Acroceras macrum
Species of plant
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Acroceras macrum (Nile grass, Nyl grass) is a species of perennial grass. The whole plant grows to 20–70 centimetres (8–27+1⁄2 in) tall.[2] The roots are extended rhizomes[3] and the bright green, lanceolate leaves are typically 8–20 cm long.[2] it produces spiked inflorescences 2–8 cm long.[3] It produces seeds but is usually propagated using cuttings of the rhizomes.
| Nile grass | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Subfamily: | Panicoideae |
| Genus: | Acroceras |
| Species: | A. macrum |
| Binomial name | |
| Acroceras macrum | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
The species is native to Africa grows well in flooded, moist, and humid conditions and does not do well in periods of drought.[4] Thus, it is often found on streamsides, pond margins, and in swampy places;[5] it prefers acidic soils. It is susceptible to leaf spot caused by Phyllosticta and smut caused by Ustilago syntherismae.[2] It has been studied in breeding programs and it has been introduced to Australia and South America for cultivation.[4] It is grown extensively as pasture, silage, and hay. It is palatable and nutritious for animal feed.[6]
