Stipagrostis giessii
Family: Poaceae
What it is like
A herb. It is an erect grass that forms tufts. It keeps growing from year to year. The flower heads are spiny. It grows 80 cm high. The leaves are near the base. They are 7-25 cm long by 2 mm wide. The flower heads are branched.
Where it is found
It is a subtropical plant. It grows in hot arid places with a marked dry season. It grows in areas with an annual rainfall less than 400 mm. It grows on sandy and stony soils. It grows between 300-1,200 m above sea level. It can be on dunes and in the desert. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Angola, Central Africa, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa
How it is used for food
The seeds are used in porridge.
Edible parts
Seeds, cereal
How it is grown
Seeds are collected from harvester ant nests.