African Feathergrass

Cenchrus caudatus

Native to:
Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, DR Congo, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan-South Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Poaceae
Genus:
Cenchrus
Species:
Cenchrus caudatus
USDA Symbol:
PEMA80

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
100 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug,sep
Bloom Colors:
green, purple

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
Prefers open, sunny areas with minimal competition