The scientific name for Bermuda grass, Cynodon dactylon, can be a mouthful to pronounce. Its spelling, however, is based on the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), a system of symbols that represent the sounds of spoken language. The first word, "Cynodon," is spelled kai-nuh-dän, with the stress on the second syllable. The second word, "dactylon," is pronounced dak-tuh-lon, with the stress on the first syllable. So, next time you're looking at a patch of Cynodon dactylon, you'll know exactly how to say it!
"Cynodon dactylon," commonly known as Bermuda grass, is a perennial warm-season grass species belonging to the Poaceae family. Native to Africa, it has a spreading growth habit and is widely cultivated for its adaptability and tenacity in various climates. It is recognized for its ability to withstand both drought and heavy foot traffic, which makes it a popular choice for lawns, athletic fields, golf courses, and pastures.
This grass typically forms a dense, dark green turf with fine-textured leaves that grow horizontally, creating a thick and even groundcover. Its roots are fibrous, deeply penetrating the soil profile, which contributes to its drought tolerance and resilience. The plant is known for its rapid growth rate, enabling it to recover quickly from physical damage or other stressors.
Bermuda grass thrives in full sun but is also capable of surviving in partial shade. It exhibits good salt tolerance and can tolerate a wide range of soil pH, from acidic to alkaline. This grass is characterized by its creeping stolons and rhizomes, which allow it to efficiently spread and establish new areas. However, its aggressive growth habit and rapid spread make it invasive in some regions.
While Bermuda grass is valued for its resistance to wear and ability to withstand harsh conditions, it can also be considered a weed in certain contexts, as it tends to dominate other grass species due to its aggressive growth nature.
The word Cynodon is derived from the Greek words kynos meaning dog and odon meaning tooth. It refers to the shape of the plant's inflorescence, which resembles a dog's tooth. Dactylon is derived from the Greek word daktylos, which means finger, indicating the finger-like shape of the rhizomes of the plant. So, the term Cynodon dactylon essentially means dog-toothed finger.