But, originally from North Africa, fountain grass is an invasive weed here and completely unpalatable to livestock because of the fine serrations on its leaves. Unfortunately, it has spread at an alarming rate from gardens, where it is a popular ‘ornamental plant’. It was first noticed on roadsides near towns, but is now also found along watercourses, even in the Karoo. According to Clive Bromilow’s Problem Plants and Alien Weeds of South Africa, fountain grass can be found in much of the eastern half of the country, as well as in the south-western Cape.
“The grass has a strong pioneering nature and has the ability to replace indigenous vegetation,” says Bromilow. “The species can be controlled in the veld with the herbicides used on roadsides.” The grass has reportedly become a problem from Table Mountain to Hawaii.
