Cenchrus caudatus (Schrad.) Kuntze
formerly Pennisetum macrourum, Cenchrus macrourus
African Feather Grass · Beddinggras, Jaagbesem (Afr.)
Photo: temporary reference photo
What’s in the name: Cenchrus: from the Greek word for millet, a nod to its grassy, grain-bearing cousins; caudatus: "tailed", for the long, fluffy, tail-like spikes that wave above the leaves; macrourum: its old name, "long-tailed" – same tail, just longer in the telling.
“I loafe and invite my soul, I lean and loafe at my ease observing a spear of summer grass.”
— Walt Whitman, Song of Myself – Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass, Project Gutenberg
Short profile: detailed growing notes for this species are not yet available from SANBI sources.
Available from AVNPlants: see the availability list.
Family
Poaceae
Conservation status
Least Concern, SANBI Red List of South African Plants
Natural distribution & habitat
Widespread, also beyond South Africa; recorded in every province except the Free State.
Find out more
Facts checked against: SANBI Red List of South African Plants, Pennisetum macrourum Trin. (assessment 2006/05/22); English common name: iNaturalist.