Panicum coloratum - Flora of Qatar

Milium coloratum, Panicum bossii, Panicum crassipes, Panicum jainii, Panicum nehruense, Panicum simpliciflorum, Panicum subalbidum, Panicum swynnertonii

Common names

Bambatsi panic, blue panicgrass, coolah grass, kleingrass, makarikari grass, Shawash, white buffalograss

My notes

Extract from Wikipedia article

Panicum coloratum is a species of grass known by the common names kleingrass, blue panicgrass (USA), white buffalograss (southern Africa); Bambatsi panic, makarikari grass, and coolah grass (Australia). It is native to Africa, and it has been introduced elsewhere, such as the United States and Australia, and bred into many cultivars.[+]

This plant is variable in appearance. In general, is a perennial bunchgrass which usually has rhizomes. The firm, usually erect stems grow up to 1.4 meters tall. The leaf blades are 10 to 30 centimeters long. They are green to a waxy blue-green color. The panicles are variable in length. The spikelets are green and purple.

This grass is used as a pasture grass and to make hay. It produces a large amount of forage for animals. It is drought-tolerant and does well in hot climates. This C4 plant can grow on saline soils and requires an amount of sodium for effective photosynthesis. Different cultivars have varying tolerances of sodium. While it makes a good graze for animals, the grass has occasionally been associated with liver damage and photosensitivity in young ruminants and horses. This photosensitivity can lead to sunburn, which causes swelling of the head and ears of the animal, a condition commonly called "swellhead".

Cultivars include 'Pollock', 'Bambatsi', 'Bushman Mine', 'Verde', and 'Kabulabula'.

AI-generated Description

Panicum coloratum, also known as purple panic grass or Makadi grass, is a perennial grass native to tropical Africa and Asia. In Qatar, it has been naturalized and is commonly found in open areas, including roadsides, waste grounds, and dry sandy plains. Studies have reported its presence in various regions of Qatar, where it grows as a weed, often forming dense stands. The plant's ability to tolerate high temperatures, drought, and salinity makes it well-suited to Qatar's arid environment. Its purple-tinged inflorescences are a distinctive feature, blooming from March to November in Qatar.

AI-generated summary of observations

Panicum coloratum was observed growing on fields with center-pivot irrigation in Irkhaya Farms, Qatar, on multiple occasions. In November 2014, it was seen on Green Circles, and again in May 2015, where its spikelets were also noted. The flowers of the plant were observed in October 2015, and it was found to form compact stands. The plant was able to thrive in the irrigated conditions, suggesting its adaptability to the local environment. The observations were made over a period of time, indicating that Panicum coloratum is a persistent presence in the area. Its growth and development were documented through photographs, providing a visual record of its appearance and habits in Qatar's agricultural landscape. The plant's ability to grow in irrigated fields makes it a notable species in the region's flora.

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Acknowledgements

QNHG (Qatar Natural History Group) and associated people, for a possibility to participate in their field excursions and to learn about local nature.

Panicum coloratum L.

Synonyms