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Natal Red Top
Melinis repens
SA tree number
English: Natal Red Top, Natal Grass, Natal Red Top Grass, Rose Natal Grass, Christmas Grass
Afrikaans: Rooigras, Natalrooitop, Bergrooigras
Misapplied or old scientific names: Melinis affinis, Melinis bertlingii, Melinis ejubata, Melinis mutica, Melinis otaviensis, Melinis pulchra, Melinis rangei, Melinis seineri, Panicum setinsigne, Rhynchelytrum brevipilum, Rhynchelytrum costatum, Rhynchelytrum grandiflorum, Rhynchelytrum suberostratum, Rhynchelytrum villosum, Tricholaena brevipila
Melinis repens, commonly known as Natal Red Top or Rooigras, is a beautiful and often conspicuous perennial grass that forms loose tufts. It's easily identified by its soft, feathery flowerheads that shimmer with a lovely reddish-purple or pink hue, especially when backlit by the sun. Although it's indigenous to South Africa, it's a bit of a global adventurer, having naturalised in many parts of the world.
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Distinguishing features:
Soft, feathery flowerheads with a reddish-purple to pink colour, sometimes turning grey or white with age.
Loose tufted growth habit.
Linear leaves.
Lower glume of the spikelet is tiny, less than 1 mm long.
Overall appearance:
A tufted, perennial grass with an erect growth habit and distinctively coloured, feathery flowerheads.
Height:
Typically 0.5 to 1.5 m tall.
Leaves:
Linear, often rolled or folded.
Can be hairy or smooth.
Up to 30 cm long and 1 cm wide.
Greyish-green to green.
Flowers:
Borne in loose, feathery panicles (flowerheads).
Colour ranges from reddish-purple or pink when young, turning grey or white as they mature.
Spikelets are covered in soft, silky hairs, giving them a shimmering, feathery appearance.
The lower glume (a protective bract) on each spikelet is very small, less than 1 mm long.
Flowering season:
Typically late summer to autumn (January to May), but can flower at other times depending on rainfall.
Stems:
Erect, slender culms (grass stems) that form loose tufts.
Roots:
Fibrous root system.
Soil type:
Wide range of soil types, often found in sandy or disturbed soils. Tolerates poor or infertile soils.
Aspect:
Full sun.
Uses:
Soil Stabilisation: Often used for stabilising disturbed areas due to its fibrous root system and adaptability.
Forage: Provides fodder for livestock, though its value can vary.
Ornamental: Sometimes planted in gardens for its attractive flowerheads, especially in naturalistic or low-maintenance landscapes.
Ecology:
A pioneer species, often one of the first plants to colonise disturbed sites like roadsides, overgrazed pastures, and eroded areas.
Rapid growth and prolific seed production enable it to establish quickly.
Provides food and shelter for various small animals.
Wind-pollinated.
Distribution and habitat:
Not endemic to South Africa. Native to tropical and southern Africa.
Has naturalised in many parts of the world (e.g., North and South America, Australia, parts of Asia).
Provincial distribution in South Africa: Occurs in all nine provinces, indicating its widespread adaptability across various biomes.
Found in open grasslands, savannas, disturbed areas, roadsides, and on the edges of cultivated fields.
Derivation of name:
The genus name Melinis is derived from the Greek word 'melinos', meaning 'honey-coloured', possibly referring to the colour of some species or their sweet scent.
The species name repens is Latin for 'creeping' or 'prostrate', which can refer to a spreading or low-growing habit, although this species is often described as tufted and erect. This might relate to its vigorous spread or rhizomatous nature in some conditions.
Historical aspects:
Melinis repens has a complex taxonomic history and has been known by several different botanical names over time, including Rhynchelytrum repens and Tricholaena repens. Its widespread naturalisation globally highlights its adaptability and colonising ability.
Interesting facts:
This grass is a real fashionista, changing the colour of its feathery flowerheads from reddish-purple to pink, then fading to grey or white as they get older!
Even though it's indigenous to sunny South Africa, Melinis repens is a total globetrotter! It's travelled and made itself at home in many countries around the world.
It's a bit of a rebel, often being the first plant to pop up in disturbed areas like roadsides or overgrazed fields. It's like nature's quick-fix solution for bare patches!
Growing tips:
Grows easily from seed.
Can be established from transplanted tufts.
Prefers full sun.
Tolerates a wide range of soil types, including poor or infertile soils.
Drought-tolerant once established.
Ideal for naturalising areas or for erosion control on slopes.
This plant is a fantastic alternative for:
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Scientific Name
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Plant family (derivation)