Panicum decompositum
| Panicum decompositum | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Subfamily: | Panicoideae |
| Genus: | Panicum |
| Species: | P. decompositum
|
| Binomial name | |
| Panicum decompositum | |
Panicum decompositum, known by the common names native millet, Australian millet, papa grass, and umbrella grass, is a species of grass native to the inland of Australia. It occurs in every mainland state.
The leaves are hairless, up to 50 cm long. The seed spikes are typically 30–80 cm long, but sometimes up to 145 cm high. The seeds are 1.5 mm long.[1]
Uses
Native millet is a staple food of outback Aboriginal people, who hand-harvest the seed to make damper, a traditional soda bread.
Farmers also highly prize the grass as pasture for stock.
References
- ^ Low, T., Wild Food Plants of Australia, 1991. ISBN 0-207-16930-6
External links
Media related to Panicum decompositum at Wikimedia Commons- "Panicum decompositum". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture.
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