Family: Poaceae
Author: Forssk.
Bibliography: Fl. Aegypt.-Arab.: 18 (1775)
Year: 1775
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Panicum
Vegetable: False
Observations: N. & W. Trop. Africa to India
Description
Desert grass, scientifically known as Panicum turgidum, is a resilient species native to a broad swath of geography, stretching from Northern and Western Tropical Africa to regions in India. Described by the botanist Forsskål in his 1775 publication “Flora Aegyptico-Arabica,” this hardy species belongs to the Poaceae family, which is commonly referred to as the grass family.
Panicum turgidum thrives in arid and semi-arid climates, where it is well-adapted to withstand extreme conditions. Its growth in such harsh environments underlines its ecological importance, as it plays a pivotal role in preventing soil erosion and maintaining soil fertility. The robustly structured roots of the desert grass help stabilize the soil, making it less susceptible to the erosive effects of wind and water.
The plant’s physical toughness is matched by its significance in local ecosystems and communities. In many parts of its native range, Panicum turgidum serves as a vital grazing resource for livestock, particularly during dry seasons when other forage is scarce. Additionally, communities utilize the plant in various traditional practices, including using it for thatching materials and as a food source in some cultures.
This grass species exhibits characteristics typical of desert-adapted flora, including reduced leaf surface area and deep root systems designed to maximize water uptake and retention. Its ability to survive and even thrive in such environments makes it an excellent subject for ecological and botanical studies focusing on plant resilience and adaptation.
In summary, Panicum turgidum is not just a survivor of the desert wastes but a crucial component of its ecosystem, making it a significant subject of study for botanists and ecologists alike. Its presence from Africa to India indicates its impressive adaptability and importance across diverse habitats, underscoring its role in the natural world.
Common Names
Eng: desert grass
Ara: thamam
En: Desert grass, Merkba, Markuba, Taman
Ar: Markuba, Thamam, أبو ركب (أبو رُكَب)، أبو ركبه (رُكبه، رُكيبه), إذمام, ابو الركبه( أبوالرُكبه)، شوش, اثمام (أثْمام) ، الثمام (الثَمام), اذمام (إذمام)، ذمام (ذَمام), بكار (بُكار، بِكار)، دران (دُران), تبث (تَبَث)، كباث (كَباث)، كبس (كَبَس), تمان (تِمَّان)، بكاز (بَكَّاز), ثمام (ثُمَّام، ثِمَّام), شوش، سبط (سَبَط)، سبد (سَبَد)، سبط (سَبْط), ثمام منتفخ, Merkba, Morkuba, Thomam, Tumam
He: דוחן אשון
Hu: Duzzadt köles
Fa: ارزن شندوست
Synonyms
- Panicum notarisii (Schweinf.)
- Panicum neglectum (Roem. & Schult.)
- Panicum frutescens (Mez)
- Panicum nubicum (Fig. & De Not.)
Distribution
- Algeria (native)
- Benin (native)
- Burkina (native)
- Chad (native)
- Congo (native)
- Cyprus (native)
- Djibouti (native)
- Egypt (native)
- Eritrea (native)
- Ethiopia (native)
- Gulf States (native)
- India (native)
- Iran (native)
- Iraq (native)
- Kuwait (native)
- Lebanon-Syria (native)
- Libya (native)
- Mali (native)
- Mauritania (native)
- Morocco (native)
- Niger (native)
- Oman (native)
- Pakistan (native)
- Palestine (native)
- Saudi Arabia (native)
- Senegal (native)
- Sinai (native)
- Socotra (native)
- Somalia (native)
- Sudan (native)
- Tunisia (native)
- Western Sahara (native)
- Yemen (native)
Additional Images
Habit
Taken Jan 24, 2009 by Pierre-Emmanuel GAY (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 20, 2022 by Antoine Foucart (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 24, 2022 by Cyril Piou (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 28, 2022 by Cyril Piou (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 24, 2019 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jul 8, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 8, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 20, 2022 by Antoine Foucart (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 26, 2009 by Pierre-Emmanuel GAY (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 28, 2022 by Cyril Piou (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jul 8, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 20, 2022 by Antoine Foucart (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 30, 2009 by Pierre-Emmanuel GAY (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 24, 2022 by Cyril Piou (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 28, 2022 by Cyril Piou (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jan 28, 2009 by Pierre-Emmanuel GAY (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/4121027)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:413428-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Panicum turgidum Forssk.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Graminoid
