African lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula)

Assessment ID: 5053
Jurisdiction: North Territory
Methodology: Northern Territory Weed Risk Management System - terrestrial
Management area: All of NT

Notes: Assessment conducted by the NT Weed Risk Technical Committee 2026. Technical report available from: https://environment.nt.gov.au/landresources/publications2/weed-management-publications/management-guides/weed-risk-assessment-technical-reports

Status: PUBLISHED
Last updated: 23/10/2026 5:34:53 pm AEST

Questions answered: 25 / 47

Weed Risk: 248.45 (Very high)
   Invasiveness (raw/adjusted): 7.00 / 5.831
   Impacts (raw/adjusted): 11.00 / 5.786
   Potential distribution (raw/adjusted): 14.00 / 7.364

Feasibility of Control: 0.00 (Low)
   Control costs (raw/adjusted): 0.00 / 0.000
   Current distribution (raw/adjusted): 0.00 / 0.000
   Persistence (raw/adjusted): 0.00 / 0.000

Result: Targeted control (including biocontrol), protect priority sites

Invasiveness

A1. What is the ability of the plant to establish amongst intact native environments?
Answer: Medium

Comments: In most places it is restricted to roadsides and nearby open pastures and woodlands that have naturally sparse or disturbed ground cover. There is some evidence that prolonged or heavy grazing can favour dominance by African lovegrass. It tends to be restricted to highly disturbed habitats (Csurhes, Leigh, & Walton, 2016). Concentrations of allelopathic phenolic acids detected from leaf extracts and associated soil environments which significantly suppressed seed germination and radicle growth of lettuce (Ghebrehiwot, Aremu, & Van Staden, 2013). African lovegrass thrives along roadsides and other neglected areas. Its spread into adjacent pastures is enhanced by dry conditions, sandy soil and a lack of competition. Like congeneric species E. curvula and E. plana, it can form dense monocultures up to 1.2 m high. This can create environmental impacts such as large fuel loads in the dry months, posing a fire hazard and competition with native species regeneration (Land Protection, 2006). African lovegrass is an aggressive invader along roadsides or other disturbed areas. No evidence to suggest it is able to regularly invade intact vegetation (NT Weed Risk Technical Committee, 2026). African lovegrass is extremely competitive with other pasture species and is an aggressive invader, quickly overtaking sparse, overgrazed or poor-quality pastures, particularly in sandy soils (QLD DAF, 2024). Strong allelopathic potential which may explain its dominance in grasslands (Roberts, Florentine, Etten, & Turville, 2021).

A2. What is the reproductive ability of the plant?

(a) Time to seeding
Answer: 1 year or less

Comments: Seeds can be propagated via sexual or asexual reproduction (apomixis) between mid-spring to late autumn every year, and they flower and set seeds 3–4 months after emergence (Alagbo & Chauhan, 2023). Seedlings reach varying degrees of maturity during their first year of growth, with flowers produced in the first or second year depending on conditions (Csurhes, Leigh, & Walton, 2016).

(b) Annual production of viable seed /m2 or /plant
Answer: High

Comments: It was estimated that E. curvula can produce up to 600 kg ha within a dense population (Alagbo & Chauhan, 2023). A kilogram of seeds contains 3.3–5.5 million seeds (Csurhes, Leigh, & Walton, 2016). Each seedhead can produce 300 to 1000 seeds (NSW DPIRD, 2025). Plants produce thousands of seeds at a time (The State of Queensland, 2026). African lovegrass produces vast quantities of seeds, which quickly develop into a large viable seed bank, making the plant very difficult to eradicate (QLD DAF, 2024). In very dense populations, E. curvula can produce an estimated seed density of up to 600 kg /ha (Roberts, Florentine, Etten, & Turville, 2021). Seed yields of 30–225 (to >500) kg/ha have been reported (Tropical Forages, 2009).

