Pennisetum polystachion

Family: Poaceae

What it is like

An annual grass. It can live for a few years. The stalks are branched and 50-150 cm tall. The leaf blades are 10-20 cm long by 3-15 mm wide.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in savannah woodlands.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Benin, British Indian Ocean Terr., BIOT, Burkina Faso, Central Africa, China, East Africa, Fiji, Guiana, Guianas, Guinea, Guinée, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Indochina, Kiribati, Laos, Mozambique, Myanmar, Pacific, Rotuma, Sao Tome and Principe, SE Asia, South America, Suriname, Taiwan, Venezuela, West Africa

How it is used for food

The seeds are pounded and eaten.

Edible parts

Seeds, cereal

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Feeta, Karengia oruzak, Mambinro, Nipui, Sacawerou, Zancote

Synonyms

Cenchrus polystachios (L.) Morrone; Cenchrus ramosus (Hochst.) Morrone; Cenchrus retusus Sw.; Cenchrus setosus Sw.; Cenchrus subangustus (Schumach.) Morrone; Panicum alopecuros Lam.; Pennisetum dastachyum Desv.; and many others