Leptothrium senegalense

Family: Poaceae

What it is like

A grass. It grows for a few years. It forms tough bunches. It grows 10-60 cm high. The leaf blades are narrow and 2-10 cm long by 1-3 mm wide. The flower panicles are 2-17 cm long. They are purple and light green.

There are 2 Leptothrium species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in sub-desert grassland. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Burkina Faso, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Kenya, Mali, Mauritania, North Africa, Pakistan, Senegal, Somalia, West Africa

How it is used for food

The seeds are ground into flour and used as a cereal.

Edible parts

Seeds, cereal

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Ainguiem, Askanit, Firri, Tigurit

Synonyms

Lappago latipes Steud. [Illegitimate]; Latipes inermis Chiov.; Latipes senegalensis Kunth; and others