Grasses:
Red Grass (Themeda triandra) :
- One of the main grass species in the long-grass plains and woodlands of the Serengeti - Turns a dark reddish color as it dries - Normally grows as a dense bunch, can become the dominant grass and grows widely spaced - Wildebeest eat this grass, but not as first choice Elephant Grass (Pennisetum purpureum) :
- Has low water and nutrient requirements - Can make use of uncultivated lands - In the past this wild species has been used primarily for grazing - In recent years it has been incorporated into a pest management strategy (Push Pull Pest Management Strategy) |
Pan Dropseed (Sporobolus ioclados) (formerly marginatus) :
- One of the two dominant species on the short grass plains - Both species grow in a dwarf form, can be difficult to recognize - Very high levels of herbivory during the wet season combined with the hard pan layer in the soil prevents grasses from growing deep roots |