(c) Vegetative reproduction
Answer: None

Comments: The reproduction of E. curvula occurs via the fertilisation of an ovule or the process of apomixis (asexual reproduction), which results in seeds that are 0.3 to 0.7 mm in size (Roberts, Florentine, Etten, & Turville, 2021).

A3. Do propagules of the plant have properties that allow them to be dispersed long-distance by natural means?

(a) Flying animals (birds, bats)
Answer: No

Comments: Seeds are about 0.5mm so can easily get caught in things. A high percentage of Eragrostis spp. seeds are known to remain viable after consumption (NT Weed Risk Technical Committee, 2026).

(b) Other wild animals
Answer: Yes

Comments: Reproduction is via small, light seeds that are dispersed by water, animals, earthwork machinery and vehicles, and as a contaminant of various materials such as grain, soil and fodder (Csurhes, Leigh, & Walton, 2016). Cattle feeding on E. curvula can excrete viable seed up to 10 days after consumption (Land Protection, 2006). Seeds are about 0.5mm so can easily get caught in things. The WRTC decided on ‘Yes’ for other wild animals due to the potential of the many small seeds to become lodged in fur, hooves etc. and dispersed this way. A high percentage of Eragrostis spp. seeds are known to remain viable after consumption (NT Weed Risk Technical Committee, 2026). The primary modes of dispersal are through the processes of hydrochory (water dispersal), anemochory (wind dispersal) and zoochory (animal dispersal) (Roberts, Florentine, Etten, & Turville, 2021).

(c) Water
Answer: Yes

Comments: Reproduction is via small, light seeds that are dispersed by water, animals, earthwork machinery and vehicles, and as a contaminant of various materials such as grain, soil and fodder (Csurhes, Leigh, & Walton, 2016). Although the seeds of E. curvula are nonbuoyant, they can be suspended and transported in turbulent water when the velocity of the river current is high enough. Dense stands of E. curvula, may also act as a seed trap that enhances the deposition of fine sediment and seeds on the gravel bars, which were originally characterized by sparse vegetation. Consequently, the invasion and establishment of E. curvula can induce a positive feed-back cycle, leading to rapid population growth (Nakayama, Nishihiro, Kayaba, Muranaka, & Washitani, 2007). Seeds are about 0.5mm so can easily get caught in things. Could spread by water but not specifically adapted for this (NT Weed Risk Technical Committee, 2026). The primary modes of dispersal are through the processes of hydrochory (water dispersal), anemochory (wind dispersal) and zoochory (animal dispersal) (Roberts, Florentine, Etten, & Turville, 2021).

(d) Wind
Answer: No

Comments: They may also be spread by wind, water, animals and vehicles (CISS 2026). Seeds are about 0.5mm so can easily get caught in things. Seeds have the potential to be picked up by winds such as willy-willies, but it is not specifically adapted to be dispersed long distance this way (NT Weed Risk Technical Committee, 2026). Like other Eragrostis species e.g. E. curvula, the seed is not adapted in any way to aid natural spread but, being very light, moves short distances in the wind (Parsons & Cuthbertson, 2001). The primary modes of dispersal are through the processes of hydrochory (water dispersal), anemochory (wind dispersal) and zoochory (animal dispersal) (Roberts, Florentine, Etten, & Turville, 2021).

A4. How likely is long-distance dispersal by human-assisted means?

(a) Deliberate spread by people
Answer: Unlikely

Comments: It has since been deliberately introduced for experiments (NSW DPIRD, 2025). Different cultivars of African lovegrass have also been used as a soil stabiliser in erosion-control situations (QLD DAF, 2024). It was first introduced into New South Wales by the Commonwealth Plant Introduction Scheme as part of a soil conservation programme, with the aim to stabilise and protect soil from erosion (Roberts, Florentine, Etten, & Turville, 2021).

