Polytrias indica (Houtt.) Veldkamp

 

Family – Poaceae

Synonym – Polytrias amaura var. nana (Keng & S.L.Chen) S.L.Chen; Ischaemum indicum (Houtt.) Merr.; Phleum indicum Houtt.

Vernacular names – Chenkodipullu

Habit – Herb

Habitat – Moist grasslands and forest margins

Distribution – Australia, south-east Asia and India, Naturalized in tropical America

Flowering and Fruiting – October-November

Key Identification Features – It is a perennial herb with tufted culms, linear-lanceolate leaves (4-20 cm long), and densely ciliate joints. Its sessile spikelets are oblong or obovate, awned, and have a lower glume with winged sides.

Uses - It has various uses, including as animal food, for medicinal purposes, and in environmental contexts.