Cenchrus ciliaris L.
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Description
Cenchrus ciliaris is a perennial tufted grass, usually 30–150 cm tall, forming dense tussocks through short rhizomes and basal tillers. Culms are erect, slender, smooth, and cylindrical with distinct nodes and internodes. Leaves are linear and narrow, usually 10–40 cm long and 2–10 mm wide, flat or folded, with rough margins. Leaf sheaths are smooth or hairy, and the ligule is membranous and fringed with hairs. The inflorescence is a dense cylindrical spike-like panicle, typically 5–15 cm long, resembling a fox tail. Spikelets are surrounded by numerous fine bristles, giving the inflorescence a soft hairy appearance. Bristles may be purple, golden, or whitish. Flowers are small, bisexual, and enclosed by lemma and palea. Fruits are small caryopses enclosed within persistent bristles.
Diagnostic Characters
Distribution
Native range: Native to Africa, Arabian Peninsula, South Asia.
In Pakistan: Widely distributed in Pakistan, India, Middle East, Australia. Common in Pakistan Dry hills, Rangelands, Semi-arid regions.
Phenology
Ethnobotany & Uses
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Where it grows on campus
Taxonomic Notes
Cenchrus ciliaris is among the most important tropical forage grasses.