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Indian sandburr

Scientific Name: Cenchrus biflorus

Family: Poaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Annual

Other Names:

       

Indian Sandbur (Cenchrus biflorus)

The Indian sandbur, scientifically known as Cenchrus biflorus Roxb., is an annual grass found in various warm regions around the world. It goes by several other common names, reflecting its widespread distribution and impact.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is commonly known as "sandbur" or "sand spur," suggesting the presence of burs or spines.
  • The plant is commonly found in fields and other areas where pets might roam.

Considerations for Children

  • This plant is commonly known as "sandbur" or "sand spur," suggesting the presence of burs or spines.
  • The plant is commonly found in fields and other areas where children might play.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cenchrus biflorus Roxb.
  • Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
  • Synonyms: Cenchrus incertus (mentioned as a synonym for Southern Sandbur, which could cause confusion.)
  • Other Common Names: Gallon's curse, burrgrass, Haskanit Kishin, sandbur, sand spur, Field Sandspur, Southern sandbur, Spiny burrgrass, Cram-cram (Fr), Bhurat or Bhurut (India), abu sha'ar (the Sudan), wezzeg (Nigerian Sahel), initi (Mauritania)
  • Derivation of Specific Name: biflorus: 2-flowered

Distribution and Habitat

  • Found throughout tropical Africa, extending eastwards to the Arabian Peninsula and the Indian Subcontinent.
  • Also found in Australia, New Zealand, and assorted islands in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
  • Grows in arid ecosystems, Sahelian Acacia savanna, and West Sudanian savanna.
  • Can be found on coastal dunes.
  • Present in India.

Ecological Role

  • The Indian sandbur can be considered both a blessing and a curse in arid ecosystems, requiring careful management.
  • Can be a major weed problem in cornfields if not properly controlled.

Morphological Characteristics

  • It is a tufted annual grass.
  • Ascending culms, up to 0.9-1 m high.
  • Plants annual or perennial.
  • Culms 5-200 cm, erect or decumbent, usually geniculate nodes and internodes usually glabrous.
  • Sheaths open, usually glabrous.
  • A tufted annual up to 90.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The spines on the sandbur seed discage predation.

Further Information

  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
  • Discover Life
  • Feedipedia (Animal Feed Resources Information System)
  • ResearchGate