Dactyloctenium giganteum
Family: Poaceae
What it is like
A grass. It can form tufts and lie along the ground. It has runners. It grows 1.6 m high. The flower has 5 stalks spreading out like spokes on a wheel and these dry out and twist.
It is a C4 plant.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows in hot arid places. It grows in areas with an annual rainfall above 450 mm. It grows in alluvial sandy soils. It is rare in Swaziland. In Kenya it grows between 200-2,000 m altitude and between 10-1,100 m in Southern Africa. It can grow in shade. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Angola, Botswana, Central Africa, East Africa, Eswatini, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe
How it is used for food
The seeds are lightly roasted, ground and made into porridge. They are also cooked with other vegetables.
It is a famine food.
Edible parts
Seeds, grain, cereal
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seeds.
Seeds are collected during the dry season.
Its other names
Local names
Brewnda, Chimbue, Rathathe, Ukuku