UC Riverside is testing out a new ground cover plant that could reduce water usage while keeping the campus looking green.

Kurapia, a low-growing leafy ground cover, was planted at the Pentland Hills and Glen Mor student residence halls by Facilities Services in late June.

The landscape crew is testing out the plant, which requires less water than turf grass, in select campus locations, said John Starling, Landscape Services supervisor.

“We want to know if this is a plant that can replace traditional grass in some areas to give the same look, but also save water,” he said.

Kurapia was developed in Japan and has been tested at universities including at UCR’s turf research plots at Agricultural Operations. The company that produces Kurapia touts significant water savings.

Starling said they want to see how the plant fares in real-world conditions to get a better idea of how much water the campus could save.

The two locations were chosen because of their shade and sun exposure and used different versions of the product, with sod at one site and plugs at the other, Starling said.

They will be monitoring the Kurapia until next summer, which should provide enough time to learn its growth habits, how much mowing is required, soil conditions, and how it grows in the summer and winter, he said.