Common Russet Grass

Loudetia simplex

Native to:
Angola, Benin, Burkina, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, DR Congo, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sudan-South Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Poaceae
Genus:
Loudetia
Species:
Loudetia simplex
USDA Symbol:
LOSI5

Growth Characteristics

Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
150 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
jul,aug,sep,oct

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
small mammals, birds
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Common in African savannas subject to frequent fire; resprouts vigorously from basal meristems after burning.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
commonly found in savannas and grasslands