By a few decades later it had become naturalised in much of southern Asia and on many Pacific islands, but is confined to its preferred habitat of poorly drained, swampy land.

[2] Para grass is mainly cultivated to feed livestock as it makes a high quality forage for ruminant animals.

In Australia, this grass forms vast stands, destroying waterfowl nesting habitat and displacing native plants.

[12][13] In Florida this grass grows in various wetland habitat types, such as marshes and floodplains, as well as disturbed areas such as roadsides.

In Hawaii this grass is widespread, especially in freshwater wetlands and in red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) stands.

It is thought to be a cause of the decline of the rare Hawaiian endemic Boyd's maiden fern (Thelypteris boydiae).