Hemarthria compressa: Growth behavior and multipurpose usages

摘要

In recent years, there has been increased interest in using Whip grass (Hemarthria compressa (L. f. ) R. Br. ) as a low-input plant for forages and soil conservation purposes in China. The history of cultivation and use of whip grass in China spans more than 50 years and thus detailed information on the growth habits, establishment, management, and utilization of this grass is recorded. This grass can be used for grazing due to high leafiness and high palatability by animals. This grass forms a dense sward with rapidly spreading leafy stolons and developed root systems, which is advantageous in terms of soil conservation and sewage treatment. Hence, there may be real potential in utilizing whip grass for multipurpose usages and the usefulness of this grass needs re-evaluation.