Scientific Name
Other Names
Life Form
Synonyms
Family
Fodder - High-yielding forage crop for livestock. Used for hay, and green fodder. Eco-restoration - It is planted to control erosion and biomass production.
Sahara to Tropical Africa
Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates.
It is robust perennial forming large bamboo-like clumps. Spreads through short rhizomes. Extensive root system reaching 450 cm deep.
Stem is initially erect, later becoming prostrate. Reach 200-400 cm in height and 1-2 cm diameter. Branched towards the top. Outer stems can extend up to 750 cm.
Leaves are linear, green or sometimes purple. 30-120 cm long and 1-5 cm wide. Upper surface bristly, lower surface smooth.
Flowers are arranged in a bristly, spike-like panicle, measuring 7-30 cm in length and 1.5-3 cm in width. The panicle is typically yellow-brown but can also be green or purple. Individual spikelets are clustered together within a spiny involucre.
Fruit is a caryopsis (grain).