Dactyloctenium aegyptium

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.

Dactyloctenium aegyptium
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Genus: Dactyloctenium
Species:
D. aegyptium
Binomial name
Dactyloctenium aegyptium

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.
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