Reed Grass

mauritianus: from Mauritius

Robust perennial with long rhizomes. Culms to 7 m, usually simple. Leaves: lamina15–100 cm, green, rough beneath (at least towards the apex); apex attenuate, somewhat stiff to ± pungent. Panicle 15–60 cm, shape, green or tinged with purple. Spikelets 8–16 mm, usually with 4–8 florets; lower glume 2–4 mm, upper 3–5 mm, ovate to ovate-oblong; lower lemma 6–8 mm. lanceolate-oblong to oblong; succeeding lemmas 6–11 mm; callus hairs 4–7 mm.

Common

Throughout tropical Africa and the Mascarene Is; also in S Africa