Cogon Grass
By Chris Miller
Description and Rationale
Weeds, especially the Cogon Grass grows all around the world, including the country of the Philippines. Imperata cylindrical, or Cogon grass is known for its massive spread over large areas of the subtropics. It is especially seen in low sub tropic areas such as Valley Golf and Country Club in Manila. This weed type has been here for decades and adapts well to its sustainable tropical climate.
What is the impact cogon grass has on its surrounding environment? Does it affect other plants because it is a weed? Does it ruin agricultural possibilities because of its quick growth rate? Does the abundance of Cogon grass affect the nearby people with living and farming situations? Is it a danger or a possible benefit to be aware of? Are there legitimate reasons why such a plentiful resource is being burned or disposed of often?
Are there possible ways of turning Cogon grass into a product of usefulness and help to the nearby community? “Among the species identified and presented as alien invasive species in the Philippine forests are Swietenia macrophylla (Mahogany)… Imperata cylindrical (Cogon)… To date, the worst affected sector is agriculture because of the associated negative effects on productivity, attests the presentation of Dr. Daniel Lagunzad of the Institute of Biology, UP Diliman.” Why do they want to control this cogon grass? Is it merely a pest and a pointless use of land because it destroys other species of plants? Could beneficial uses of cogon grass be harvested for things like: food, crafts, fertilizer, and medicine? How would the nearby communities around cogon grass, especially the squatters in Valley Golf benefit from these weeds? What would be the best way to communicate this?
The initial purpose of this project will be to research the biology and ecology of cogon grass primarily in the squatter areas of Valley Golf and Country Club by researching information by literature, internet and face to face communication. These initial finding will help guide the experimental phase, where key variables in the cogon grass’ survivability and usefulness will be fully explored.
It is hoped that new uses of the previously distaste of cogon grass might help improve the lives of the people living in Valley Golf through a more informed understanding of an abundant biological resource.
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Biology
Common Names and Synonyms
Cogon Grass is also called by its scientific name: Imperata cylindrical. This wide spread weed is known to many farmers as an “invasive species”. In the Philippines, the weed in Tagalog is called Kogon grass. There are also many other names around the world: speargrass (Nigeria), blady grass (Australia), and silver spike (southern Africa).
Classification
Kingdom: Plantae (Plants)
Phylum: Magnoliophyta (flowering plants)
Class: Liliopsida (monocotyledons)
Order: Cyperales (Grass/Sedge family)
Family: Poaceae (Grass)
Genus: Imperata (satin tails)
Species: I. cylindrical (lasting <1 year old, grass)
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Morphology and Physical Description
External Anatomy
This perennial (grows all season), rhizomatous (horizontal stem found underground) weed grows in thick circular patches. The flat, rigid, and yellowish green leaves can be up to 6 feet long and about an inch wide. The middle part of the blade is white and usually off center.
Its roots are densely segmented with many sharp points along its flaky scale covering. Under these scales it is a very bright white color. Its ligule (junction of leaf and stem), is thin, round and hairy. At the plant base there is no obvious stem but rather the blades themselves are growing out of the ground. Sometimes the leaves can even turn a red during wintertime to adapt to the colder weather.
The top of the leaves often springs a flower/seed head. It is 2-8 inches long and blooms from late March to mid June (depends on climate). It is cylindrical in shape and a silvery white color. It is light and fluffy similar to dandelion seeds.
Internal Anatomy
What makes this weed so different from other weeds are two unique characteristics: the root system and the means of reproduction. Cogon grass is a fibrous root system, which means that the roots are formed by thin, moderately splitting off roots growing from the stem. These strong fibers grow a network over and under the soil. The primary roots, grow underground and sometimes even have tiller rhizomes protrude out of the surface. These are roots that have come from the stem from underground then resurfaced again to start growing. The secondary or adventitious roots grow from the stem and shoot out away from it to make a node (lump). This is called tillering. The root system in Cogon grass is so tough they can withstand more than 5 pH level soils. This characteristic allows this weed to grow in a wide variety of areas.
Additionally, the reproduction cycle is quite unique. Cogon grass depends on physical disturbances to reproduce. Fire, mowing, and grazing, allows the flowering of the seed head, so it can release its 3,000 seeds into the air. This process happens first by cross pollination: the transfer of pollen from the anther of the flower head of one weed to a stigma of the other weed by wind. Then, the seeds are naturally released by the wind.
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Getting Food
Cogon grass is autotrophic (photosynthetic) which means it gets its energy from the sun. Their abundance of leaves provide a lot of surface area for sunlight to produce photosynthesis (energy produced from the sun). This weed cannot grow in shade and obtains nutrients from a variety of soils. Sandy to clay soils are possible as long as they are well drained.
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Reproduction
Cogon grass reproduces asexually through the rhizomes and sexually by the flowering of the seed head. During sexual reproduction the seeds get cross pollinated in the seed head and get released naturally by wind. Since the seeds are small and light, as many as 3,000 seeds per plant are blown across long distances.
