Eragrostis aethiopica

Family: Poaceae

What it is like

An annual grass. It forms loose tufts. It grows 60 cm high. The stalks are slender. The leaf blade is flat and 3-20 cm long by 1-3 mm wide. The flower panicle is 6-25 cm long and delicate and open. The branches are in loose rings. The spikelets have 6-18 flower. The seeds are 0.5 mm long.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in alluvial soils and sand. It grows between 20-1,400 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Arabia, Botswana, Central Africa, Congo, Djibouti, East Africa, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Middle East, Mozambique, Somalia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The seeds are eaten as a grain.

Edible parts

Seeds, grains, cereal

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Ahipilo, Madh-weyn

Synonyms

Eragrostis gracillima Hack.;