Blue bushman-grass
Stipagrostis hirtigluma

Family: Poaceae

What it is like

A herb. It is an annual grass that forms tufts. It can keep growing fro a few years. It grows 80 cm high. The leaf blades are 6-20 cm long.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in dry sandy and stony soils. It is often over limestone material. It can be on flood plains and in the desert. It grows between 500-2,100 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Botswana, Central Africa, East Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Israel, Kenya, Lesotho, Mali, Mediterranean, Middle East, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, North Africa, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, West Africa, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The seeds are used in porridge. This is eaten with milk or meat. They are also used for making beer.

Edible parts

Seeds, cereal

How it is grown

The seeds are collected from ants nests and winnowed then ground into flour.

Its other names

Local names

Onkumba, Oshoke

Synonyms

Stipagrostis hirtigluma (Trin. & Rupr.) De Winter var. patula (Hack.) De Winter; Stipagrostis hirtigluma (Trin. & Rupr.) De Winter var. pearsonii (Henrard) De Winter; Aristida gracilior Pilg. var. pearsonii Henrard; Aristida hirtigluma Trin. & Rupr.; Aristida hirtigluma Trin. & Rupr. var. patula Hack.; Aristida gracilior Pilg.;