Kaoko grass
Kaokochloa nigrirostris
Family: Poaceae
What it is like
A herb. It is an annual grass. It is erect and forms loose tufts. The aerial parts have an unpleasant smell. It grows 60 cm high. The leaf blades are 5-12 cm long and 1 cm wide.
It has a C4 pathway.
Where it is found
It is a subtropical plant. It grows in hot arid places. It grows in areas with an annual rainfall less than 50 mm. It is often over limestone material. It grows in dry sandy and stony soils. It grows between 600-1,000 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Angola, Central Africa, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa
How it is used for food
The seeds are eaten as a snack.
Edible parts
Seeds, cereal
How it is grown
The seeds are often collected from harvester ant nests. The seeds are hard to grind.
Its other names
Local names
Omurontji