[4] It is native to Africa and it is widespread in the world as a cultivated forage and fodder for livestock and a naturalized and sometimes invasive species.

[5] Several species of leafcutter ants have been observed foraging on jaragua, including Atta capiguara and A.

[9] The grass is susceptible to the plant pathogenic nematodes Helicotylenchus pseudopaxilli, Pratylenchus brachyurus, and Longidorus laevicapitatus.

It is not a very nutritious grass, so it is generally supplemented with legumes for nitrogen and molasses, citrus pulp, or bran for energy.

[11] Legumes that have been added as supplements include Cratylia argentea,[12] Erythrina poeppigiana, Gliricidia sepium, and Leucaena leucocephala.

[14] Its ability to outcompete native grasses such as Trachypogon plumosus is thought to come from several factors, which may include higher rate of growth, photosynthesis and germination of seeds, more efficient use of water, and more resources channeled into leaf development.

[16] Dry parts may be burned away, but living tissue near the ground is not harmed and resprouts immediately; fire damage to an established stand of the grass is "negligible".

It can be found in North, Central, and South America, many Pacific Islands, Asia, parts of Africa outside its native range,[5][6] and Australia.