Sir James - Buffalo - Turf Grass

Scientific name: Stenotaphrum Secundatum.

Other names: Species common names

Buffalo grass (Australia), St Augustine grass (USA).

Cultivar name: Sir James.

Origin and Breeding: Spontaneous mutation. Discovered in February 2001 as a superior plant growing among “Common” buffalo grass growing on the breeder’s property at Saltash in the Hunter Valley (NSW). The selected material has smaller (finer) leaves and showed better growth and colour than the parent variety with minimal inputs (water, fertiliser) under stressful climatic conditions. Breeder: Brent Redman.

Global growing areas: Australia (not commercially available)

IP protection: Australian PBR certificate #2715 (granted 18 March 2005). Title Holder Sod Turf Pty Ltd.

Main selection criteria: winter colour retention, small leaves, low fertiliser requirement.

Details

• Texture: Medium-coarse (finer leaves than common buffalo grass)
• Description: Mat-forming grass. Short in height. Stolons in sunlight: purple in winter and brown in summer. Leaf sheath is 20-23 mm, compressed and tightly keeled and smooth. Leaf blades are smooth and long: width 6-7 mm, length 22-30 mm. (Data from PBR growing trial.)
• Use: Domestic, commercial lawns.
• Mowing height: 50-75 mm.
• Method of propagation: Vegetative sod, sprigging of stolons.
• Preferred soil types: Sandy loams to clays

Tolerances

• Heat: Good
• Cold: Good colour retention in winter
• Shade: Good
• Drought: Fair
• Salinity: Medium salinity tolerance
• Wear: Fair. Not recommended for high traffic areas. Needs time to repair damage by growing new runners.
• Herbicide sensitivity: Use only registered herbicides in accordance with the label.

Photos used on this page are not necessarily photos from DEEDI

For more information and updates on warm season turfgrasses, their production and management please go to http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/turf

For updates on Sir James please go tohttp://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/26_4220.htm