Species
Cenchrus purpureus
Etymology
Cenchrus: From the Greek cenchros which means millet
Common Name(s)
elephant grass
Authority
Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone
Family
Poaceae
Flora Category
Vascular - Exotic
Structural Class
Grasses
Synonyms
Pennisetum purpureum Schumach.
Habitat
Terrestrial.
Features
Robust tufted perennial grass to 3 m or more, with 6mm rhizome. Leaf blade up to 75 cm by 3 cm, flat with numerous fine appressed hairs. Culm internodes with fine hairs for some distance below inflorescence. Panicle 14 by 2 cm, cylindric and spike-like.
Similar Taxa
Very large perennial grass, with 20-30 mm wide leaf blades. Inflorescence a simple spike-like panicle, involucral bristles plumose.
Year Naturalised
1990
Origin
Tropical Africa
Reason for Introduction
Ornamental
Life Cycle and Dispersal
Perennial. Reproduction mainly vegetative.
Tolerances
Tolerates a range of conditions (0-500m), but killed by frost. Drought resistant.
This page last updated on 25 Aug 2015