Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) is native to tropical Asia, Africa, and the Mediterranean in the Eastern Hemisphere, as well as, apparently, Chile in the Western Hemisphere.
Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) is a tall (30-200 cm), erect perennial C4 grass. Reproduction is through prolific seed production and aggressive rhizome spread. The species is widely recognized as one of the world's worst weeds.
The cultivar I. cylindrica 'Rubra' (aka I cylindrica var. rubra) is shorter, less invasive, and purportedly sterile. There are concerns that regardless of the tamer tendencies of this cultivar (or variety) plants can revert to wild types and reacquire invasive characteristics (Missouri Botanical Garden 2023).