Dropseed grass, Perennial dropseed
Sporobolus fimbriatus

Family: Poaceae

What it is like

A herb. It is a grass that forms tussocks. It is erect and keep growing from year to year but loses its leaves. It has underground stems or rhizomes. It can grow 1.7 m high. The leaves can be 30 cm long and 2-4 mm wide.

There are about 160 Sporobolus species. They are mainly in the tropics and subtropics.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in hot arid areas. It grows in areas with an annual rainfall between 300-1,100 mm. It grows in deep, well-drained soils. It is often over limestone materials. It grows from sea level to 2,200 m above sea level. It can tolerate shade. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Asia, Botswana, Central Africa, East Africa, India, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Somalia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The young flower spikes are made into porridge and eaten in times of scarcity. The seeds are used in porridge and for drinks.

It is a famine food.

Edible parts

Seeds, cereal

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Matolo-a-maholo, Mussinguizuana, Tedze

Synonyms

Vilfa fimbriata Trin.; Sporobolus fibriatus (Trin.) Nees var. latifolius Stent; Sporobolus rehmanni Hack.;