Perennial veldtgrass
Ehrharta calycina
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Photo credit: ©Forest Starr & Kim Starr
Ehrharta calycina
Description:
Origin and Worldwide Distribution:
Potential or Known Impacts:
How could it get here?
Is it found in Northern Ireland?
Methods for Prevention:
You can help by reporting any sightings: @ the Centre for Environmental Data & Recording (CEDaR) - Or via the iRecord App.
Current Legislative Position (Listed on 14 August 2019)
Ehrharta calycina
Description:
- This species is a tussock-forming grass, growing between 30-75cm in height; it has green to red-purple leaves and inflorescence, growing 10-15cm long.
Origin and Worldwide Distribution:
- This species is native to southern Africa. It has been spread worldwide, including to the United States of America, Tunisia, Australia, Spain and Portugal.
Potential or Known Impacts:
- This species is commonly seen in disturbed landscapes, and can become established in denser vegetation, like heathland and woodland.
- It can prevent germination in many species, including woody species and forbs.
- It usually dries out in the summer, leading to a fire risk. Fire can promote this species by preventing native species regrowth or establishment.
How could it get here?
- This species could be imported for pasture forage and as a soil binder, or accidently as a soil contaminant.
Is it found in Northern Ireland?
- Not present in Northern Ireland.
Methods for Prevention:
- EU-level action includes a ban on sales and any planting or keeping, including in aquaria, as well as rapid eradication of any new populations to avoid the excessively high costs associated with its management later on.
- Report all sightings.
You can help by reporting any sightings: @ the Centre for Environmental Data & Recording (CEDaR) - Or via the iRecord App.
Current Legislative Position (Listed on 14 August 2019)
- This species must not intentionally be brought into the Union; kept; bred; transported to, from or within the United Kingdom, unless for the transportation to facilities in the context of eradication; placed on the market; used or exchanged; permitted to reproduce, grown or cultivated; or released into the environment.