Klein grass, Coloured guinea grass
Panicum coloratum

Family: Poaceae

What it is like

A grass. It is often bent downwards. The leaves are flat and have long points. The leaf blade is slightly heart shaped at the base. The flowering shoots are narrow but branched. It is erect.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It can grow in poorly drained sandy soils. It can tolerate weakly salty soils. It grows from sea level to 2,300 m above sea level. It can tolerate drought. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Asia, Australia, Botswana, Britain, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central Africa, Chad, China, Congo, East Africa, Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Europe, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Middle East, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, North Africa, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, Southern Africa, St Helena, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, West Africa, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Seeds, cereal, grains

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Chihundze, Guihanga-hanga

Synonyms

Panicum monticolum; Panicum swynnertonii Rendle;