African foxtail grass

Cenchrus ciliaris, commonly known as buffelgrass, is a warm-season perennial grass belonging to the Poaceae family. It is native to Africa and has been introduced to various regions around the world for forage and soil conservation purposes. Here's a detailed description:

Description:

Habitat: Buffelgrass is well-adapted to arid and semi-arid regions. It thrives in a variety of soil types, including sandy and rocky soils.
Growth Form: It is a tufted grass that forms dense clumps. The stems (culms) are generally erect and can reach heights of 30 to 100 cm.
Leaves: The leaves are linear, long, and narrow, with serrated edges. They are densely arranged along the stems and can have a bluish-green tint.
Inflorescence: Buffelgrass produces a cylindrical or spike-like inflorescence with densely packed spikelets. The inflorescence can vary in color, often turning purplish or reddish as it matures.
Seeds: The seeds are small and typically have awns (bristle-like appendages). Awns can aid in seed dispersal by attaching to fur or clothing.

Identification Features:

Tufted Growth: Buffelgrass typically grows in tufts, forming dense clumps in its habitat.
Linear Leaves: The long, narrow leaves with serrated edges are characteristic of buffelgrass.
Spike-Like Inflorescence: The cylindrical inflorescence, densely packed with spikelets, is a notable feature during the flowering stage.
Awned Seeds: The seeds with awns, especially during the seed stage, are a distinctive trait.

Note: While it has benefits in certain contexts, buffelgrass can also be invasive and has been associated with negative impacts on native ecosystems, particularly in regions where it has become naturalized.