What grasses grow in Udawalawe?

Udawalawe has wide-open plains. Much of it is taken over by tough grasses such as Guinea grass (Panicum maximum) and Imperata cylindrica. People in the area call the latter Illuk grass.

These grasses do well in dry conditions. They grow fast and bounce back after natural burns. They also handle long periods of heavy grazing. Because of this, they make up a key base for the park’s food web. Elephants, buffalo, and deer depend on these grasses all year.