Tobosa is a long-lived, medium height bunchgrass, usually found in pure stands on heavy bottomlands and flood plains at lower elevations from western Texas to Arizona. It is similar in growth habits and habitat requirements to Galleta, which joins Tobosa along the northern limits of its range. Plants increase in diameter by short, thick, underground roots. It is fairly tough, coarse and considered to be of low palatability. However, under controlled management, where stock is confined to heave dense stands, it can give high grazing capacity. In some places Tobosa is replaced by burrowgrass through range deterioration. Germination is prompt and seeding growth is rapid, indicating the species has considerable possibilities for re-vegetating or improving vegetation on many sites, where hazardous conditions of soil and climate limit the use of more palatable species. There are many such locations in New Mexico where use of the species is highly worthwhile, were seed available and better techniques known for seeding in these areas. Collections from native stands have been made from time to time, but can be done only in favorable years and at best with a poor seed fill.
Like galleta, Tobosa seed is bulky and requires the handling of a considerable amount of material to plant the recommended rate. Plantings should be made in mid-summer, prior to the normal rainy season.
3.4 to 9 kg PLS/hectare
3 to 8 lbs. PLS/acre
NUMBER OF SEEDS:
200,000 per lb. (0.46 kg)