Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone
Elephant grass (Cenchrus purpureus) is a long-lived, perennial grass that is native to tropical Africa. It was introduced to New Zealand as a garden ornamental and was first recorded in the wild (naturalised) in 1990. The plant forms large clumps with robust, cane-like stems that can grow several metres tall and has long, broad leaves with rough margins. It flowers from late summer to autumn, producing dense, bristly flower heads, which develop into seeds. It tolerates drought and a range of soil types. It reproduces by seed and vegetatively from stem fragments and rhizomes. Seeds are dispersed by wind. Stem fragments and rhizomes are spread by water, soil movement, dumped garden waste and other human activities. Stem fragments readily produce new plants.
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