Barnyard millet (Echinochloa colona, Hort. berol. 2:209. 1833)

Family: Poaceae

Author: Link (L.)

Bibliography: Hort. berol. 2:209. 1833

Year: Unknown

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Echinochloa

Vegetable: False

Observations: Unknown

Description

Barnyard millet, scientifically known as Echinochloa colona, is a noteworthy plant species belonging to the Poaceae family. Initially described and cataloged in 1833 in “Hortus Berolinensis” (Volume 2, page 209) by the renowned botanist Link (L.), this millet has long been recognized for its resilient and versatile nature.

Barnyard millet thrives in various environmental conditions, making it a vital crop in regions prone to erratic weather patterns. It is especially valued in traditional agricultural systems for its ability to grow in both dry and wet soils, demonstrating remarkable adaptability. The plant is commonly cultivated in parts of Asia, Africa, and America, where it serves as a crucial food source, particularly in areas where other cereal crops may fail to flourish.

The physical characteristics of barnyard millet include its erect stature and robust growth, reaching heights that suit its grain-production purpose. The grains are small and round, typically harvested for their hearty nutrition profile that supplies essential carbohydrates and other nutrients. These qualities render barnyard millet an important component in food security strategies, especially in subsistence farming.

In addition to its agricultural importance, barnyard millet plays a role in the ecosystem. Its presence helps in soil conservation and can be used as fodder for livestock, further highlighting its integral part in sustainable farming practices. Despite its widespread use and benefits, detailed observational studies on Echinochloa colona remain limited, indicating an area ripe for further research and exploration.

Overall, barnyard millet (Echinochloa colona) stands as a testament to nature’s ability to provide resilient plant species that can sustain human and animal populations in diverse and challenging environments. Its historical documentation by Link solidifies its place in botanical history and underscores the ongoing need to study and understand this versatile crop.

Common Names

En: Barnyard millet, Jungle ricegrass, Jungle-rice, Awnless barnyard grass, Corn-panic grass, Millet-rice, Shama millet, Deccan grass, Wild millet, Jungle rice, Corn Panic-grass, Junglerice, Southern Cockspur, Corn panicgrass, Corn panic grass, Watergrass
Af: Watergras
Ar: Ābu rokba, ديفره, زفره (زَفْره)، بشفت (بِشْفت)، حشيش انارب (حَشيش أنارب), مديد (مُدِّيد)، مداد (مِدَّاد), مطيط (مُطيط)،ابو ركبه (أبو رُكبه)، ابو ركب (أبو رُكَب)، ابو ركيبه (أبو رُكيبه), ābu rokba, Abu Rokba, Zafra
Ca: Pota de gall menuda
Cs: Ježatka osadní
Da: Spinkel hanespore
Fr: Blé du Dekkan, Echinochloé des cultures, Échinochloa des cultures, Échinochloé des cultures, Panic colonisateur, Panic faux-riz, Échinochloé faux Riz
De: Schamahirse, Kleine Hühnerhirse, Kolonisten-Hühnerhirse, Schama-Hirse, Colona-Hühnerhirse, Dekkangras, Südliche Hühnerhirse, Kolonisten-Hühnerhirse, Schama-Hirse
It: Giavone meridionale, Panico porporino
Pt: Capim-arroz, Capim-coloninho, Capim-da-colônia, Capim-jaú
Pt-br: Capituva, Capim-arroz, Capim-da-colônia
Es: Armilán, Pasto del arroz, Zancaraña, Gramilla-de-rastrojo, Pasto-colorado, Pasto-overito, Arrocillo, Pierna de gallo meridional, Zacate pinto
Sv: Kycklinghirs
Cy: Cibogwellt y Trofannau

Synonyms

Distribution

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Dec 8, 2022 by M. Hedayat (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2021 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 21, 2022 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 21, 2022 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2019 by Pavel Lilian (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Marco Schmidt (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Forest & Kim Starr (cc-by)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Petra Ballings (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 24, 2020 by Aaron Harp (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 21, 2022 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Más & Lugo-Torres (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 12, 2020 by Guillaume GONTHIER (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2020 by Maciej Korfel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 8, 2019 by Cornel Buzea (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 13, 2021 by Rupam Sengupta (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 15, 2022 by Tuna Bee (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 29, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Errol Vela (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 29, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Errol Vela (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 25, 2020 by Peter Smith (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2021 by Feya Sterling (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 5, 2021 by Pazos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 8, 2022 by M. Hedayat (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 8, 2022 by M. Hedayat (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Echinochloa colona (L.) Link)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/6431411)

Specifications

Growth form: Bunch

Growth habit: Graminoid

Growth rate: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.5

Ph minimum: 4.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 7

Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’, ‘oct’]

Soil nutriments: 8