Home Page > Picture Archives > > Poaceae > Setaria sphacelata
Chaetochloa aurea, Chaetochloa glauca, Panicum aureum, Panicum chrysanthum, Panicum rudimentosum, Panicum sphacelatum, Pennisetum aureum, Pennisetum rudimentosum, Setaria almaspicata, Setaria alpestris, Setaria anceps, Setaria angustifolia, Setaria aurea, Setaria bussei, Setaria cana, Setaria chrysantha, Setaria decipiens, Setaria flabellata, Setaria flabelliformis, Setaria glauca, Setaria homblei, Setaria laxispica, Setaria myosuroides, Setaria neglecta, Setaria perennis, Setaria planifolia, Setaria rudimentosa, Setaria scalaris, Setaria splendida, Setaria stenantha, Setaria stolzii, Setaria tenuispica, Setaria torta, Setaria trinervia
African bristlegrass, South African pigeon grass
Setaria sphacelata is a tall African grass, also known as South African pigeon grass and African bristlegrass. It is native to tropical and subtropical Africa, and is extensively cultivated globally as a pasture grass and for cut fodder. This is a rhizomatous perennial grass producing flattened, hairless, blue-green stems up to 2 m tall. The inflorescence is a dense, narrow panicle of bristly, orange-tinged spikelets up to 25 cm long.[+]
Setaria sphacelata is a perennial grass native to tropical Africa and Asia. In Qatar, it has been naturalized and can be found growing in various habitats, including roadsides, waste areas, and cultivated fields. It is known for its dense, tufted growth and flat, linear leaves with a distinctive purplish tint at the base. The plant produces small, spike-like inflorescences containing numerous tiny flowers. In Qatar, Setaria sphacelata typically grows from 30-100 cm tall and can be found flowering from March to November. It is considered an invasive species in some parts of the country, outcompeting native vegetation and potentially causing economic losses in agricultural areas.
South African pigeon grass (African bristlegrass, Setaria sphacelata) with long spikelets near irrigation pipes on Green Circles in Irkhaya Farms. Qatar, January 16, 2015
Al Wukair Street, Qatar
African bristlegrass (Setaria sphacelata) with long spikelets on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya Farms. Qatar, January 16, 2015Al Wukair Street, Qatar
Long spikelets of South African pigeon grass (African bristlegrass, Setaria sphacelata) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya Farms. Qatar, January 16, 2015Al Wukair Street, Qatar
Close up of long spikelets of South African pigeon grass (African bristlegrass, Setaria sphacelata) on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya Farms. Qatar, January 16, 2015Unnamed Road, Qatar
Blooming South African pigeon grass (African bristlegrass, Setaria sphacelata) with long spikelets on Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya Farms. Qatar, January 16, 2015Unnamed Road, QatarSetaria sphacelata, also known as South African pigeon grass or African bristlegrass, was observed growing near irrigation pipes on Green Circles in Irkhaya Farms, Qatar. The plant was noted to have long spikelets, which were visible in various observations. Close-up views of the spikelets were also recorded, showcasing their distinctive shape and size. Additionally, blooming specimens of Setaria sphacelata with long spikelets were observed on the same Green Circles, indicating the plant's ability to thrive in the irrigated environment. The presence of this grass species was consistently documented on January 16, 2015, highlighting its growth patterns in the region. Overall, the observations suggest that Setaria sphacelata is a common and adaptable species in the agricultural areas of Qatar. Its growth is likely facilitated by the center-pivot irrigation system used on the Green Circles.
www.catalogueoflife.org
QNHG (Qatar Natural History Group) and associated people, for a possibility to participate in their field excursions and to learn about local nature.