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palm-grass
Scientific Name: Curculigo capitulata
Family: Liliaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Palmgrass (Setaria palmifolia)
Setaria palmifolia, commonly known as palmgrass, is a robust perennial grass often cultivated as an ornamental. It is also referred to by the common names highland pitpit, hailans pitpit, short pitpit, broadleaved bristlegrass, and knotroot.
Considerations for Pets
- This grass produces seeds, which may be attractive to finches and other seed-eating birds.
- The plant has tough rhizomes.
- Palmgrass has harsh leaves.
Common Names and Scientific Name
- Scientific Name: Setaria palmifolia
- Common Names: Palmgrass, highland pitpit, hailans pitpit, short pitpit, broadleaved bristlegrass, knotroot
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
- Synonym: Setaria palmifolia (J. Koenig) Stapf
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Asia.
- Grows in wet tropics.
Ecological Role
- Can form a total ground cover, preventing the growth and establishment of seedlings of other species, suggesting it can be invasive.
Morphological Characteristics
- Evergreen tropical grass.
- Grows up to 2 meters tall.
- Wide, accordion-pleated leaves resembling palm leaves.
- Leaves are typically 30-100 cm long and 5-8 cm wide.
- Dense root mass and tough rhizomes.
- Showy flower spikes.
Quirky Facts
- Palmgrass is valuable for finch breeders due to its seeds.
- Despite sometimes being referred to as "Palm Tree" and its palm-like qualities, this plant is actually a grass.
Further Information
- RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)
- Dave's Garden