Graminae 

Common names: Browntop millet

Description

Annual, mostly 10-70 cm high rarely higher with flat lanceolate leaf-blades 2-25 cm long and 4-25 mm wide. Inflorescence of 3-25 racemes on an axis 3-10 cm long. Racemes, 1-10 cm in length, the longer ones branched, bearing paired short pedicelled spikelets on a triquetrous rhachis. Spikelets elliptic 2.5-3.5 mm long acute to cuspidate; lower glume up to 1/2 as long as the spikelet, upper lemma rugulose, subacute to mucronulate.

Habitat

Undisturbed ground.

Altitude range

750-900 m (0-1200 m elsewhere).

Distribution

Kenya; also from United Republic of Tanzania and scattered in tropical and South Africa as well as tropical Asia.

Use

Palatable but of limited distribution.

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.