Dactyloctenium aegyptium

Dactyloctenium aegyptium
Dactyloctenium aegyptium
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Monocots
(unranked): Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Subfamily: Chloridoideae
Genus: Dactyloctenium
Species: D. aegyptium
Binomial name
Dactyloctenium aegyptium
(L.) Willd.

Dactyloctenium aegyptium, or Egyptian crowfoot grass is a member of the family Poaceae native in Africa. The plant mostly grows in heavy soils at damp sites.

Contents

Description

This grass creeps and has a straight shoot which are usually about 30 centimeters tall.[1]

Food

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

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

References

  1. ^ National Research Council (1996-02-14). "Wild Grains". Lost Crops of Africa: Volume I: Grains. Lost Crops of Africa. 1. National Academies Press. pp. 267. ISBN 978-0-309-04990-0. http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=2305&page=251. Retrieved 2008-08-01. 

External links