Vegetative (not needing seeds) spread of cogon grass is done by its tough and massive rhizomes that remain inactive for long periods of time before sprouting. These rhizomes of cogon grass are transported to new sites by contaminated dirt or equipment used in infested areas. Once deposited in any type of soil they begin to cultivate.
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Environmental Factors
The best temperature for the seed germination is 30 degrees Celsius. In warmer temperatures, Cogon grass usually stays dormant (inactive) in the winter months because it does not fair well in cool temperatures. Cogon grass is common among wet areas lasting abundantly in clay soils and sand, even in soils of low fertility (nutrition). But when inundated (underwater) for a prolonged period of time, it dies. The rhizomes are very resistant to fire, and the fire even triggers flowering and seed production because of the short term fertility of the ash.
Cogon grass, in itself is a pest because when the rhizomes form out of the ground they choke any other plant germinating nearby.
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Origin and Distribution
“Cogon grass is found mainly in tropical and subtropical areas with 75 to 500 cm of annual rainfall” (Bryson, 1999).
Countries that include Cogon grass are: Japan, southern China, the Pacific islands, Australia, India, East Africa, and the southeastern United States. The reason for the widespread distribution of this weed is because of the many species and adaptations genetically as the seed was deposited by wind and transport by humans.
“Cogon grass first appeared in the area around Grand Bay, Alabama as an escape from Satsuma orange crate packing in 1912. It was intentionally introduced from the Philippines into Mississippi as a possible forage in 1921” (EDIS).
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Importance to People
Cogon grass first was useful as a packaging agent in Southern United states during the 1900’s. However, it was quickly discovered that it was a fast spreading weed capable of destroying other valuable plants. Today the opinion of Cogon grass is varied widely. It is viewed in the West as:
“…anything but nutritious. Certainly its hazard as a potential weed for upland crops in the tropical and subtropical portions of the western hemisphere is a very much more serious threat to agriculture than the small amount of benefit it can possibly be as a forage” (Pendleton).
In other parts of the world, such as Southeast Asia, Cogon grass has been very beneficial. The weed has numerous uses, from edible to medicinal uses. The roots are tough to chew but contain starch and sugar. The ash of this plant can be used as a salt substitute. Some medicinal uses include if you have a painful outgrowth at the tongue, use 30 to 90 grams dried of rhizome as treatment.
In the Philippines, Cogon grass has been used primarily for crafts such as baskets, bags like purses and a wide variety of decorative purposes. One unique form was discovered by a Pilipino named Rey Espinosa. He used dried Cogon grass and noticed it changed color when being burned.
"After having the cogon grass pass through charcoal, I will start sketching on the frame my desired design. Then, using a cutter, I will cut and paste the small pieces of cogon on the frame so that it will take the shape of the object I have drawn on the frame" (ABS-CBN).
Cogon grass is in fact, a weed, and many people see it as a pest. But, others, like Rey Espinosa bask in it, and treat it as a gift. He turned something harmful into something beautiful.
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Survivability and Endangered Status
Cogon grass is certainly not an endangered species because of its extremely fast reproductive nature. Every year, from either fire, mowing or grazing, the flowers pollinate and release over 3,000 seeds per plant. In the Philippines, it is in fact called an “invasive species” by the Philippine government because it has affected agriculture negatively but in some areas, the locals rely on it for funds by making crafts or medicinal purposes. If more locals were trained to use Cogon grass as a positive business rather than to just burn it, the perspective of the Filipinos, especially the farmers would really change on how they view Cogon grass and weeds in general.
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Potential Solutions
Cogon grass is labeled as an “invasive species” by the government of the Philippines because of its rapid reproduction of seeds and spread throughout a large area quickly. The weed was commonly known as a pest to many of the locals, especially farmers because crops are disturbed the weed. This weed can choke rice stalks and many other valuable plants of the Philippines because of its dominant root system. The root system literally chocks nearby plants when it sprouts from the ground. But even though many Filipinos see it as a harmful plant, benefits are being discovered that it can be used for good purposes. There are some possibilities that can prove useful to the local Filipinos dwelling near Cogon grass. There advantages and disadvantages listed below as well as a description of each possibility.
Possibility 1 - RHIZOMES AS ROOFS
Using the Cogon Grass as roofing for the housing would prove useful, especially because the poor in the Philippines have unstable roofing material (tin or wood). These materials are prone to fire that can threaten entire barangay’s (village) because of the typical crowding of squatters. The Cogon grass’ blade is very resistant to fire because of its thick, waxy coating. They can be placed on the roofs to cover the weak wood or tin to provide an extra layer of defense against harmful environments like fire.
Advantages/Benefits
- If Cogon grass would be used as roofing, the prevention of a fire hazard would greatly decrease. The fire resistant rhizome of the plant would prove an important asset to protect those inside the house.
- The access to Cogon grass is easy since it is a widespread weed which can grow in tropical conditions like the Philippines. Cogon grass is widespread in Valley Golf and Country club because of its fast reproductive cycle. Thatching methods can be used to effectively to attach the rhizomes appropriately across the roofs.
