About Cenchrus ciliaris L.
Cenchrus ciliaris L., commonly known as African foxtail grass, is a perennial grass that reaches 20 to 120 cm (10 to 50 in) in height. Its leaves are linear, measuring 3 to 25 cm (1 to 10 in) long and 4 to 10 mm (0.16 to 0.39 in) wide. It produces flowers in a panicle that is 2 to 14 cm (0.8 to 5.5 in) long and 1 to 2.6 cm (0.4 to 1.0 in) wide. African foxtail grass is native to tropical Africa, the Mediterranean region, and the hotter, drier areas of Asia. It is a deep-rooted, drought-tolerant species that can grow at altitudes up to 2,000 m (6,600 ft), and it prefers light soils with high phosphorus content. This species is regarded as good forage grass in Africa, and it is a key species for pastoralism. One simulation projects that under the high-emission RCP 8.5 climate scenario, Cenchrus ciliaris will expand its overall range in East Africa in the future. It is also sown for grazing, hay, and silage in Queensland, Australia and other locations. It was introduced to the Sonoran Desert for erosion control and livestock feed, and it continues to be planted and irrigated for livestock grazing in the Mexican portion of the Sonoran Desert. Cenchrus ciliaris has become naturalised, and is often an invasive species, in Australia, the southwestern United States, Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, South America, and Macaronesia.
