Pyp grass
Ehrharta villosa
Pyp grass
Description
Pyp grass is a perennial grass growing from long, creeping rhizomes. The jointed stems are robust and usually around 90 cm tall, although they can be up to 150 or even 200 cm tall. Leaves are bluish-green and short in proportion to the stems, about 1.5-13 cm long. The leaves may be absent. The inflorescence is a panicle up to 25 cm long, narrow and rather lax.
Impact
Pyp grass has a limited distribution in New Zealand, being known from three sites where it has invaded sand dunes. Pyp grass is a serious agricultural weed in South Australia. It commonly grows as a dense sward displacing most other species, in some cases even scrambling over shrubs up to 2-3 metres in height. Pyp grass is a significant threat to sand dune systems throughout New Zealand. It is expected to invade dunes and contribute to the degradation of sand dune habitats.
What to do
Contact MAF Biosecurity New Zealand on 0800 80 99 66 if you find this plant.
Page last updated: 26 March 2009
Relevant Resources
- Pyp grass Factsheet
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