Ischaemum

Ischaemum is a genus of grasses in the family Poaceae. It includes numerous species distributed mainly in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Oceania, with some species reaching the Americas. Members are typically perennial or annual grasses that form clumps or spread by rhizomes, and they often occur in grasslands, wetlands, and disturbed sites.

The inflorescence is a panicle that may be dense or open, bearing spikelets typical of the subfamily Panicoideae. Spikelet morphology varies but species commonly share features suited to warm climates. Many Ischaemum species are C4 grasses adapted to hot, sunny environments and tolerate a range of moisture conditions from wet to seasonally dry.

Taxonomy and relationships: Ischaemum is placed in the tribe Andropogoneae within Panicoideae. Morphological variation across species has led to revisions, and reliable identification often requires examination of spikelets and flowering material, sometimes supported by molecular data.

Uses: Some species have been used as forage or for erosion control, while others are of limited agronomic value or used ornamentally in suitable climates. The genus contributes to the diversity of tropical grasslands and can play a role in ecosystem functioning where present.