Sticky Bristle Grass /Velcro Grass

Description:

tufted annual grass which starts off as a stand of bright green erect tufts but matures into a tangled mat due to the barbed bristles of the inflorescence. In fact these seed heads entangle and strongly hold all manner of things that come into contact with it even large insects, hence the local name velcro grass

Habitat:

subtropical bushveld, hot erratically wet summers and dry, mild winters. Frequently found in the shade under trees and in disturbed places but will grow in the sun with more moisture as a garden weed. This spotting was growing in partial shade by the fence of some old cattle pens.

Notes:

This is a European species which has naturalised in southern Africa. It is however a highly palatable pioneer grass.