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Andropogon laxatus Stapf | |
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Graminae Synonyms: Andropogon eucomus Nees Common names: Andropogon |
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Tufted perennial with keeled and flabellate basal leaf-sheaths. Culms flattened 30-90 cm high. Leaf-blades folded, linear 5-23 cm long, 1.5-3 mm wide, with auricle and ligule up to 1 mm long. Inflorescence of 2-4 digitate racemes arranged in a loose spathate false panicle. Racemes plumose 2-6 cm long, internodes and pedicels filiform with hairs 3-8 mm long. Sessile spikelet linear lanceolate, 4-5 mm long with a flexuous awn 10-20 mm long. Pedicelled spikelet reduced or suppressed, up to 2.5 mm long with or without an awnlet up to 3 mm long. Habitat Marshy places. Altitude range 1750-1880 m (higher elsewhere). Distribution Kenya; also in Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania and Ethiopia, westwards to Cameroon and southwards to South Africa. Use Of little importance for grazing due to its peppery scent. Similar Species Andropogon eucomus Nees found in neighbouring countries and possibly in Kenya, however it differs in having shorter sessile spikelets 2-3 mm long and no pedicelled spikelets as these are completely suppressed. |
 Andropogon laxatus |
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