Distribution Native to Central and South America from Mexico to Argentina. Introduced in Florida and along Gulf Coast in United States and to East and West Africa. Found on open ground, savannas, and pastures, up to 2,000 m. Its deep-rooted habit helps it to withstand considerable drought. Responds well to nitrogen fertilizer. Germination is often slow, but improved by scarifying seed with sulfuric acid.
Growth habit makes it difficult to maintain legumes in the sward, thus it becomes sod-bound rapidly.
Harvesting Seed production is low and is often reduced further by ergot. It is normally harvested from established pastures. Yields and Economics Seed yields are low. Sphacelotheca paspali-notati, Ustilago paspali. References Blue, W.G. 1980.