Kikuyu Grass Is Spreading’ Rapidly In Mat at a Area

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 13, Issue 93, 30 May 1949, Page 5

Kikuyu Grass Is Spreading’ Rapidly In Mat at a Area

There is a possibility that kikuyu grass may be declared a noxious weed in the Whakatane County, according to the inspector, Mr A. Carling, in his monthly report to the Whakatane County Council on Tuesday. It has been spreading rapidly in some areas and unless checked fears are felt that it will become a serious menace.

Mr Carling said that last month he inspected two properties, one at Awakaponga and the other at Matata, which are the worst so far affected. Here it was growing thickly although on one section at Matata it had been checked by spraying with a sodium solution. Before going so far as to recommend that kikuyu grass be declared a noxious wepd, Mr Carling said he intended to take the matter up with the Department of Agriculture.

Kikuyu grass has a very strong growth and beside having strong thick roots creeps over the surface of the ground with tough wiry stems. It is very thick and green and appears to thrive in the dryest of places. It is popular with people living near the beach as lawns but it requires constant mowing, although it never drys up. In some parts of the country it is known as Buffalo grass.