Kikuyu grass is an African species of grass that is named after the Kikuyu region of Kenya. The grass is popular with farmers throughout tropical Africa and in Australia because it is a hardy pasture plant that can survive long, dry summers. It is also popular as a lawn grass because it remains green throughout the year. New growth comes from underground stems or from above-ground creeping stems that send out roots from each joint. Inconspicuous flowers appear on the plants in late spring or early summer. Individual leaves may reach 10 inches (25 centimeters) in length. When used for lawns, kikuyu may become a nuisance by spreading into nearby gardens. Kikuyu grass is also used to bind dry soils together and prevent erosion.
