Bermuda is the name used in America for a type of grass that is known by many names among the most common are: Wire grass, couch grass, and devil’s grass. Its origin is from the savannah region of the African continent where it still can be found growing wildly in the open plains, but was imported to America via the Bermuda Islands hence its name.

Now, like most grasses Bermuda grass is widely available in America and other countries that have a suitable temperature to support it, that is, an average temperature of above 20˚C.

Bermuda grass has characteristic short blades which are of a blue-grey colour and rather course in texture. So effective is Bermuda grass in its adaptation to the Western landscape that it is in many parts considered a weed. Part of its immeasurable success is attributable to its ability to spread extremely fast. Not only is it highly successful but it is also highly resistant to being killed, withstanding most forms of herbicide used against it, so careful consideration should be given to the use of Bermuda grass before it is used and decided that it is not right. Given this Bermuda grass is perfect for high wear areas as it is difficult to die and quickly grows back. Hence Bermuda grass can often be found in public park areas and the like.

Bermuda grass spreads through use of seed, its runners and rhizomes. The seeds are found on small spikes that sprout out in-between the blades of grass. Given its origin in the often drought ravaged continent of Africa it comes as hardly surprising that it is a hardy grass that tolerates extended periods of low rainfall and does so through utilisation of a deep root system. Bermuda grass is a lot deeper rooting than most other grasses often extending up to one and half meters below the surface. Not only does Bermuda grass burrow deeper than most grasses it can grow in soils other grasses can not survive in or find to infertile. When deprived of essential water the grass continues to grow beneath the surface but superficially dies off (on the surface). Bermuda grasses need approximately 410mm of water a year.

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