Setaria sphacelata
| Setaria sphacelata | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Monocots |
| (unranked): | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Genus: | Setaria |
| Species: | S. sphacelata |
| Binomial name | |
| Setaria sphacelata (Schumach.) Stapf & C.E.Hubb. ex M.B.Moss | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
|
Setaria anceps Stapf | |
Setaria sphacelata is a tall African grass, also known as South African pigeon grass and African bristlegrass.[1] It is native to tropical and subtropical Africa, and is extensively cultivated globally as a pasture grass and for cut fodder.[1][2] This is a rhizomatous perennial grass producing flattened, hairless, blue-green stems up to 2 m tall. The inflorescence is a dense, narrow panicle of bristly, orange-tinged spikelets up to 25 cm long.[1]
In Africa, Setaria sphacelata seed heads are an important food source for several bird species, including the Long-tailed Widowbird.[3]
Commercial cultivars have been developed for various climates and soil conditions. All cultivars are high in oxalate, making them generally unsuitable for horses. Recognised pests in cultivation include the buffel grass seed caterpillar (Mampava rhodoneura) and the fungus Pyricularia trisa.[4]
Setaria sphacelata has become naturalised in many countries and is a significant environmental weed in three Australian states.[1][2][5]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "Weeds of Australia". Biosecurity Queensland. Retrieved 1 February 2014.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Tropical Forages Factsheet". Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research. Retrieved 1 February 2014.
- ↑ Hockey P., Dean W. and Ryan P. (2005). Roberts - Birds of southern Africa, VIIth ed. The Trustees of the John Voelcker Bird Book Fund, Cape Town.
- ↑ "Setaria for coastal pastures". NSW Department of Primary Industries, Australia. Retrieved 1 February 2014.
- ↑ "Warblers in the Mist". Australian Rainforest Conservation Society. Retrieved 1 February 2014.