Swann

Swann (Bothriochloa bladhii )is a native of Africa, India, Australia and the Pacific and has been introduced to the USA.

Swann is a perennial tussock grass for well drained, low fertile soils in areas with an average rainfall of about 550mm, It has been devolped to fill a niche market in the taprock country near Stanthorpe although it has a role in many situations beyond this. It is more widely adapted than native members of the species, from which it is readily differentiated by a variety or macro – and micro-morphological characteristics.

Swann is more widely adapted than the native forest Bluegrass, growing on a wide range of soils from Inverell in the south to Innisfail in the north and west to Roma.

 It is extremely drought hardy but is not tolerant to water logging.
 It survivies seasonal frosting though the culms may be frosted.
 Swann is well eaten by livestock and is tolerant to heavy grazing.
 A leaf rist caused by Puccinia Duthiae can be severe late in growing season, Although not a problem in a grazing sward.
 In conjuction with sub-clover, Swann can raise the carrying capacity of infertile soils (traprock) from 1/5 sheep/ha. to 4 sheep/ha and promotes better ground cover and water retention.
It is useful for erosion control particularly on fertile soils.
It will respond to nitrogen fertilizer.
Under low nitrogen conditions it will out compete other grasses including buffel, bambatsi and purple pigeon grass.
The seed is chaffy and for best results a prepared seed-bed is recommended.