Durva Grass, scientifically known as Cynodon dactylon, is a warm-season perennial grass recognized by common names like Bermuda Grass and Doob Grass. This species is widespread, thriving in diverse environments across the world’s temperate and subtropical regions. Its dual nature as a highly valued turfgrass and a persistent weed makes accurate identification necessary for effective management, whether the goal is to cultivate a dense lawn or to control its spread.
Key Features of the Leaf and Stem
Leaf blades are typically grey-green to blue-green and are relatively short, usually measuring between 2 and 15 centimeters long. They are quite narrow, often less than 5 millimeters wide. The edges of the leaf blades can feel slightly rough to the touch.
A primary identification marker is found at the collar region, where the leaf blade meets the stem. Here, the ligule—a tiny membrane structure—is present as a conspicuous ring or tuft of white hairs. This hairy ligule is a reliable feature that helps distinguish it from many other common grasses.
The stems, or culms, are generally wiry and may be slightly flattened. When new growth emerges, the leaf is folded in the bud, a characteristic known as folded vernation. The stem is prostrate, growing horizontally along the ground surface, and has the ability to root at each node, which contributes significantly to its mat-forming nature.
Identifying the Seed Head
When Durva Grass reaches maturity, it produces a distinct seed head that provides definitive confirmation of the species. The upright flowering stems are slender and support this structure. The seed head is a cluster of thin spikes, arranged in a “digitate” pattern because they radiate outwards from a single point at the top of the stem.
The number of these radiating spikes usually ranges from three to seven, each measuring between 2 and 10 centimeters long. Along the length of each spike, small, tightly packed spikelets are arranged in two rows, closely pressed against the central axis. These small spikelets may sometimes have a purplish tint. This unique, terminal, finger-like arrangement easily sets the Durva Grass seed head apart from the single, unbranched spikes or dense clusters found on many other lawn grasses.
Comparing Growth Patterns
The persistence of Durva Grass is due to its unique, dual-growth habit involving two types of horizontal stems. Above ground, the plant produces stolons, which are long, creeping runners that spread across the soil surface. These stolons are wiry and generate new shoots and roots at the nodes wherever they come into contact with the ground.
Below the soil surface, the grass possesses extensive, tough, and scaly underground stems called rhizomes. The presence of both surface stolons and subterranean rhizomes is a key identifier, allowing the plant to form a dense, interconnected sod. Rhizomes allow the plant to survive harsh conditions and can penetrate the soil to depths of up to 25 centimeters.
To physically check for these structures, one can easily observe the above-ground stolons running across the surface. To confirm the presence of rhizomes, a small sample of the turf must be dug up. The subterranean stems will appear thick, scaly, and pale, distinguishing them from simple roots. This combination of spreading mechanisms makes Durva Grass highly effective at covering large areas quickly and contributes to its durability.