Setaria sphacelata (Schumach.) M.B. Moss var. splendida (Stapf) W.D. Clayton

Graminae

Description

This variety differs from S. sphacelata var. sericea in being larger and more robust, and in having the lower parts of the culms and the basal leaf-sheaths compressed and keeled (Chippendall, 1955).
It sets little viable seed and is propagated by division of root-stocks or from tillers. It flowers later than the other setarias in Brisbane, Australia. It is extremely palatable and is used for soilage and silage in Zaire. It can be cut monthly.

Toxicity

Middleton and Barry (1978) found that only young leaf material of S. sphacelata var. splendida was high in oxalate, ranging from 4.5 percent (26 February) to 6.7 percent (19 June) for three-week regrowth.