Parramatta grass, Rat's tail, Tufty grass
Sporobolus indicus var. africanus

Family: Poaceae

What it is like

A grass which keeps growing from year to year. It forms tufts. It grows 60 cm high. The blades are flat or weakly rolled inwards. They are 6-18 cm long. The flower panicles are narrow and like spikes. They are 10-25 cm long. The spikelets are 2-2.5 mm long. They are grey colour.

There are about 160 Sporobolus species. They are mainly in the tropics and subtropics.

Where it is found

It grows in arid subtropical climates.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, India, New Zealand, Norfolk Island, South Africa, Southern Africa, Tasmania

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Seeds, cereal

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Agrostis africanus Poir.; Sporobolus africanus (Poiret) Robyns & Tournay; Sporobolus indicus var. capensis;