Disadvantages/Costs
- The process of getting the rhizomes of the actual plant can be dangerous. The double blades are very sharp. If not trained properly, the locals could injure themselves.
- Fires do not occur very often in Valley Golf and Country Club, and the roofing might not be considered worth it because it would take an extraneous amount of time. Also, the rhizomes are not water-proof therefore not effective for the more common occurrence in this area which is rain.
- Applying the rhizomes to the roof may prove ineffective because the whole process may not be a top priority for the local poor. Instead of protection of there housing, they may focus on food, water, of education first.
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Possibility 2 - MEDICINE
Cogon grass has proved by medical scientists that it can be harvested for medicinal purposes. The root of the plant for example, can be boiled and made into a soup to soothe sore throat. Medical aid is sparse in the Valley Golf community and disease is very common. Most squatters cannot afford basic medicine for their children even during a common cold. If this method were to be mass produced if proved beneficial, vast amounts of poor could be cured of numerous sicknesses at little or no cost at all.
Advantages/Benefits
- With the abundance of Cogon grass together with the high medical needs of the poor villagers living near this weed, there is a great opportunity to take advantage of the medicinal benefits of Cogon grass. The root for example, can be harvested and then boiled to make a hot soup which is known to cure sore throat.
- The cost comes at no price, so the villagers are 100% beneficial in this process. Medicine can often be far to get and very expensive at local pharmacies like Mercury Drug. This practical free method could help many in the community living near Cogon grass.
Disadvantages/Costs
- There is no guarantee that the roots can cure the desired disease or sickness. The research done of the medicinal purposes of Cogon grass has been very little. Side effects are a possibility and could even have a negative affect since little information is known about effects of the plant.
- The properties themselves of Cogon grass cannot be consumed directly. The roots for example, must be boiled by a gas stove, an amenity many squatters may not posses.
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Possibility 3 -HANDICRAFTS
The Philippines is widely known for its natural artistic crafts, baskets and various amounts of jewelry. Their skill to use natural materials like pearl, mahogany and even rice is expertly done by hand. If Cogon grass were to be harnessed as form of handicraft, the locals could make it a source of income providing a small business to sustain their families. The blades can be woven through cross stitching methods because it is stiff and tough enough to work as a basket, craft and even jewelry.
Advantages/Benefits
1. Filipinos, by culture are very resourceful, especially when modern resources are lacking. The handicrafts made by many of the locals can generate and steady source of income for families. A small business could be started which would provide a livelihood.
2. Since income is generated, priories no longer have to set of survival like getting water and food daily. Now the income can be spent on things like education and medical supplies.
3. The process of creating crafts promotes a positive atmosphere in the community. Since locals now have a business that requires responsibility and hard work, they develop qualities that better help the surrounding community.
Disadvantages/Costs
1. In order for a business to be conducted through processing the Cogon grass in workable handicrafts, the locals must be trained and taught how to extract the weed and the methods of weaving the craft into a finished product to be sold. This may not be possible for a lot of locals because their lack of education may prove a barrier if someone were to try to train them.
2. Transporting the products would prove vastly difficult. Without a convenient pick up transport to take to the products to sell, the locals may lose all their hard work. If products do not sell, they will have no other source of income. This system is unreliable and difficult to mass produce.
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Bibliography
Works Cited
Fern, Ken. "Imperata cylindrica." Plants For A Future: Database Search Results 2000 Web.12 Apr 2009. <http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Imperata+cylindrica>.
MacDonald, G. "Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica (L.) Beauv.) Biology, Ecology and Management in Florida." EDIS. 2008. EDIS. 12 Apr 2009 <http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/WG202>.
Madsen, John. "Imperata cylindrica (L.) Beauv.." IPAMS-Invasive Plant Atlas of the MidSouth. 2007. IPAMS. 12 Apr 2009 <http://www.gri.msstate.edu/ipams/Species.php?SName=&CName=Cogongrass>.
Masterson, J.. "Imperata cylindrica." Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce 2007 Web.12 Apr 2009. <http://www.sms.si.edu/IRLspec/Imperata_cylindrica.htm>.
PASCUAL-DORMIDO, YASMIN. "This pastor had amnesia, yet discovered a unique art." ABS-CBN 05/20/2008 Web.12 Apr 2009. http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/05/20/08/pastor-had-amnesia-yet-discovered-unique-art
Pendleton, Robert L. 1948. Cogon grass, Imperata cylindrica, in the western hemisphere. Journal of the American Society of Agronomy. 40(11): 1047-1049. [50919] http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/graminoid/impspp/all.html#FIRE%20MANAGEMENT%20IMPLICATIONS
Stuart, Umali. "KOGON." Philippine Medicinal Plants 2006 Web.12 Apr 2009. http://www.stuartxchange.com/Kogon.html.
University of Georgia, "Key Identification Features of Cogongrass." Cogon Grass. University of Georgia. 12 Apr 2009 <http://www.cogongrass.org/identification.cfm>.
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