PASPALUM DISTICHUM

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 956, 26 April 1930, Page 31

PASPALUM DISTICHUM

A WORTHWHILE GRASS Possessing the peculiar properties of thriving under excessive moist or excessively dry conditions, paspalum distichum, or “silt grass,” is an exceedingly valuable fodder plant. Being a perennial grass, it is permanent once it is established, and spreads rapidly in congenial surroundings. It is relished by livestock of all classes, and possesses milk-producing and fattening qualities of a high order. It grows half-submerged in shallow pools or wet meadows, and is not destroyed by periodical inundations. Saline soils are not inimical to its successful cultivation, which greatly adds to its usefulness. It commences to shoot in early spring, and produces an abundance of succulent foliage which remains throughout summer and until cut down by frosts. It seeds freely, and the seed ripens during January, February, and March. The most satisfactory method of establishing paspalum distichum is to propagate it by sod-planting. Every piece of the plant having a node is capable of producing a new plant when placed in moist ground, and firmly set by stamping in with the foot. When the pieces are dropped about two feet apart each way, the blank spaces will be filled up quickly if environment is favourable. The most suitable time for planting is when all danger from frosts has passed, which is generally in the spring. While paspalum distichum may not flourish in every district, it is well worth a trial, particularly in coastal areas where there is frequently a large extent of waste land, of country will prove a boon to pasAny plant that will improve this class toralists.