This grass is a light green, low-growing perennial that spreads by short, heavy runners. Bahia grass requires less maintenance than other grasses and has excellent drought tolerance. It tolerates little salt and does not grow well in alkaline soils with a pH above 8.0, but it is relatively free from insects and diseases, and is somewhat wear resistant. In areas that have poor soils, bahia grass will make a reasonable substitute for common bermuda grass. Bahia grass should be seeded at a rate of 20 pounds per acre, and should be planted during the rainy season.
Most seeding failures are moisture related.
Because of its tremendous massive root system, erosion control and soil building qualities are unequaled. Buffel grass is easy to establish, drought resistant, and a high forage producer. It is better adapted to sand and medium-textured soils than to heavy soils, and produces well in low rainfall areas. Hurricane grass is the most predominant lawn grass in the Virgin Islands. It is a hardy, aggressive, native grass which stands up exceptionally well to wear.