NAPIER GRASS / Elephant grass (Pennesitum purpureum)

Napier is also known as elephant grass. It is similar to sugarcane in appearance and has thick, strong and broad leaves. Ease of establishment and tolerance to drought are other favorable characteristics of this specie. Napier is mainly recommended as " Greenchop" or silage, but grazing can also be applied through intensive management. Seed viability of Napier grass is very poor in germination and the usual way of propagation is by stem cutting. Napier grass grows well on moist heavy soils under high rainfall conditions, but it can withstand 3 or 4 months drought as well. It can always be grown where sugarcane thrives. Essentially a tall bulky species suitable for ensilage but must be cut when about to 3 to 4 feet high at most for best results. It can also be used for grazing if kept short and under careful management. A very productive species from roots or canes only.

Common Napier  Florida Napier

NAPIER GRASS (Pennesitum purpureum)

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