Cenchrus clandestinus aka Kikuyu Grass

Cenchrus clandestinus, or kikuyu grass, is an evergreen perennial in the grass family, Poaceae. Kew gives its native range as Eritrea to southern tropical Africa. Useful Tropical Plants lists a narrower range in eastern tropical Africa. It grows in upland pasture, grassy clearings, and along forest edges. These sites include fertile, well-drained soils that support grazing. The species occurs in tropical regions with a dry season.

Its form changes with mowing and grazing. The listed height is about 0.7 feet [0.2 metres]. Uncut plants can form loose clumps reaching 1.5 feet [0.46 metres]. Mown or grazed plants spread close to the ground. They form a thick mat rather than an upright clump. Branched rhizomes and stolons drive this spread. The stolons take root at their nodes and form new plants. Most roots crowd the upper 0.5 feet [0.15 metres] of soil. In loose soil, roots may reach 9.8 feet [3 metres] deep.

Wind carries the pollen, and the seeds are small. The source shows plants flowering even in a lawn. It gives no clear flowering season or detailed flower description. Growers can raise plants from seed or divide the rhizomes. Seeds germinate best between 19°C and 29°C. Within that range, germination is fastest at 29°C.

This grass grows best in full sun but accepts light shade. It favours rich, heavy soil. It can also grow in sand with enough added nutrients. Its preferred yearly rainfall is 900–1,600 mm. Reported tolerance extends from 700 to 3,000 mm. It suits tropical highlands and lower sites in warm temperate or subtropical regions. Best daytime growth occurs between 16°C and 26°C. Dormant plants may survive about −9°C. New growth can suffer severe damage at −2°C.

People grow kikuyu grass for pasture, lawns, and recreation grounds. Its dense growth also helps hold soil in place. Yet its rapid spread can make it hard to contain. Narrow garden barriers may fail to stop its stolons. Deep rhizomes help it regrow after fire. This regrowth can hinder native seedlings. Useful Tropical Plants reports no known edible uses or hazards. That is not proof that every use is safe. The same source records a traditional use to stop bleeding. People use the whole plant or bruised leaves for this purpose.