Bermuda grass facts for kids

Cynodon dactylon, also known as Bermuda grass, is a common type of grass found all over the world. You might know it by other names like Dhoob grass, dog grass, Bahama grass, or devil's grass. It originally comes from Europe, Africa, Australia, and parts of Asia. It has since spread to the Americas. Even though it's called "Bermuda grass," it's not native to Bermuda but has become a very common plant there.

What it Looks Like

Bermuda grass growing in Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park in Hawaii

The blades of Bermuda grass are usually a grey-green color and are short, about 2 to 15 centimeters (1 to 6 inches) long, with slightly rough edges. Its stems stand upright and can grow from 1 to 30 centimeters (0.4 to 12 inches) tall. These stems are a bit flat and sometimes have a purple tint.

The seeds grow in a group of two to six spikes at the top of the stem. Each spike is about 2 to 5 centimeters (1 to 2 inches) long.

Bermuda grass has roots that can go very deep, sometimes more than 2 meters (6.5 feet) into the ground, especially in dry conditions. However, most of its roots are within 60 centimeters (2 feet) of the surface. This grass spreads along the ground using special stems called stolons. Wherever a part of the stolon touches the ground, new roots grow, forming a thick mat. It can also spread through seeds and underground stems called rhizomes.

This grass starts growing when temperatures are above 15°C (59°F) and grows best between 24°C and 37°C (75°F and 99°F). In winter, it becomes dormant and turns brown. It loves full sunshine and doesn't grow well in shady spots, like under trees.

Where it Grows and How it's Used

Bermuda grass is grown in many warm places around the world, especially where it gets between 625 and 1750 millimeters (25 to 69 inches) of rain each year, or where it can be watered. In the United States, for example, it's mostly grown in the southern states.

Special Types of Grass

Over the years, people have created hundreds of different types of Bermuda grass. These special types are grown to be strong against different weather conditions or to meet specific needs, like for sports fields. New types are still being developed every year!

Religious Uses

In India, Bermuda grass is known as "durva" and is used in a traditional medicine system called Ayurveda. In Hinduism, it's very important for worshipping Lord Ganesha. People often offer a bunch of 21 shoots of this grass during religious ceremonies. It has been part of Hindu traditions for a very long time. There's even a special festival called Durva Ashtami, which celebrates this grass.

In Kerala, India, it's called "Karuka" and is one of the "Dashapushpam" (Ten sacred flowers).

A groom tying a dubo garland around the bride's neck during a Nepalese Khas Hindu wedding.

In Nepal, the grass is called dubo and is used in Hindu worshipping rituals. For Nepalese Hindus, this grass represents a long life. It's also an important part of festivals like Naga Panchami and Gaura. In Nepalese Khas Hindu weddings, both the bride and groom wear a garland made from this grass.

This grass is also used in the Ifá Orisa System, a traditional African religion.

Medicinal Uses

Some parts of Bermuda grass, like its underground stems (rhizomes), are thought to help the body get rid of extra water. The juice from the grass can also help tighten body tissues.

People have noticed that dogs sometimes eat Bermuda grass to help them vomit quickly if they have stomach problems. This might be because the grass blades have tiny bristles that can irritate their throats.

Other Uses

Bermuda grass grows quickly and is very tough, which makes it a great choice for sports fields. If it gets damaged, it can recover fast. It's a popular grass for lawns in warm areas, especially because it can handle heat and dry weather better than many other grasses. This is why it's often used on golf courses in the southern U.S. and South Africa. It has a somewhat coarse texture, and many different types have been developed for various lawn needs.

This grass has even been grown in salty soils in California's Central Valley, where other farm crops can't grow. It was successfully watered with salty water and used to feed cattle.

Ecology

Bermuda grass in the foreground at Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden.

Bermuda grass growing out of a small hole in a concrete curb, showing how it can spread.

Invasive Nature

Bermuda grass is a very strong and fast-spreading plant. It can take over areas, pushing out other grasses and plants, and has become a difficult-to-remove weed in some places. Because it spreads so easily, some gardeners call it "devil grass." It can be very hard to control in flower beds, and many weed killers don't work well on it.

See also

In Spanish: Grama común para niños