[1] In its native African range this grass is common in several habitat types such as Acacia woodland and Kalahari grasslands and savanna.

In the desert grasslands and shrublands of southeastern Arizona, however, it did well, growing best in areas with sandy soils, rare freezes, and summer rainfall totals of about 15 to 22 cm (5.9 to 8.7 in).

[1] In parts of the region, the native ecosystem has been replaced by velvet mesquite woodland with an understory dominated by Lehmann lovegrass.

[8] It forms a soil seed bank that can withstand long dry periods, giving it an advantage over some native grasses.

[9] It has been shown to have a negative impact on other types of plants, such as Agave palmeri, a key component in the local ecosystem.