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Cenchrus setosus Sw.
| Family Name: | Poaceae (Gramineae) |
| Synonyms: | Pennisetum polystachion auct. non (L.) Schult. |
| Common Name: | Mission Grass, 牧地狼尾草 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Grass or Grass-like Plant (Tall Grass (Poaceae)) |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Tropical Africa to India |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | A grass, it can grow up to 1 to 1.5m in height. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | The leaves are linear in shape and has a hispid surface. The leaves can grow up to 10 to 20cm in length. |
| Flowers | The flowers are borne on an inflorescence called a spike. The inflorescence is dense and linear and is curved or has a straight growth form and is yellowish-brown in colour. The flowers (spikelets) are surrounded by bristles and is densely ciliate at the base. |
| Habitat | It can be found in disturbed areas such as wastelands, roadsides and degraded pastures. |
| Taxonomy | Previous name of Pennisetum polystachion auct. non (L.) Schult. was misused in Singapore. Updated name of Cenchrus setosus Sw. is applicable to wild plants in Singapore but not necessarily to wild plants elsewhere or to cultivated plants originating elsewhere. |
| Cultivation | It is ideally grown under full sun with moderate water. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate lesser water. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Seeds, Ornamental Form |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens |
| Thematic Landscaping | Wildflower Garden |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Invasive / Potentially Invasive |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water, Little Water, [Remarks] (It is ideally grown with moderate water but can tolerate minimal water conditions. ) |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Drought Tolerant, Poor Infertile Soils, Easy to Grow |
| Maintenance Requirements | Low |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Division |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 31513 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 5910 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
