Dactyloctenium aegyptium

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Dactyloctenium aegyptium
Dactyloctenium aegyptium 0001.jpg
Dactyloctenium aegyptium, blomme, a, Pretoria.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Subfamily: Chloridoideae
Genus: Dactyloctenium
Species:
D. aegyptium
Binomial name
Dactyloctenium aegyptium

Dactyloctenium aegyptium, or Egyptian crowfoot grass is a member of the family Poaceae native to Africa and Asia. [1] The plant mostly grows in heavy soils at damp sites.

Contents

Description

at Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden Dactyloctenium aegyptium at Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden.jpg
at Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden

This grass creeps and has a straight shoot which are usually about 30 centimeters tall. [2]

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.[ citation needed ]

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. "Dactyloctenium aegyptium (L.) Willd. | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science". Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 2024-01-06.
  2. National Research Council (1996-02-14). "Wild Grains". Lost Crops of Africa: Volume I: Grains. Vol. 1. National Academies Press. p. 267. ISBN   978-0-309-04990-0 . Retrieved 2008-08-01.