Bristly foxtail grass, Cattail grass
Setaria pumila subsp. pallidefusca

Family: Poaceae

What it is like

An annual grass. It forms tufts. It grows 60-100 cm high. The leaf blades are flat and 1.5 cm across. The flower panicle is erect. It is dense and like a cylinder or spike. It is 1-10 cm long and 2 cm wide. Probably now a synonym of Setaria pumila.

There are about 130 Setaria species. They are mainly in the tropics and subtropics.

Where it is found

A tropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central Africa, Central America, China, Congo, East Africa, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Europe, Fiji, Germany, Ghana, Himalayas, India, Japan, Korea, Mozambique, Nepal, Norfolk Island, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Taiwan, Tonga, USA, West Africa, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The grains are used as a cereal and also used for a drink. It adds flavour to maize meal.

Edible parts

Seeds, cereal

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Jhusile banso, Kavatta grass, Taya

Synonyms

Panicum pallidefuscum Schumach.; Setaria pallidefuscum