Melinis nerviglumis is a species of grass known by the common names mountain red top or bristle-leaved red top. The Latin name refers to the veined glume. It is native from tropical to southern Africa, the western Indian Ocean islands, and Indochina. It is cultivated as a garden ornamental due to its colourful purple flowers. The flowers are produced in summer and fade to white as they mature. By this time the seeds can be harvested for new plantings.
Features A dense tufted grass that has unbranched culms. The culms are flexible and have hanging inflorescences. Leaves are blue-green rolled and usually concentrated at the base. It grows in gravely soils in stable velds and flowers throughout the year but mostly in summer.
Measurements Culms: 300-900mm tall
Inflorescence: 40-150mm long
Spikelets: 3.5-5mm long
Leaf blade: 100-300mm long
Leaf blades: 2- 3.5mm wide
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