Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Poales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
ascendens
ID:
880178

Status:
valid

Authors:
Mez

Source:
wcs

Year:
1921

Citation Micro:
Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 57: 198 (1921)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000879513

Common Names

  • Melinis ascendens
  • Ascending Natal Grass
  • Ascending Natal

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Description

Melinis ascendens (also called Ascending Redtop, among many other common names) is a perennial grass, growing up to 1 m tall. It is native to Africa and is found in grasslands and scrublands.

Uses & Benefits

Melinis ascendens is an ornamental grass that is used in landscaping. It is drought tolerant and can survive in poor soils. It is also used as a ground cover.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Flower: The flowers of Melinis ascendens are white or pinkish and have five petals. Seed: The seeds of Melinis ascendens are small, dark brown and oval-shaped. Seedlings: The seedlings of Melinis ascendens have a single pair of oval-shaped leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Melinis ascendens is a perennial grass native to Africa. It is found in grasslands, meadows, and other areas with plenty of sun and moisture. Propagation is best done by seed, which should be sown in early spring. The seeds should be sown in a well-drained soil and kept moist until germination. Once established, the plants will require regular watering and fertilizing. If desired, the plants can be divided in the spring or fall.

Where to Find Melinis ascendens

Melinis ascendens is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Madagascar, and the Indian Ocean Islands.

Species in the Poaceae family

Achnatherum pekinense, Achnatherum pubicalyx, Achnatherum sibiricum, Achnatherum turcomanicum, Achnatherum brandisii, Achnatherum bromoides, Achnatherum calamagrostis, Achnatherum confusum, Achnatherum inebrians, Achnatherum jacquemontii, Achnatherum virescens, Achnatherum paradoxum, Achnatherum nakaii, Achnatherum pelliotii, Achnatherum haussknechtii, Achnatherum mandavillei, Achnatherum pilosum, Achnatherum parviflorum, Achnatherum staintonii, Aciachne acicularis, Aciachne flagellifera, Aciachne pulvinata, Acidosasa breviclavata, Acidosasa brilletii, Acidosasa chinensis, Acidosasa edulis, Acidosasa glauca, Acidosasa guangxiensis, Acidosasa lingchuanensis, Acidosasa nanunica, Acidosasa notata, Acidosasa purpurea, Acidosasa venusta, Acidosasa carinata, Acostia gracilis, Acrachne henrardiana, Acrachne perrieri, Acrachne racemosa, Acritochaete volkensii, Acroceras amplectens, Acroceras attenuatum, Acroceras boivinii, Acroceras bosseri, Acroceras calcicola, Acroceras chaseae, Acroceras diffusum, Acroceras elegans, Acroceras excavatum, Acroceras fluminense, Acroceras gabunense,

References

Carl Christian Mez (1866-1944): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Mez' in the authors string.
POWO record for urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:408200-1: Govaerts R (ed.). 2023. WCVP: World Checklist of Vascular Plants [Version 11]. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. [WWW document] URL http://sftp.kew.org/pub/data-repositories/WCVP/ [accessed 20 April 2023].