| Ehrharta erecta | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Genus: | Ehrharta |
| Species: | E. erecta
|
| Binomial name | |
| Ehrharta erecta | |
Ehrharta erecta is a species of grass commonly known as panic veldtgrass. The species is native to Southern Africa and Yemen. It is a documented invasive species in the United States,[1] New Zealand, Australia, southern Europe and China.[2]
The species is perennial, and normally grows to about 30 to 50 centimeters, although it may reach two meters in height. It will grow in a wide variety of habitats, even in shade.[3]
The species has been used for birdseed, and in ecological restoration such as dune stabilization. However, it has become an invasive weed in many parts of the world. Flowering and seeding throughout the year, its seeds germinate rapidly, forming new plants in only a few weeks.[2][4][5]
In Ireland, E. erecta was first recorded in the 18th century, but there are earlier records from Great Britain.[6]
- ^ Frey, Mark. "Element Stewardship Abstract for Ehrharta spp. Thunb". The Nature Conservancy. Archived from the original on 2005-11-24. Retrieved 2019-03-29.
- ^ a b "Ehrharta erecta (panic veldtgrass)". Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International. Retrieved 2016-02-03.
- ^ "Ehrharta erecta". International Environmental Weed Foundation. Retrieved 2016-02-03.
- ^ "Panic Veldt Grass". Sydney Weeds Committees. 13 January 2011. Retrieved 2013-12-27.
- ^ "Weed of the month archive". ANGAIR. Retrieved 2013-12-27.
- ^ Nash, D. (22 June 2018). "Panic Veldt Grass (Ehrharta erecta L.) a grass new to Ireland". Irish Naturalists' Journal. 36 (1): 30–31.