Finger grass
Digitaria debilis
Family: Poaceae
What it is like
A grass. It can form tufts or lie along the ground. It can grow each year from seeds or keep growing from year to year. It grows 60 cm high. The leaf blades are 20-25 mm long by 2-4 mm wide. The spikelets can occur singly or in pairs. They are 2-3 mm long by 1 mm wide.
There are about 250 Digitaria species.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in sandy and clay soils. It grows between sea level to 1,600 m above sea level. It is often along river banks. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Algeria, Angola, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central Africa, Chad, Congo, East Africa, Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Europe, France, Ghana, Italy, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mediterranean, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, North Africa, Portugal, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Southern Africa, Spain, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, West Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Seeds, cereal
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Kindresifotsy