Native
to the Old World tropics, e.g. Africa, St. Augustinegrass is competitive
against weeds, is adapted to a wide range of soils, and recovers poorly
from drought. Shade tolerant cultivars exist (e.g., Seville, Delmar,
Jade, and possibly Palmetto). The main pest problem of St. Augustinegrass
is the southern chinch bug, Blissus insularis. Resistant cultivars
exist.