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Rhodes grass

Rhodes grass

6.1
A grass that lives many years and is grown to feed animals in dry areas
  • noun
  • South African
translation icon : pasto Rhodes
  • Researchers are studying the drought resistance of Rhodes grass compared to other forage plants.

Examples

  • The rapid growth of Rhodes grass makes it an ideal choice for pasture in dry climates.

  • Farmers in Australia often cultivate Rhodes grass for their cattle.

  • Farmers in arid areas often rely on Rhodes grass to feed their cattle.

  • Many ranchers prefer Rhodes grass due to its drought resistance.

  • Farmers in arid areas often rely on Rhodes grass to feed their cattle.

  • The rapid growth of Rhodes grass makes it an ideal choice for pasture in dry climates.

  • Many ranchers prefer Rhodes grass due to its drought resistance.

Synonyms

Chloris gayana
vsRhodes grass
  • Specialized
9.9

A grass that lives for many years and is grown for animal feed in dry areas

is less widespread in cultivation across dry regions

Surface Forms

Rhodes grass singular

Morphology

Rhodes + grass

The compound combines the proper name 'Rhodes' with 'grass', which transparently signals a variety or type of grass associated with that name or place. A B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer it denotes a kind of grass (even if they cannot deduce precise botanical details), so the basic meaning is compositional and predictable.

Etymology

Rhodes grass may be named after a person or place called Rhodes, and the word grass shows it is a plant farmers grow to give animals 'feed'. It grows fast and survives dry soil, so farmers used it as reliable 'feed' in dry areas, and that useful role is why the name stuck.