pilipiliula
(Chrysopogon aciculatus)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Origin
Native to the tropics of Asia, Polynesia, and Australia at low elevations.
Appearance
Chrysopogon aciculatus is a perennial grass that spreads by stolons (above-ground lateral roots) and shallowly buried roots.
Foliage
Blades are 0.8-3.2" (2-8 cm) long, 0.3" (3 mm) wide and have rough edges.
Fruit
Sharply pointed seeds, 0.1-0.2" (3-4 mm) long. Upright seed head, 1.2-2.4" (3-6 cm) long with a red-purple color.
Could be confused with:
Florida false beardgrass (native) but the seeds on the native species have extremely long awns.
Citation
Angelo, C., Cooley, H., Giardina, D., et al. 2019. Everglades CISMA: Early Detection, Rapid Response Plant Species. Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) CISMA and Friends of Everglades CISMA. Retrieved from https://bugwoodcloud.org/mura/ECISMA/assets/File/ECISMA_plantEDRR_.pdf
Native to the tropics of Asia, Polynesia, and Australia at low elevations.
Appearance
Chrysopogon aciculatus is a perennial grass that spreads by stolons (above-ground lateral roots) and shallowly buried roots.
Foliage
Blades are 0.8-3.2" (2-8 cm) long, 0.3" (3 mm) wide and have rough edges.
Fruit
Sharply pointed seeds, 0.1-0.2" (3-4 mm) long. Upright seed head, 1.2-2.4" (3-6 cm) long with a red-purple color.
Could be confused with:
Florida false beardgrass (native) but the seeds on the native species have extremely long awns.
Citation
Angelo, C., Cooley, H., Giardina, D., et al. 2019. Everglades CISMA: Early Detection, Rapid Response Plant Species. Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) CISMA and Friends of Everglades CISMA. Retrieved from https://bugwoodcloud.org/mura/ECISMA/assets/File/ECISMA_plantEDRR_.pdf
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Invasive Listing Sources
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Plantae |
| Phylum: Magnoliophyta |
| Class: Magnoliopsida |
| Superorder: Lilianae |
| Order: Poales |
| Family: Poaceae |
| Subfamily: Panicoideae |
| Tribe: Andropogoneae |
| Genus: Chrysopogon |
| Chrysopogon aciculatus |
References
Common Name Reference: Weed Science Society of America Common Names List
Scientific Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.