The Anatomy Of Common Pasture Grasses In Kenya Ii: Digitaria Scalarum Chiov. (African Couch Grass)

Abstract

Digitaria scalarum Chiov. is one of the most troublesome weeds of arable land in many parts of East Africa. It has extensive underground rhizomes which are difficult to eliminate from the soil. It is widely distributed in most regions from sea-level to 10,000 ft. but especially in grasslands lying between 6,000 ft. and 10,000 ft. where it is readily eaten by stock (Edwards and Bogdan, 1951). It is, however, not sufficiently productive to be regarded as good pasture grass.