The genera Brachiaria and Urochloa are closely related, and the two are united by some authors. See Veldkamp, Taxon 45 (1986) 319. However, this unification is not accepted by all authors - see Flora of China Vol 22 pp520-523 2006. We are following the treatment in the Flora of China and the Kew 'World Checklist of Selected Plant Families', and treating the two genera as distinct[].
Brachiaria and Urochloa are distinguished mainly by habit, Urochloa having rather more flattened, cuspidate spikelets enclosing a pronounced mucro from the upper lemma. The different spikelet orientation is also characteristic, though not obvious when the spikelets are paired. In Urochloa the lower glume faces outward, whereas in Brachiaria it lies against the rachis[]..

Common Name:

General Information

Brachiaria subquadripara is an annual to short-lived perennial grass, foring a clump of slender, straggling culms 25 - 60cm tall; the culms usually form roots on their lower nodes[].
The plant is used as a ground cover, especialy in plantations, and also as a binder on sandy soils. It is sometimes cultivated as a lawn-grass, where it may become a troublesome weed because of its rampant habit[].
This species has an extensive distribution range. It is a widespread weed that is common in its natural range and has been introduced in some countries (e.g. Fiji Islands, Solomon Islands) and in those countries it has become invasive. The population is currently believed to be stable. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].
Brachiaria distachya is a very aggressive plant, especially in humid areas and wetlands. It has escaped from cultivation and become a weed in many parts of the tropics and is likely to become a threat in disturbed wetlands, riparian habitats, and dune systems by altering these ecosystems, displacing native species, or threatening local populations. Because it is highly competitive and produces a large volume of biomass, the species reduces species diversity and the functional diversity of indigenous macrophytes. Its allelopathic components, resistance to long periods of drought, and high germination capacity in low light conditions increase its competitive ability. When it forms extensive mats it impacts the native diversity of plants and also of fishes. Commonly invasive along margins of lakes and multiple use reservoirs, the presence of this species in water bodies generates water loss by transpiration, reduces water flow in canals, increases siltation, and generates higher maintenance costs[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - southern China, India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, IndoChina, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, New Guinea, northeast Australia, Pacific

Habitat

Open waste places, roadsides, damp grass fields; at elevations up to 600 metres, occasionally to 900 metres[]. Hill slopes, grassy places, fields, open forests[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Annual/Perennial
Height	0.40 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Cultivated

Cultivation Details

Brachiaria subquadripara is widely adapted to the warm lowland tropics, but it is particularly suited to monsoon environments[]. It can also succeed in warm temperate climates where winters are mild and frosts are few or none[].
Prefers medium to light-textured soils of medium to high fertility[]. Plants are fairly shade tolerant[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is a good soil-binder in sandy areas such as coconut plantations and dunes, and, because of its ability to tolerate shade, can also be used as a ground cover under other tree crops. It should not be introduced until the coconuts are at least 30 years old or there will be too much low shade[]. It is sometimes cultivated as a lawn-grass, where it may become a troublesome weed because of its rampant habit[, ].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -