Family: Poaceae
Common name: Bermuda grass, Couch grass, Ethana grass, Dubo, Dog grass, Dog’s tooth grass, Bahama grass, Crab grass, Devil’s grass, Indian doab, Karuka, Karukapullu, Dhoob, Dūrvā grass, Arugampul, Grama, Wiregrass, Scutch grass
Bermuda grass is a widespread and versatile grass that is a preferred choice for lawns, sports fields, and golf courses. They grow well in warm tropical and temperate countries as cultivated lawns and also along roadsides and open areas.
Plant characteristics
Bermuda grass grows to a height of 10-15 cm forming dense mats that can cover large areas quickly. The stem is brown at the base and bluish-green towards the ends.
They put out long stolon or stems that root when the leaf nodes touch the soil gradually creeping outside where they are planted. Leaves are 3-8 cm long, flat and slightly rough around the edges.
During spring and summer, these plants flower producing slender spikes that carry tiny flowers, about 1-2 mm in length. Fruits are initially green, turning brown on maturity after which they split open to release a single seed.
Though seeds are effective in propagation, vegetative propagation through stolons and rhizomes is more effective and quick.
Gardening tips
Bermuda grass prefer bright, direct sunlight to grow and thrive well. They are reasonably drought-tolerant, but need regular watering during summer months.
Lack of water may lead to brown patches that are eventually repaired when the plant produces new growth. They need well-drained soil since the spreading roots can get clogged in muddy soil.
Regular mowing will keep Bermuda grass as beautiful as a mat about 2-3 cm tall. Fertilize with urea or a nitrogen-rich fertilizer once in 2 months for optimal growth.
Uses of Bermuda grass
Though they are generally used as lawn grass, Bermuda grass also called durva is used in India for Hindu religious worship and rituals. They are excellent in preventing soil erosion since their spreading rhizomatous roots can form thick mats protecting the soil.
Bermuda grass has some medicinal uses in the treatment of cuts, wounds, ulcers, and skin diseases. They are good for grazing animals like cows and goats. Dogs eat this grass to self-treat stomach problems.
Bermuda grass can become invasive if allowed to grow in agricultural areas since they can spread quickly choking saplings and other native plants. Weedicides can help control them, along with hand-plucking in case there are only a few plants.
Once established in the soil, Bermuda grass can grow from underground roots even if all the stems above the soil are removed completely.
Propagation
Propagation is though stolons (pieces of stem), rhizomes (pieces of root), seeds, and sodding.
Sodding is the most common method used in laying of lawns where pre-established grass is removed as large mats and laid out on new ground. This will help your lawn look good almost immediately without the pain of sowing seeds and waiting for them to grow out.
Photographed at: Bangalore
