Annual tailgrass
Urochloa brachyura
Family: Poaceae
What it is like
A herb. It is an erect annual grass. It forms tussocks. It grows up to 1.2 m high. The leaf blades are broadly oval or sword shaped and 3-30 cm long by 3-16 mm wide.
Where it is found
It is a subtropical plant. It grows in hot arid places. It grows in areas with an annual rainfall between 300-1,100 mm. It is often over limestone material. It can grow in semi desert. It can tolerate shade. It grows between 1,030-1,850 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Angola, Botswana, Central Africa, East Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe
How it is used for food
The seeds are used in porridge.
Edible parts
Seeds, cereal
How it is grown
The seeds are collected from harvester ant nests.
Its other names
Local names
Dinofu, Epele, Lingrofu