It occurs naturally in xerophytic grasslands on doleritic, sandy or clay soils, at altitudes of up to 1,500 m (4,900 ft), and is very drought-tolerant.

[2] Gamba grass forms dense patches, out-competing native species and altering ecosystems.

Being highly invasive, it can move into conservation areas, semi-urban residential land and mining leases.

[11][12] Researchers estimate that this will increase to as much as 30% by 2033, a major threat to the park's future due to extreme fire risk.

[13] Conservationist Mitch Hart has described gamba grass as a "triple threat" to people's lives, the economy and the potential destruction of Australia's northern savanna.

[15] Gamba grass has effectively been eradicated from Western Australia, where infestations were not as widespread as the NT and Queensland.

The Gamba Grass Eradication Program, a collaborative project supported by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, El Questro Station and Kimberley Rangelands Biosecurity Association began in 2011 and has been highly successful.