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Melinis repens (Willd.) Zizka
| Family Name: | Poaceae (Gramineae) |
| Synonyms: | Melinis argentea, Melinis congesta, Melinis nitens |
| Common Name: | Red-top, Rose Natal Grass, Natal Grass |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Grass or Grass-like Plant (Tall Grass (Poaceae)) |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 0.9 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | South Africa |
|---|
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Tall grass that grows up to 0.9 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Flowers | Flower spikelets are arranged in branched clusters known as panicles. They are covered in reddish hairs that gradually turn shiny pink. Some people are mildly allergic to its pollen. |
| Habitat | Often found in open, disturbed areas, such as roadsides. In 1990, this species began to invade grasslands in southwest USA, outcompeting native vegetation. |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Propagation Method | Seed |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Pink, Red |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Hairy / Hirsute |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Flower Symmetry | Bilateral |
| Individual Flower Shape | Ligulate / Strap-shaped |
| Inflorescence Type | Spikelet / Pseudospikelet / Compound Spike |
| Flower Transitional Changes | Colour |
| Flower Lifespan on Plant | Several Days |
| Flowering Habit | Polycarpic |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Pink |
|---|---|
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
| Fruit Type | Indehiscent Dry Fruit , Caryopsis / Grain |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 29075 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 3390 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