(b) Accidentally by people and vehicles
Answer: Common

Comments: For example, slashing infested roadsides is a common method of dispersal, as the seed is easily transported to new areas on the machinery (CISS 2026). Reproduction is via small, light seeds that are dispersed by water, animals, earthwork machinery and vehicles, and as a contaminant of various materials such as grain, soil and fodder. Roadside slashing equipment is commonly blamed for spreading seeds (Csurhes, Leigh, & Walton, 2016). It could easily be a contaminant in hay but not likely to do well competing with an introduced pasture that’s not grazed such as hay. Hay is being imported from interstate for animal feed stores, but it is not well regulated so not sure how much. Contaminants currently found in imported hay are generally other pasture plants, but this does not occur often and is localised. There is enough evidence to show that spread by domestic/farm animals can occasionally occur (NT Weed Risk Technical Committee, 2026). One of the more important means of spread is as a contaminant of soils and gravels used in roadmaking and during road grading (Parsons & Cuthbertson, 2001). Seeds are also commonly dispersed via human actions (accidental and intentional) such as the mismanagement of infested sites, road slashings and soil movement (where contaminated with seeds) (Roberts, Florentine, Etten, & Turville, 2021). Seed is easily transported by machinery and motor vehicles (The State of Queensland, 2026). E. curvula is often spread by roadside slashing, earthworks and motor vehicles (Tropical Forages, 2009).

(c) Contaminated produce
Answer: Unlikely

Comments: Reproduction is via small, light seeds that are dispersed by water, animals, earthwork machinery and vehicles, and as a contaminant of various materials such as grain, soil and fodder. Some infestations may have originated from contaminated pasture seed (Csurhes, Leigh, & Walton, 2016). It could easily be a contaminant in hay but not likely to do well competing with an introduced pasture that’s not grazed such as hay. Hay is being imported from interstate for animal feed stores, but it is not well regulated so not sure how much. Contaminants currently found in imported hay are generally other pasture plants, but this does not occur often and is localised. There is enough evidence to show that spread by domestic/farm animals can occasionally occur (NT Weed Risk Technical Committee, 2026). A native of southern Africa, African lovegrass was probably first introduced to Australia by accident as a contaminant of pasture seed (QLD DAF, 2024). Seeds are also commonly dispersed via human actions (accidental and intentional) such as the mismanagement of infested sites, road slashings and soil movement (where contaminated with seeds) (Roberts, Florentine, Etten, & Turville, 2021).

(d) Domestic/farm animals
Answer: Occasional

Comments: Animals spread the seeds on their fur and hooves, and recent studies have also shown that cattle feeding on African Lovegrass can excrete viable seed up to 10 days after consumption (CISS 2026). It could easily be a contaminant in hay but not likely to do well competing with an introduced pasture that’s not grazed such as hay. Hay is being imported from interstate for animal feed stores, but it is not well regulated so not sure how much. Contaminants currently found in imported hay are generally other pasture plants, but this does not occur often and is localised. There is enough evidence to show that spread by domestic/farm animals can occasionally occur (NT Weed Risk Technical Committee, 2026). Eragrostis curvula can be spread in mud sticking to animal hooves and pelts (Parsons & Cuthbertson, 2001). Cattle can excrete viable seed up to 10 days after consumption. Seeds also spread on fur and hooves of animals, and in soil and grain (The State of Queensland, 2026).

Impacts

B1. What is the plant's competitive potential?
Answer: High

Comments: E. curvula can get quite thick and leafy, so it is able to crowd out other species (Albrecht, 2026). E. curvula can produce dense biomass that can act as a barrier to light, making light a limiting resource for other co-existing species (Brown, Merchant, & Ingram, 2023). It is very competitive with other pasture species and quickly overtakes, particularly in sandy soils. It is not normally eaten by livestock when mature, and this increases the competition on more preferable pasture species (CISS 2026). Concentrations of allelopathic phenolic acids detected from leaf extracts and associated soil environments which significantly suppressed seed germination and radicle growth of lettuce (Ghebrehiwot, Aremu, & Van Staden, 2013). Can form dense monocultures up to 1.2 m high. This can create environmental impacts such as large fuel loads in the dry months, posing a fire hazard and competition with native species regeneration (Land Protection, 2006). African lovegrass is extremely competitive with other pasture species and is an aggressive invader, quickly overtaking sparse, overgrazed or poor-quality pastures, particularly in sandy soils (QLD DAF, 2024). When established, E. curvula can form dense swards that increase its competitiveness towards other species. Growth and germination can be suppressed by native species if its germination is delayed by up to three weeks compared with co-occurring species. In its early stage of colonisation, E. curvula is likely to outcompete native co-occurring species due to its ability to quickly germinate and grow at the same rate or quicker than many native species. Strong allelopathic potential which may explain its dominance in grasslands (Roberts, Florentine, Etten, & Turville, 2021).

