The grass commonly known as Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) is one of the most widely used turf and forage grasses in tropical and subtropical regions. This warm-season perennial is highly valued for its ability to create dense, resilient lawns and provide livestock feed in hot climates. Despite its common name, which suggests an origin in the small Atlantic archipelago, this species is not indigenous to Bermuda or any part of the Americas. The plant’s widespread presence across numerous continents is a result of centuries of human migration and agricultural movement.
The True Native Range
The scientific consensus places the true origin of Cynodon dactylon in the Old World, spanning a vast geographical area. This grass is considered native across large swathes of Africa, Southern Europe, and Southern Asia. Parts of East Africa are often cited as the probable center of its initial evolution.
Its historical habitat includes warm, dry regions that provided the evolutionary pressure for its survival traits. The grass was already a long-established part of the natural and cultivated ecosystems in these Old World territories. It has a long history of cultivation throughout India and Africa, where it is known by names like dhoob or dūrvā grass.
The native range extends into the Mediterranean Basin and across Asia, demonstrating its adaptation to diverse warm environments. This extensive distribution suggests the plant evolved to tolerate a wide array of soil types and rainfall levels.
How the Grass Spread Globally
The movement of Bermuda grass from the Old World to the New World was a consequence of colonial trade and agricultural expansion. It was likely transported during the Age of Exploration, hitchhiking as a contaminant in grain or seed stock shipped across the oceans. Once it arrived in the Americas, the grass was quickly recognized for its agricultural value.
Historical records confirm the plant was established in the Southern United States by the early 1800s. It was intentionally cultivated as a pasture and forage grass, and this deliberate use accelerated its establishment throughout the warm southern states.
The misleading common name, Bermuda grass, arose because it was observed and documented early on as an abundant, naturalized species on the island of Bermuda following its introduction. That early documentation led to the name sticking, even though the plant was an invasive species there.
Why Bermuda Grass Thrives Worldwide
The grass’s success in colonizing new environments is rooted in its specific biological and adaptive characteristics. Cynodon dactylon is a warm-season grass, meaning its growth is maximized during the hot summer months, making it highly efficient in high-temperature regions. This plant exhibits heat tolerance, allowing it to thrive where other grasses fail.
Drought Survival
Its ability to survive periods of low moisture is supported by a deep root system, which can extend several feet below the surface to find water. The grass also has a thick canopy structure that helps shade the soil, reducing water loss from evaporation.
Aggressive Spread
The aggressive spread that makes it an excellent turf also makes it a pervasive weed. Bermuda grass utilizes both above-ground runners (stolons) and subterranean stems (rhizomes) to rapidly colonize an area. The rhizomes allow the plant to survive damage and drought below the soil line, ensuring new shoots emerge once conditions improve. This combination of heat tolerance, drought survival, and dual-spreading mechanisms ensures its dominance in warm climates.