The factors influencing the distribution ofCymbopogon validusin Mkambati Game Reserve were investigated using multivariate techniques.C. validuswas found to be present on nutrient‐rich, clay soils and absent from dystrophic, sandy soils. This could account for the patchy distribution ofC. validusin the reserve and may limit its expansion into the surrounding grasslands. There was no correlation between measured soil variables and the density and size ofC. validusplants withinC. validussites.