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GENERAL
Origin
:
temperate,
sub-Mediterranean,
Mediterranean
Vigour
:
normal growth
rate
Humidity
:
semi-arid, semi-
humid, very
humid
Propagation :
direct sowing,
division
Maintenance :
high
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
vulnerable
Stagnant water :
resistant
Irrigation
:
medium
Salinity/ppm :
very high (11000
ppm)
Hardiness
:
-18°C
SHAPE
Type
:
grasses
Height
:
0.03 m-0.3 m
Spread
:
0.2 m-0.8 m
Foliage
:
semi-evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
green, light
brown
Size
:
7 cm
Period
:
March -
December
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
caryopsis
Bermuda Grass, sometimes called Bahama Grass (najeel in Arabic), is by far the most common
lawn grass used in Arriyadh and Saudi Arabia. It is very tolerant of heat, sun, saline water and
poorly draining soils and is also relatively free of pests and diseases, enabling it to survive where
few other grasses do. The grass blades are a grey-green colour and usually 2 to 15 cm long. The
erect flower stems grow to 30 cm tall; the seed heads are produced in a cluster of spikes. C. dacty-
lon has a deep root system: it creeps along the ground and roots wherever a node touches the soil,
thus forming a dense mat. It reproduces through seeds and runners. Optimum growth occurs
from 25 to 35°C. It will not tolerate full shade, e.g. under trees. Excellent turf can be achieved if
the grass is regularly irrigated, fertilised and mown. There are many fine-textured hybrid Ber-
mudas, the best known being the ‘Tif’ series. Stolonising is the fastest way of establishing a turf.
Sodding is very common with many turf farms in Arriyadh. Rolls of mature turf are laid down;
it is more expensive, but the effect is immediate. Bermuda Grass, when brown and dormant in
Arriyadh in winter, can be overseeded in autumn with a quick-growing winter grass, which dies
back as the heat builds up, keeping the turf green. This is a relatively intensive treatment, not
often carried out. With the habit of spreading into other areas of groundcover and gravel, its
weedy nature makes it very maintenance-intensive. It is fast growing and tough, making it useful
for sports fields.
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Cynodon dactylon,
Poaceae
Bermuda Grass,
Bahama Grass, najim, najeel