Pennisetum

Pennisetum is a genus of grasses in the family Poaceae, comprising about 70 species of tropical and subtropical origin. The name derives from Latin penn- "feather" and set- "bristle," referring to the distinctive feathery flower spikes of many species. Most members are perennial, with tufted or clumping growth forms. Leaves are typically linear and can be stout or slender depending on the species. The inflorescence is a bristly panicle that, in many garden forms, resembles a fountain or plume and may be purple, tan, or green.

Pennisetum includes several important agricultural and ornamental species. Pennisetum glaucum, or pearl millet, is a staple cereal crop in parts of Africa and Asia. Pennisetum purpureum (Napier or elephant grass) is widely used for high-yield fodder and as a biomass resource. Ornamental types such as Pennisetum alopecuroides and Pennisetum setaceum (fountain grass) are popular in landscape plantings, the latter often with burgundy or evergreen foliage in cultivars like 'Rubrum'.

Habitat and ecology: Native to Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas, Pennisetum species occupy a broad range of warm habitats. They prefer sunny, well-drained soils and are generally drought-tolerant. While many species are cultivated, several have become invasive outside their native range, notably P. setaceum in parts of the United States, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East.

Taxonomy: In some classifications, several species formerly placed in Pennisetum have been moved to related genera such as Cenchrus, reflecting ongoing revisions in grass systematics.

Cultivation notes: Propagation is by seed or division; most species are frost-sensitive and require warm conditions. Management of ornamental forms can include removing seed heads to prevent spread and reduce fire risk in dry climates.

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