Fabaceae / Papilionaceae

352
Poaceae / Gramineae
Pennisetum purpureum K. Schum, Beskr
English name: Elephant grass, Cane grass, Napier grass.
Local name:
Haati gaa h, Kamaandi gaa h.
Description:
Tall erect perennial rhizomatous grass with thick stem, 2-4.5 m high, widely grown
for fodder under the names Elephant and Napier grass. The involucres are sessile
or shortly pedicellate, it grows very rapidly and if cut before full grown it yields
excellent hay. When mature the leaves are razor-sharp on the margins and
therefore unpopular with cattle at this stage.
Flowering Period:
September to November.
Habitat:
The grass is found in moist soil near to water courses.
Uses:
A very good fodder species, it is also a favorite food
for elephants, the plant have potential for bio-fuel
preparation.
Distribution:
SouthAmerica, Philippine Islands, Hawaii, India, Pakistan
and China.