Large bushman grass, Silky bushman grass
Stipagrostis uniplumis

Family: Poaceae

What it is like

A herb. It is a grass that forms tufts. It can be an annual or keep growing for a few years. It grows 90 cm high.

It has a C4 pathway.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in hot, arid places and can tolerate frost. It grows in areas with an annual rainfall between 300-350 mm. It grows in dry sandy areas and often over limestone material. It grows between 210-2,200 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central Africa, Chad, East Africa, Egypt, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Middle East, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, North Africa, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, West Africa, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The seeds are eaten in porridge. They are also used for beer.

It is a famine food.

Edible parts

Seeds, cereal

How it is grown

Seeds are harvested from ants nests. They are winnowed and then ground into flour.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Aristida papposa Trin. & Rupr.; Stipagrostis papposa (Trin. & Rupr.) De Winter; Aristida concinna Sander; Aristida uniplumis Licht.;