B2. What is the plant’s potential to modify the existing fire behaviour and alter the fire regime?
Answer: Significant potential

Comments: It produces higher fuel loads than native vegetation and is highly flammable, particularly during the dry season. Dense infestations can increase the intensities of bushfires (CISS 2026). Similar species E. trichophora is establishing in places previously bare and becoming quite dense, particularly on roadsides. This creates a fuel load that wasn’t previously there. E. curvula is leafier and therefore likely to create a higher fuel load than E. trichophora, warranting a higher rating of ‘significant potential’ (NT Weed Risk Technical Committee, 2026). Can form dense monocultures up to 1.2m high. This can create large fuel loads in the dry months, posing a fire hazard and creating competition with native species regeneration (QLD DAF, 2024).

B3. What is the plant’s potential to restrict the physical movement of people, animals, vehicles, machinery and/or water?
Answer: None

Comments: African Lovegrass is an early coloniser of disturbed sites, grows rapidly, and can form dense stands which crowd out and replace native species (CISS 2026). Given the size of the plant, ‘none’ is appropriate (NT Weed Risk Technical Committee, 2026). Tufted perennial, often forming pure dense swards, culms erect, to 120 cm high (Stajsic, 2019).

B4. What is the plant’s potential to negatively affect the health of animals and/or people?
Answer: None

Comments: Generally unpalatable to livestock for most of the year, although a more palatable cultivar ‘consol’ has been developed through selective breeding (Csurhes, Leigh, & Walton, 2016). Concentrations of allelopathic phenolic acids detected from leaf extracts and associated soil environments which significantly suppressed seed germination and radicle growth of lettuce (Ghebrehiwot, Aremu, & Van Staden, 2013). No evidence of toxicity and has been used as a pasture species (NT Weed Risk Technical Committee, 2026). Strong allelopathic potential which may explain its dominance in grasslands (Roberts, Florentine, Etten, & Turville, 2021). Leaves become very fibrous and difficult for stock to break off or digest (Tropical Forages, 2009).

B5. Does the plant potentially have negative effects on natural and cultural values?

(a) Reducing habitat quality for native animals?
Answer: Medium

Comments: Presence of E. curvula resulted in significantly different plant species compositions (Brown, Merchant, & Ingram, 2023). African Lovegrass is an early coloniser of disturbed sites, grows rapidly, and can form dense stands which crowd out and replace native species, also preventing their regeneration (CISS 2026). African lovegrass is highly invasive in grasslands but also invades woodlands and riverine environments. It can form large colonies dominating the understorey and displacing native plants and reducing the quality of fauna habitat (Green Adelaide, 2024). There are many references to E. curvula and E. trichophora impacting native species in other parts of Australia. However, it is an unfolding situation, and we are uncertain of the full extent of the impacts likely in the NT. It is uncertain whether it will invade habitats where threatened species are located. Unsure whether E. curvula will negatively impact native species in undisturbed areas. Without identifying specific natural or cultural sites, it can be assumed that more than one site will be impacted (NT Weed Risk Technical Committee, 2026). It has the ability to form dense swards which can limit the recruitment of other more desirable species in the landscape (Roberts, Florentine, Etten, & Turville, 2021).

