The characteristic odour of Melinis minutiflora is caused by an exudate from glandular leaf hairs that contains fatty acids, esters, and probably a phenolic substance (Cook et al., 2005).
Crystals of calcium oxalate have been found in leaves of Melinis minutiflora (1.1-1.7%) but have not caused problems (Lersten, 1983; Cook et al., 2005).