Setaria parviflora (Poir.) Kerguélen

 

Family – Poaceae

Synonym – Cenchrus polystachios (L.) Morrone 

Habit – Herb

Habitat – Abandoned cultivated lands

Distribution – Tropics and subtropics of America

Flowering and Fruiting – October-December

Key Identification Features – This perennial herb has bent stems rooted at the lower nodes. Its lanceolate leaves are pointed and slightly folded at the base. The flower clusters have backward-pointing, bearded bristles. The spikelets are ovate, with 5-nerved upper glumes. The inner bracts are crustaceous and rugose.

Uses - It serves as both livestock forage and an ornamental plant. It’s grazed moderately by livestock during spring and summer, but becomes unpalatable in the fall. As an ornamental, it adds greenery to gardens. Birds also consume its seeds.