(b) Threatened species or communities
Answer: More than one

Comments: There are many references to E. curvula and E. trichophora impacting native species in other parts of Australia. However, it is an unfolding situation, and we are uncertain of the full extent of the impacts likely in the NT. It is uncertain whether it will invade habitats where threatened species are located. Unsure whether the species will negatively impact native species in undisturbed areas. Without identifying specific natural or cultural sites, it can be assumed that more than one site will be impacted (NT Weed Risk Technical Committee, 2026). Within Australia, E. curvula invasions have directly threatened several plant species such as Verticordia plumosa var. pleiobotrya (Narrow-petalled feather flower) in Western Australia and Diuris tricolor (Pine Donkey Orchid) in central New South Wales (Roberts, Florentine, Etten, & Turville, 2021).

(c) Sites of natural or cultural significance
Answer: More than one

Comments: There are many references to E. curvula and E. trichophora impacting native species in other parts of Australia. However, it is an unfolding situation, and we are uncertain of the full extent of the impacts likely in the NT. It is uncertain whether it will invade habitats where threatened species are located. Unsure whether the species will negatively impact native species in undisturbed areas. Without identifying specific natural or cultural sites, it can be assumed that more than one site will be impacted (NT Weed Risk Technical Committee, 2026).

B6. Is the plant presumed to have negative effects on environmental health?

(a) Soil chemistry/stability
Answer: Yes

Comments: The lower herbivore consumption of E. curvula likely contributes to larger amounts of plant matter being returned to the soil surface. Litter may take longer to be integrated into the soil. A study found that E. curvula produces a lot of tough, low-quality litter, which shifts decomposition from bacteria to fungi (Chinn, Lebbink, Risch, McGree, & Firn, 2026). E. curvula displayed the highest degree of inhibition. The current success of the species dominating South African grasslands can be due to the allelopathic supremacy of the species over others. Field experiments are required to better understand if allelopathic advantage is the key factor contributing to population dynamics in the field (Ghebrehiwot, Aremu, & Van Staden, 2013). Has tough, high carbon leaves that break down slowly, creating a physical barrier that slows litter decomposition (Grime et al. 1996). E. curvula reduced metal concentrations in post-harvest soils, enhanced bacterial community composition, and survived under contaminated conditions, likely assimilating metals in a manner that contributed to the observed post-harvest declines (Motsomane & Magadlela, 2026). No evidence was found to suggest it impacts water quality, although the species can create a seed trap along water sources, this is not a distinctive characteristic and is considered a general effect common to many plant species (NT Weed Risk Technical Committee, 2026). Different cultivars of African lovegrass have also been used as a soil stabiliser in erosion-control situations (QLD DAF, 2024).

(b) Water quality
Answer: No

Comments: No evidence was found to suggest it impacts water quality, although the species can create a seed trap along water sources, this is not a distinctive characteristic and is considered a general effect common to many plant species (NT Weed Risk Technical Committee, 2026).

(c) Hydrology
Answer: No

Comments: C4 perennial tussock grass with fibrous, shallow root systems typical of the genus (Cook, et al., 2005). C4 grasses (including E. curvula) have high water use efficiency and similar transpiration rates to other C4 tropical grasses (Hattersley, 1992). Fibrous, shallow root system typical of Eragrostis spp. (Jacobs & Everett, 1996). Water use is comparable to other C4 pasture grasses under Australian conditions (Lodge & Whalley, 1989). Dense stands of E. curvula, may also act as a seed trap that enhances the deposition of fine sediment and seeds on the gravel bars, which were originally characterized by sparse vegetation. Consequently, the invasion and establishment of E. curvula can induce a positive feed-back cycle, leading to rapid population growth (Nakayama, Nishihiro, Kayaba, Muranaka, & Washitani, 2007). No evidence was found to suggest it impacts water quality, although the species can create a seed trap along water sources, this is not a distinctive characteristic and is considered a general effect common to many plant species (NT Weed Risk Technical Committee, 2026).

