Andropogon gayanus (Gamba grass)
Gamba grass leaf showing white midrib
Gamba grass was deliberately introduced into the NT as a pasture species in the 1930’s. Subsequent research and trials resulted in wide plantings in the pastoral and agricultural areas of the Top End. Since this time gamba grass has proved to be highly invasive with the ability to rapidly alter and damage savanna landscapes when it is not adequately managed.
It is noted that well managed gamba grass continues to be used as a productive and palatable fodder.
Gamba grass grows rapidly to form tussocks which are bigger, taller and more dense than native grass species. These tussocks cure (dry off) late in the Dry season creating an unnaturally high fuel load, which can result in late and intense fires. These fires can dramatically alter native plant communities and severely decrease local plant biodiversity.
In some areas this process of hot, late fires coupled with gamba’s ability to quickly colonise the disturbed areas it creates, is leading to a cycle of woodlands being replaced by tall perennial grasslands. This impacts negatively on the native animals dependent on the health of the Top End savanna woodlands.
Gamba grass fires are also harder to control, as a result significant infrastructure losses have occurred in high infestation areas.
Gamba grass stem showing fine hairs
