How to identify Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica)
Cogongrass, also known as Bladey grass, Silver spikegrass, Alang-alang
Cogongrass is characterized by its upright, elongate foliage that can reach heights of up to 4 feet (1.2 meters). The leaves exhibit a distinct reddish tinge at the tips, adding to its ornamental appeal. This striking feature is supported on slender, cylindrical stems. The root system is comprised of sturdy, creeping rhizomes that can extend aggressively underground. In its flowering season, cogongrass produces feathery, silver-white plumes that rise above the foliage, giving it a soft, textured appearance.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Herb
Leaf Type: Deciduous
Upright, elongate foliage reaching 4 feet (1.2 meters) with reddish tips.
Feathery, silver-white plumes above foliage during flowering season.
Plume-like inflorescence with white, hairy panicle measuring 12 inches (30 cm) long.
Dry, fluffy caryopsis concealed in fuzzy, white seed heads for wind dispersal.
Linear, stiff, yellow-green leaves up to 30 inches (76 cm) long with serrated edges.
The leaves of cogongrass are linear, stiff, and yellow-green, with bases emerging directly from the stem. They can grow up to 30 inches (76 cm) long and 2.5 cm (3/4 inch) wide. The leaf edges are finely serrated with sharp silica crystals, and the light green or white midrib is off-center. The upper surface has a few hairs near the base, while the undersides are smooth. The leaves are held erect and pointed at the tips.
The flowers of cogongrass display a plume-like inflorescence, forming a branched panicle that is white and hairy, measuring 12 inches (30 cm) long and 0.8 inches (2 cm) wide. The tiny florets are arranged in pairs, creating spikelets with one floret being sterile and the other bisexual, featuring two orange stamens and one purple stigma. The spikelets are typically arranged in pairs, with one around 0.03 inch (0.8 mm) long and the other about 0.07 inch (1.8 mm) long.
The underground stem of cogongrass, known as a rhizome, is whitish in color and produces numerous above-ground stems. These rhizomes are typically cylindrical and smooth, measuring about 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) in diameter. The rhizomes often exhibit a branching pattern, creating a dense, interwoven network. This stem is vital for propagation, spreading horizontally beneath the soil and enabling new growth shoots to emerge from nodes along its length.
The fruit of cogongrass is a dry, fluffy caryopsis, which is typically a grain. It is concealed within the plant's prominent fuzzy, white, and plume-like seed heads. The grains are lightweight, allowing them to be dispersed by wind over great distances. These caryopses are small, usually measuring less than 0.2 inches (5 mm) in length. Their texture is bristly, and they adhere to the plume structures, forming a feathery appearance overall. These key features facilitate identification and ecological adaptation.
Scan QR code to download
Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.
The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.
Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.
The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.
The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.
The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.
Identify a Plant Online
Scientific Classification of Cogongrass
