Star grass, primarily species like Cynodon nlemfuensis and Cynodon dactylon, is a robust, fast-growing forage grass. It is a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years, and spreads through above-ground runners called stolons. This grass is widely found in tropical and subtropical regions across the globe. Its vigorous growth and ability to form dense mats make it a common sight in pastures, clearings, and disturbed lands.
Primary Consumers of Star Grass
Many types of animals, both domesticated and wild, and various insects rely on star grass as a food source, making it a significant component of the diet for numerous herbivores.
Livestock commonly graze on star grass due to its palatability and nutritional benefits. Cattle, sheep, goats, and horses all readily consume this grass. It is a valuable pasture, particularly in dry tropical areas, supporting significant liveweight gains in steers. Its good quality, when managed properly, makes it a preferred forage.
In natural environments, star grass provides sustenance for a variety of wildlife. Grazing mammals like deer, antelopes, and zebras include it in their diet. Elephants and baboons also consume star grass. Smaller mammals such as rabbits and rodents also feed on it.
Insects also feed on star grass. Grasshoppers are generalist feeders that consume star grass. Various species of caterpillars also feed on grass blades, including armyworms and cutworms. The Bermudagrass stem maggot, a fly larva, specifically infests both bermudagrass and stargrass.
Star Grass in the Ecosystem
Star grass plays a foundational role in many ecosystems, forming the base of various food chains. As a primary producer, it converts sunlight into usable energy through photosynthesis, making this energy available to the herbivores that consume it. These herbivores, in turn, become a food source for carnivores, illustrating the flow of energy through the food web.
The grass offers nutritional benefits to grazing animals, providing essential energy and fiber. Star grass provides protein and digestibility levels suitable for supporting animal growth, particularly when grazed at optimal intervals. For instance, grazing every 4-5 weeks can result in crude protein values ranging from 11-16%.
Grazing animals also influence the growth and management of star grass. Through their consumption, they help to maintain the grass at a certain height, which can stimulate new growth and improve forage quality. Maintaining a rotational grazing system with appropriate rest periods allows the grass to recover and persist, contributing to the overall balance of the pasture ecosystem.