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Dactyloctenium aegyptium

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Dactyloctenium aegyptium
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
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.

Description

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at Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden

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

Food

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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

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In other areas of the world, including parts of the United States, the grass is considered a weed and invasive species.

References

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  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.
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