Mainly found alongside roadsides in TCI. (Booy, O. & Key, J., 2020. Prioritising the management of established invasive non-native species in the Turks and Caicos Islands: eradication and spread prevention); Established on Providenciales. Grown in gardens on North Caicos and Grand Turk.
Highly invasive in many habitats, but particularly dry grassland and early successional habitats where it displaces native species. Fountain Grass is a very aggressive plant forming monospecific stands that out-compete native plants in terms of space, water and nutrients. It becomes extremely inflammable in winter, increasing the intensity and spread of fire, resulting in severe damage to native dry forest species. Fires impact ground nesting birds and terrestrial animals. (Animal and Plant Health Agency (2020). Factsheets for 21 established invasive species of common concern to Anguilla and TCI for either eradication or control. FERA);
It becomes extremely inflammable in winter, increasing the intensity and spread of fire. (Animal and Plant Health Agency (2020). Factsheets for 21 established invasive species of common concern to Anguilla and TCI for either eradication or control. FERA);
Terrestrial. Native to North African. (Animal and Plant Health Agency (2020). Factsheets for 21 established invasive species of common concern to Anguilla and TCI for either eradication or control. FERA);
Natural dispersal: Seeds are easily dispersed by wind, water, animals and vehicles. Intentional dispersal: main pathway for introduction is through the horticultural trade. (Animal and Plant Health Agency (2020). Factsheets for 21 established invasive species of common concern to Anguilla and TCI for either eradication or control. FERA);
[under synonym: Pennisetum setaceum] Booy, O. & Key, J., 2020. Prioritising the management of established invasive non-native species in the Turks and Caicos Islands: eradication and spread prevention.pdf; Animal and Plant Health Agency (2020). Factsheets for 21 established invasive species of common concern to Anguilla and TCI for either eradication or control. FERA;