Brachiaria dura

Family: Poaceae

What it is like

A densely tufted grass. The stalks are 40-100 cm high. The leaf blades are 1-2 mm wide. They roll inwards. The flowers are 4-15 cm long. The spikelets are in a single row.

Where it is found

It is a tropical and subtropical plant. It grows in savanna woodland and on sandy soils. It grows at between 200-1,300 m above sea level. It can tolerate shade. It grows in areas with an annual rainfall above 450 mm. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Botswana, Central Africa, East Africa, Guinea, Guinée, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, West Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Seeds, cereal, grains

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Nkomwe

Synonyms

Urochloa dura (Stapf) A. M. Torres & C. M. Morton; and others