Cenchrus biflorus

Cenchrus biflorus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Monocots
(unranked): Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Genus: Cenchrus
Species: C. biflorus
Binomial name
Cenchrus biflorus
Roxb.
Synonyms

Cenchrus catharticus

Cenchrus biflorus is a species of annual grass in the Poaceae family. Common names include Indian sandbur, Bhurat or Bhurut in India, Haskaneet in Sudan, K 'arangiya in the Hausa language of Nigeria, and Ngibbi in the Kanuri language of Nigeria.[1] In the francophone countries of the Sahel, it is usually referred to as "cram-cram".

It is common in the Sahel savannas of Africa, south of the Sahara.[2] According to a botanical criteria of geographer Robert Capot-Rey, the northern limit of Cenchrus biflorus defines the southern boundary of the Sahara.[3][4]

It is also found in India, where the seeds are used in Rajasthan and its Marwar region to make bread, either alone or mixed with bajra (millet).[1]

Uses

A traditional food plant in Africa, this little-known grain has potential to improve nutrition, boost food security, foster rural development and support sustainable landcare.[5]

References

  1. ^ a b "Famine foods: Poaceae or Gramineae" Purdue University Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture [1]. Accessed December 29, 2007.
  2. ^ "Sahelian Acacia savanna" WWF Scientific Report [2]. Accessed December 29, 2007.
  3. ^ Grove, A.T., nicole (1958,2007). "The Ancient Erg of Hausaland, and Similar Formations on the South Side of the Sahara". The Geographical Journal (Blackwell Publishing) 124 (4): 528–533. doi:10.2307/1790942. JSTOR 1790942. 
  4. ^ Bisson, J. (2003). Mythes et réalités d'un désert convoité: le Sahara. L'Harmattan. (French)
  5. ^ National Research Council (1996-02-14). "Wild Grains". Lost Crops of Africa: Volume I: Grains. Lost Crops of Africa. 1. National Academies Press. pp. 262. ISBN 978-0-309-04990-0. http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=2305&page=251. Retrieved 2008-07-18. 

External links