Cultivars
'Whittet'
Selected in 1960 in Kenya, released in Australia in 1969. It has a taller habit with broader and thicker stems. The fertile male flowers produce dark brown seeds.

'Breakwell'
Selected in Grafton Aust. released in 1972.
It is a dense habit with narrow leaves and more prostrate with narrow stems. It is a vigorous grower.


Weed Potential
As a weedKikuyu is aggressive fast growing species that can infest coastal woodlands, dunes and grasslands forming a dense mat over several metres during the growing period. It can also climb to a height of 2m (6ft) amongst shrubs or on wire fencing. During cold winter months the plant becomes dormant. It grows in full sun to semi shade tolerating most soils and exposed positions. It is commonly found in disturbed soils forming a cover that inhibits the regrowth of smaller indigenous flora. It is dispersed by rhizomes and seed in garden waste or from deliberate plantings along bushland margins. It is also transported in soil or by water.

Control methodsinclude physically digging the rhizomes in moist friable soil taking care not to break the rhizome and removing off site. The grass can be covering with plastic sheeting for 4-12 weeks until the grass is dead. The plant may also be sprayed with a non-selective herbicide requiring a follow up. Follow up control should be implemented with in 6 to 10 weeks.