| Cenchrus clandestinus | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Subfamily: | Panicoideae |
| Genus: | Cenchrus |
| Species: | C. clandestinus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Cenchrus clandestinus | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
The tropical grass species Cenchrus clandestinus (previously Pennisetum clandestinum) is known by several common names, most often Kikuyu grass. It is native to the highland regions of East Africa that is home to the Kikuyu people. Because of its rapid growth and aggressive nature, it is categorised as a noxious weed in some regions.[2][3] However, it is also a popular garden lawn species in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the southern region of California in the United States, being inexpensive and moderately drought-tolerant. In addition, it is useful as pasture for livestock grazing and serves as a food source for many avian species, including the long-tailed widowbird.[4] The flowering culms are very short and "hidden" amongst the leaves, giving this species its specific epithet (clandestinus).
- ^ "Cenchrus clandestinus". World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. Royal Botanical Gardens. Retrieved 28 May 2022.
- ^ "Pennisetum clandestinum (General Impact)". Global Invasive Species Database. Invasive Species Specialist Group. Retrieved 9 November 2008.
- ^ "Pennisetum clandestinum". National Weeds Strategy. Archived from the original on 4 August 2008. Retrieved 6 August 2008.
- ^ Wolff, M. A. (1999). Winning the War of Weeds: The Essential Gardener's Guide to Weed Identification and Control. Kenthurst, NSW: Kangaroo Press. p. 61. ISBN 0-86417-993-6.