Vlei Bristlegrass

© Roger Voysey

Name

Vlei bristlegrass (Setaria incrassata)

Description

Vlei bristlegrass is dense, perennial and tufted. Its rhizomes are thick and short, and its leaf sheaths long and rounded. Its inflorescence is a thick panicle in the form of a spike, narrowing to a sharp tip. It can be found in the tropical regions of Africa and Madagascar.

Uses

This grass yields great leaf quantities and is rather palatable.

Habitat

Vlei bristlegrass can be found growing in moist, damp areas such as riverbanks or vleis on black clay soil. It also grows at the edges of forests and rocky scarps of fertile soil. It is widespread across the tropical regions of Africa.

Flowers

Vlei bristlegrass flowers from October to May.