20
92 Sporobolus africanus 0.4 miles up Kulani Prison Rd. towards Prison from intersection with Volcano Rd. Plant was 20 m N (left of rd) in a jungle, entered at a slight opening with a 3 m tall Cibotium hawaiiense. (Plot 36) Cibotium forest with scattered old Metrosideros. Preserved_Specimen Grass about 3 ft. tall Newell, C.L. 871 Hawaii BISH 1967-01-25
93 Sporobolus africanus Hwy 11, Naalehu Police Station Roadside from mowed area, sunny, dry, open Preserved_Specimen Common Faccenda, K. 2269 Hawaii BISH 2022-03-02
94 Sporobolus africanus West Maui, West Maui Natural Area Reserve, Lihau Section, one major ridge S of Liha, Aspect: NE. Mesic shrubland: Metrosideros, Leptecophylla tameiameiae, Melinis repens, Eragrostis sp., Dodonaea viscosa, Achyranthes splendens, Osteopmeles, Chamecrista nictitans Preserved_Specimen Scattered plants growing in tufts. Spiklets >2mm Henderson,R. 79 Maui BISH 2025-02-13
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