Graminae 

Common names: Agrostis

Description

Densely tufted erect perennial with culms 5-50 cm high. Leaf-blades involute, stiff, scaberulous up to 15 cm long but often much shorter. Panicle linear 3-15 cm long and 0.5-1 cm wide, branches stiff, appressed scaberulous. Spikelets lanceolate, 3-4.5 mm long, green or more usually purple; lemma finely pubescent, awned from near the base.

Habitat

Tussock grassland, moorland on moist soil pockets on rocky ground.

Altitude range

3500-4900 m.

Distribution

Kenya; also from Uganda (Ruwenzori) and United Republic of Tanzania (Kilimanjaro).

Use

Of low grazing value in the afro-alpine zone.

Similar Species

Agrostis volkensii but that species has an open panicle.

Edited by: F. Guiso Gallisai
Information taken from: Ibrahim, K. M., Kabuye, C. H. S. 1988. An illustrated manual of Kenya grasses. Rome, FAO. 765 pp.