POACEAE

Eragrostis superba

Saw-tooth Love Grass

Grasses & Sedges

Local Context

Common perennial grass species on Raptor's View which is widespread across Africa. It grows mainly in disturbed bare places in the veld and roadsides, also grows on termite mounds. It is a quick growing palatable grass with average grazing value.

Identification

Growth: Densely tufted perennial grass (20–120 cm tall) with erect or knee-bent stems; it does not have creeping underground runners (rhizomes).
Flowers: Arranged in large, open or contracted heads (panicles) that are 10–30 cm long; the spikelets are distinctively flat, heart-shaped to oval (6–16 mm long), and jagged along the edges like a saw; they are often green tinged with purple or brown and fall off the plant as a complete unit when ripe.
Leaves: Long, flat or rolled blades (up to 40 cm long) that are firm and often have a blue-green (glaucous) colour; the joint where the leaf meets the stem has a fringe of hairs.
Texture: The spikelets are strongly flattened and papery; the leaf blades are firm and smooth but sometimes rough on the edges.
Fruit: Small, oval-shaped grain (seed) about 1–1.5 mm long.

Did You Know?

Eragrostis superba is a vital food source, providing seeds for birds like finches and waxbills, while its palatable foliage fattens livestock including cattle, sheep, and goats. It is equally essential for game animals such as impala, zebra, and wildebeest. Beyond forage, the species' deep root system makes it highly effective for erosion control and stabilising disturbed soils.

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