Triple awned grass
Stipagrostis obtusa

Family: Poaceae

What it is like

A herb. It is an erect annual grass. It forms tufts. It can keep growing for a few years. It grows 60 cm high.

Where it is found

It grows in dry sandy soils. It cannot tolerate salt. It often grows over limestone material. It can grow in desert. It grows between 80-1,300 m above sea level. It grows in areas with an annual rainfall between 50-400 mm. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Algeria, Botswana, Egypt, Eswatini, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Mauritania, Mediterranean, Middle East, Morocco, Namibia, North Africa, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Tunisia, West Africa, Yemen

How it is used for food

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

Edible parts

Seeds, cereal

How it is grown

The seeds are collected from ants nests. The seeds are winnowed and ground into flour.

Its other names

Local names

Durayri, Halfa, N'sa, Sabat, Safsuf, Silian, Sulliyan, Sulnilah, Tsaura

Synonyms

Aristida obtusa Delile;