Galapagos Species Database

Taxon category: Accepted

Syn.: Cenchrus pallidus E. Fourn.

Origin: Introduced - established

Year of first record: 2000

Mode of introduction: Accidental

Introduction Pathway: Contaminant

Subpathway: Contaminant on plants (inc. seeds and plant associated material)

Introduced status: Naturalized

Invasive status: No data

Impact elsewhere: C. pilosus is not known to be an invasive species, but other species within the genus Cenchrus are well known as invasive species.

Control History in Galapagos: After C. pilosus was reported on Santa Cruz Island, manual control efforts from 2003 to 2006 removed a total of 46 individuals including both adults and juveniles. In May 2006, the topsoil of the area was collected and sterilized to kill the remaining seeds.

Habitat preferences: Found on sand bars, rocky slopes, open ground, and cultivated soil. Prefers low altitudes.

Trophic role: Primary producer

Reproductive biology: Reproduces via seeds which are spread by sticking to animals.

Growth form: Annual Herbs

Distribution origin: Mexico to Peru

Economic Use: Used as fodder.

Map of specimen collection localities or observation records for this species in our collections database.

Distribution: Widely distributed on San Cristobal, eradicated shortly after introduction on Santa Cruz, original range from Mexico to Peru.

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