Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. (subtrop.) – A rather rare, locally naturalized and increasing alien. Known at least since 1781 (Durand 1899). At present well represented in the vicinity of some larger cities (mainly Antwerpen, Gent) and locally also in coastal areas (Verloove 2006). Remarkable concentrations are also present in the surroundings of Diest. In this area Cynodon dactylon was already well-established in the 2nd half of the 19th century. Much less frequently seen in Wallonia and at present only known from scattered locations. Usually found in dry, sunny often more or less degraded road verges and canal banks, more rarely also on wasteland. Its vector of introduction in Belgium is rather obscure. Some early records were obviously associated with wool waste (although some records from this source belonged with a related species, Cynodon incompletus var. hirsutus) but in most cases no obvious vector could be indicated.
Cynodon dactylon is a fast colonizer and often occupies vast areas (and is therefore frequently sown in lawns but not so in Belgium). In the subtropics, in its native area as well as in areas where Cynodon dactylon was introduced, it is often considered a noxious weed. In Belgium only man-made habitats have been colonized so far and the species appears to be harmless.
Cynodon dactylon is a fairly variable species. A recent account of its variability in Spain is provided by Vázquez Pardo (2012).
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References:
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Vázquez Pardo F.M. (2012) Anotaciones Corológicas y Taxonómicas a la Flora en Extremadura. 047.- Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. Folia Bot. Extremadurensis 12: 63-65. [available online at: http://jolube.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/folia_botanica_extremadurensis_6_2012.pdf]
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