Hyparrhenia

Hyparrhenia is a genus of grasses in the family Poaceae. It is placed in the subfamily Panicoideae and the tribe Andropogoneae. The genus comprises multiple tropical and subtropical species distributed across Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. Species are typically herbaceous and can be either perennial or annual, often forming tufts or loose stands in savannas, grasslands, and disturbed habitats.

Botanical description of Hyparrhenia commonly features slender leaves and inflorescences that are open to moderately compact panicles. The spikelets sit along the branches and are typically enclosed by two glumes. Each spikelet generally contains one or two florets, and the fruit is a small, dry caryopsis. The genus includes species adapted to a range of moisture and soil conditions, from seasonally dry to relatively wet environments.

Ecology and uses vary by species and region. Some Hyparrhenia grasses are cultivated as forage for livestock in tropical agricultural systems and can contribute to pasture productivity. In other contexts, certain species behave as weeds or invasive plants, colonizing disturbed ground, pastures, and roadsides, where they may compete with native vegetation. Management and ecological impact are highly locale-specific, reflecting differences in climate, grazing pressure, and land use.

Taxonomy and relationships: Hyparrhenia is related to other economically important tropical grasses within Andropogoneae and has undergone various taxonomic treatments as floristic knowledge has advanced. The genus continues to be recognized for its ecological versatility and its role in tropical ecosystems, both as a forage resource and, in some regions, as a weed.