Potential distribution

C1b. What is the Climatch suitability score (which indicates the proportion of the NT environment that is suitable for the plant)?
Answer: 8

Comments: Over its natural range, it is abundant on recently disturbed sites (such as fallowed lands) and in the temperate highlands, and is rarely found in tropical regions. Poor tolerance to flooding and standing water. Its range extends across subtropical and temperate areas where annual rainfall is 400–1000mm. Tolerates drought, infertile soils and low soil pH (Csurhes, Leigh, & Walton, 2016). African lovegrass thrives on acidic, sandy soils with low fertility. It is heat and drought tolerant (NSW DPIRD, 2025). Potential distribution of Eragrostis curvula in the Northern Territory was calculated using CLIMATCH modelling, with data sourced from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility. A score of 8.4 was obtained which is similar to the original score obtained in 2009 for E. trichophora. 3184 / 3385 x 10 = 8.4 (NT Weed Risk Technical Committee, 2026). It is also most commonly found in regions with an average yearly rainfall between 400 and 700 mm and average daily temperatures between 10°C and 30°C (Roberts, Florentine, Etten, & Turville, 2021).

C2. How many broad habitat types in the NT will the plant potentially naturalise in (up to 5)?
Answer: Four

Comments: African Lovegrass is a common weed of temperate semi-arid, and sub-tropical regions that is occasionally also found in tropical and arid environments. It infests roadsides, railway lines, waste areas, disturbed sites, footpaths, pastures, grasslands, open woodlands, waterways and coastal sites (CISS 2026). In most places it is restricted to roadsides and nearby open pastures and woodlands that have naturally sparse or disturbed ground cover (Csurhes, Leigh, & Walton, 2016). Potential distribution considered to be similar to E. trichophora. The WRTC 2026 agreed with the previous assessment of E. trichophora, selecting arid and semi-arid shrublands, arid and semi-arid woodlands and arid riparian. Arid and semi-arid wetlands, was added, noting that E. trichophora had also been observed in Mitchell grasslands, however, it is unknown whether it would naturalise there. The final list was: • Arid and semi-arid shrublands, • Arid and semi-arid woodlands, • Arid and semi-arid wetlands, and • Arid riparian. Mitchel grasslands was considered a maybe (NT Weed Risk Technical Committee, 2026). African lovegrass (as a complex) also naturalised near Alice Springs in the Northern Territory (Parsons & Cuthbertson, 2001). African lovegrass (as a complex) has naturalised in all Australian states in acidic, red and especially sandy soils (QLD DAF, 2024).

C3. What is the potential of the plant to occur throughout its favoured habitat in the NT (as identified in question 2)?
Answer: Do not know

Comments: African lovegrass is highly adaptable and can spread rapidly in disturbed grasslands and open woodlands (NSW DPIRD, 2025). African lovegrass grows on a wide range of soils and tolerates low fertility, allowing it to spread across broad landscapes (QLD DAF, 2024).

Control costs

A1. How detectable is the weed?

(a) Distinguishing features

(b) Active growth period

(c) Height at maturity

A2. What is the general accessibility of infestations at the optimum treatment time?

A3. How expensive is control of the weed in the first year of targeted control, for an infestation that has reached maximum weed density?

(a) Chemical costs

(b) Labour cost

(c) Equipment cost

A4. What is the general community perception of this weed within the region?

Current distribution

B1. What is the current pattern of the species’ distribution across the weed management region?

Persistence

C1. How long will it take to reach the maintenance period?

C2. What is the minimum time period for reproduction of sexual or vegetative propagules?

C3. What is the maximum longevity of sexual or vegetative propagules?

C4. What is the threat of reinfestation from outside the management region?

(a) Long-distance (>100m) dispersal by natural means

(b) Long-distance (>100m) dispersal by human means

References

Reference list available in the African lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula) NT Weed Risk Assessment Technical Report. Available here: https://environment.nt.gov.au/landresources/publications2/weed-management-publications/management-guides/weed-risk-assessment-technical-reports