Scientific Name
Other Names
Life Form
Family
Food - Seeds are cooked and eaten as a cereal. The seed has a nutritional value similar to oats (Avena sativa) and contain gluten. Fodder- Important forage crop for grazing livestock.
Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan
Thrives in meadows, pastures, and cultivated lands. Widely adaptable to various soil types and climates.
It is low-growing tufted grass forming dense swards. No stolons or rhizomes. Reaches heights of up to 90 cm.
Stem is erect, smooth stems (culms) arising from the base.
Leaves are dark green, linear with prominent parallel veins. Smooth and glossy on the lower surface. Folded lengthwise in bud. Leaf sheaths often tinged pink.
Flowers are arranged in a spike-like panicle with spikelets positioned alternately on one side of the stem. Each spikelet contains multiple florets lacking awns, and possesses pale yellow anthers.
Fruit is a caryopsis (grain), length more than 3 times width.
Flowering and Fruiting: May–July.