Mossman river grass
Common names: Mossman river grass, Mossman burr, Sand burr
Scientific name: Cenchrus echinatus
Native to: Central and tropical North America
Family: Poaceae, the grass family
Habit: Typical grass looking tuft. Has the ability to grow up to 60cm tall but around 30cm in our area.
Control measures: Can be sprayed but best to remove by hand before seeding.
If you have Mossman river grass in your lawns you would already know about it. The burrs are very painful when stood on or grasped. If you are not familiar with it, think Bindi’s on steroids. The burrs have hooks on them that attach to clothing or animal fur. This allow seeds to be spread far and wide.
The grass grows very well in sand and so is found along the coastal strip. It can grow inland but hasn’t been noted in other areas of the Noosa shire.
For more information go to Weeds of the Sunshine Coast book page 302, 2nd edition.
https://weeds.brisbane.qld.gov.au/weeds/mossman-river-grass
By Michelle Newall