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(Melinis nerviglumis)
Mountain Red Top (Melinis nerviglumis)
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Bat
Public Domain
Image By:
Bat
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Bat | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: Bat | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-01-11T13:45:50-08:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Melinis nerviglumis, commonly known as Mountain Red Top or Bristle-leaved Red Top, is a perennial grass native to diverse ecosystems including open grasslands, savannas, and light woodlands in tropical to southern Africa, the western Indian Ocean islands, and Indochina. It typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters) and is noted for its fine-textured foliage and airy flower panicles. The grass has a clumping form, and its flowers are a striking purple color that fades to white as they age, blooming profusely in summer, with some presence in spring and winter, depending on the local climate.
Mountain Red Top is valued for its colorful flowers and ability to add texture to garden landscapes. It is often used in borders, as a ground cover, or in rock gardens. This species prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives in well-drained soils, though it can tolerate a range of soil types. It is relatively low maintenance but may require occasional watering during prolonged dry periods. While it is not known for serious pest or disease problems, it is potentially invasive outside its native range, so gardeners should consult local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Mountain Red Top is valued for its colorful flowers and ability to add texture to garden landscapes. It is often used in borders, as a ground cover, or in rock gardens. This species prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives in well-drained soils, though it can tolerate a range of soil types. It is relatively low maintenance but may require occasional watering during prolonged dry periods. While it is not known for serious pest or disease problems, it is potentially invasive outside its native range, so gardeners should consult local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 1.5-2 feet
- Width: 0.8-1.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer, Spring
- Leaf Retention: Semi-Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Border Plant, Groundcover, Potted Plant, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Native to open grasslands, savannas, and light woodlands in tropical to southern Africa, the western Indian Ocean islands, and Indochina
Other Names
Common Names: Mountain Red Top
Scientific Names: , Melinis nerviglumis, Rhynchelytrum nerviglume, Rhynchelytrum setifolium, Tricholaena setifolia, Rhynchelytrum filifolium, Rhynchelytrum nyassanum, Melinis setifolia, Rhynchelythrum nerviglume, Rhynchelytrum rhodesianum
GBIF Accepted Name: Melinis nerviglumis (Franch.) Zizka