Is buffalo grass drought resistant?
Bouteloua dactyloides
Buffalograss is a warm-season perennial shortgrass. It is drought-, heat-, and cold-resistant. Foliage is usually 5–13cm (2.0–5.1in) high, though in the southern Great Plains, foliage may reach 30cm (12in). Buffalograss is usually dioecious, but sometimes monoecious or with perfect flowers. Flower stalks are 10–20cm (3.9–7.9in) tall. The male inflorescence is a panicle; the female inflorescence consists of short spikelets borne in burlike clusters, usually with two to four spikelets per bur.
Brachiaria ruziziensis
Congo grass can be established from seed which is inexpensive although it needs to be stored for six months after harvest. Alternatively the grass can be established vegetatively from stem cuttings with root nodes. It requires light soils with moderately to high fertility though it does not tolerate strongly acidic conditions and performs best in a well-drained soil. It requires a reasonably high rainfall, though it can endure dry spells, with 1000 mm or more being preferable. It requires a well prepared seed bed but light disc harrowing gives good results. Although it responds well to light, with light intensity increasing yields, it can also be planted for grazing under coconut plantations. Optimum growth occurs at 33/28 °C day/night with a minimum temperature of 19 °C.