Panicum

Panicum, commonly known as panic grasses, is a genus of grasses in the family Poaceae. It includes a large number of annual and perennial species distributed across tropical and temperate regions worldwide. Members of Panicum are typically herbaceous, with slender stems and inflorescences that are open, branching panicles bearing numerous small spikelets.

Taxonomy and characteristics: Panicum belongs to the subfamily Panicoideae and the tribe Paniceae. Species are generally C4 grasses adapted to warm, sunny environments and exhibit diverse growth forms, from loose sods to tall clumps. The morphology of inflorescences and spikelets varies considerably among species, a factor that has led to historical and ongoing taxonomic revisions within the genus.

Economic and ecological importance: Panicum includes several crops and forage plants. Panicum miliaceum, proso millet, is an ancient cereal cultivated in parts of Asia, Europe, and Africa. Panicum virgatum, switchgrass, is a perennial forage and bioenergy grass widely grown in North America and valued for erosion control and wildlife habitat. Other species such as Panicum capillare (witch grass) are common weeds in disturbed fields, while Panicum coloratum is used as forage in some regions. Beyond agriculture, Panicum species are used in landscaping, soil stabilization, and habitat restoration.

Notes: The taxonomy of Panicum has been refined through molecular studies, leading to reclassification of some species to related genera. Despite these changes, Panicum remains a large and ecologically significant genus of grasses with diverse applications and distributions.