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birdwood grass
Scientific Name: Cenchrus setiger
Family: Poaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Graminoid
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Birdwood Grass (Cenchrus setiger)
Birdwood grass, scientifically known as Cenchrus setiger Vahl, is a resilient perennial grass valued for its drought tolerance and suitability as fodder in hot, dry regions.
Common Names
- Birdwood Grass
- Cow Sandbur
- Anjan
- Mode Dhaman Grass
- Motha Dhaman
- Kata-Dhaman
- Kala-Dhaman
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cenchrus setiger Vahl
- Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
- Rank: Species
- Synonym: Cenchrus setigerus
- Note: The original publication of the name is Enum. Pl. Vahl ii. 395. 1805 Oct-Dec 1805 (as 'setigerus')
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Australia and India.
- Also recorded in the UAE.
- Found in hot, arid, and semi-arid rangelands.
- Naturalized (alien) to Western Australia
Morphological Characteristics
- Tufted perennial grass.
- Grows up to 70-100 cm high.
- Leaf-blades are flat or folded.
- Roots have none or short rhizomes.
- Can grow up to 60 cm tall.
Ecological Role
- In northern Australia, Birdwood grass (referred to as Pennisetum setigerum in this context) can dominate grasslands and the understorey layer of savanna woodlands.
Quirky Facts
- In 1926, Mr. McRae obtained seeds of Birdwood grass from Mr. Gardner.
- Birdwood Downs has developed “Savannah Ecoscaping” using drought-resistant species such as Birdwood grass.
Interactions With Other Organisms
- Suitable to plant with lower-growing Cenchrus ciliaris.
- Sheep generally prefer legumes over Birdwood Grass.
Further Information
- Information is available at the FAO's Ecoport Web Site.
- Discover Life offers information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cenchrus setiger.