Black Buffel Grass
Cenchrus ciliaris

Family: Poaceae

What it is like

A wiry tussocky grass. It keeps growing from year to year. It can have stolons or runners. It grows 0.2-1.5 m high. The leaves are 18 cm long. The flowers are purple. The seed head has a fluffy appearance due to long bristles.

There are about 23 Cenchrus species.

Where it is found

It grows on alluvial flats. It suits Mediterranean regions. It also grows in tropical and temperate regions. In Bahrain it grows in compact gravelly soils in desert areas. It can grow in dry areas. It can grow in arid places. It is highly salt tolerant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Arabia, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Bahrain, Botswana, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Central Africa, China, Congo, East Africa, Eswatini, India, Iraq, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Middle East, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Paraguay, Sahel, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Sudan, Swaziland, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, UAE, West Africa, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The seeds are eaten raw. They are also mixed with millet (bajra) for bread making.

It is a famine food.

Edible parts

Seeds, cereal

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Ahitokotoko, Anjan, Baiba, Baldhoole-cagaar, Ciir dhunq, Dhaman, Foxtail grass, Kollukattai, Kusa, Sabat

Synonyms

Cenchrus longifolius Hochst. ex Steud.; Pennisetum cenchroides Rich. ex Pers.; Pennisetum ciliare Link.;