Nature Has No Weeds: Kikuyu Turf Grass

Kikuyu turf grass, scientifically known as Cenchrus clandestinus is named after the fierce African Kikuyu people in Kenya.

Kikuyu Turf Grass History of uses on Golf Courses and Manicured Lawns

Tory Pines golf course turf grass from Africa 

This amazing turf grass is native to the highland regions of East Africa, where the Kikuyu people traditionally live and practice agriculture. Kikuyu turf grass was first introduced to the United States by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1915. It was initially tested in California in 1916. 

Kikuyu turf grass quickly became popular for golf courses, especially in warm climates like California, due to its ability to thrive in constant warmth and its rapid spreading nature. The grass is a turf grass and it spreads out like a strawberry plant. It is considered invasive in most parts of the United States. 

It grows so well it takes over and spreads at its will. It is not invasive. It is not a weed. kiKuyu turf grass does what nature has programmed it to do and that is spread quickly in the driest, most in hospitable lawns. 

The grass is used on golf courses on the fairways and the rough. Kikuyu turf grass is exclusively found in California, because of the dry hot weather, but the need is still for beautiful green grass but may also be found in Hawaii and Arizona golf courses. 

Kikuyu turf grass was introduced to the United States by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1915. The USDA studies, Africa, and the primary reasons for bringing this grass over from Africa were for erosion control on ditch banks. Its dense, mat-like growth habit makes it excellent for stabilizing soil. 

Secondly, Kikuyu turf grass thrives in warm climates and requires almost constant warmth to grow well. This made it particularly suitable for regions like California and Arizona which have warm temperatures and relatively low rainfall. 

Finally, Kikuyu grass is known for its rapid growth and aggressive spreading nature. This characteristic made it an attractive option for quickly establishing ground cover in large areas such as golf courses. 

Over time, Kikuyu grass became popular on golf courses, especially in Southern California. Its ability to create a thick, resilient turf made it ideal for fairways and roughs. 

Kikuyu grass forms a dense mat of roots and shoots, which helps it spread quickly and cover large areas like golf courses, community parks and other large landscapes. This is the reason the turf grass is popular, not only in Southern  California golf courses, but also lawns across the world.