Dactyloctenium aegyptium

Dactyloctenium aegyptium
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Monocots
(unranked): Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Subfamily: Chloridoideae
Genus: Dactyloctenium
Species: D. aegyptium
Binomial name
Dactyloctenium aegyptium
(L.) Willd.

Dactyloctenium aegyptium, or Egyptian crowfoot grass is a member of the family Poaceae native in Africa. The plant mostly grows in heavy soils at damp sites. It is known as "පුටු තණ - putu thana" by local Sri Lankaan people.

Description

at Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden

This grass creeps and has a straight shoot which are usually about 30 centimeters tall.[1]

Food

Dactyloctenium aegyptium is still a traditional food plant used as a famine food in Africa, this little-known grain has potential to improve nutrition, boost food security, foster rural development and support sustainable landcare.

Invasive species

In other areas of the world, including parts of the United States, the grass is considered a weed and invasive species.

References

  1. ↑ National Research Council (1996-02-14). "Wild Grains". Lost Crops of Africa: Volume I: Grains. Lost Crops of Africa. 1. National Academies Press. p. 267. ISBN 978-0-309-04990-0. Retrieved 2008-08-01.

External links


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