Redtop Grass

Natural range:  Old World

Habitat: Weedy

Recognition:  Open feathery reddish panicles are distinctive (but also consider M. minutiflora).

Melinis minutiflora differs from the similar and very abundant (invasive) Melinis repens by having sticky fragrant leaf sheaths, smaller spikelets (1.7-2.4 mm long vs. 2-5.7 mm), glabrous glumes, glabrous pedicels, and lower florets with no paleas.

Florida status: One of the most invasive nuisance weed grasses in South Florida, including otherwise natural scrub habitats