Egyptian paspalidium (Setaria geminata, Blumea 39: 377 (1994))

Family: Poaceae

Author: (Forssk.) Veldkamp

Bibliography: Blumea 39: 377 (1994)

Year: 1994

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Setaria

Vegetable: False

Observations: Africa to Arabian Pen. Indian Subcontinent

Description

The Egyptian paspalidium, scientifically known as Setaria geminata, is a notable species belonging to the Poaceae family. This resilient and adaptable grass has a wide geographical distribution, from the vast expanses of Africa and the arid lands of the Arabian Peninsula to the diverse ecological zones of the Indian Subcontinent.

Setaria geminata features several characteristic traits that define its prominence within its natural habitats. As a member of the Poaceae family, its structural morphology is well adapted to varying climatic conditions, showcasing a versatile growth pattern that thrives across different terrains and environments. The grass is identifiable by its robust structure and the typical grass-like appearance common within its family.

Its ecological significance is equally important. Egyptian paspalidium plays a crucial role in its native ecosystems, contributing to soil stabilization and serving as a forage crop for livestock. In regions where soil erosion poses a significant threat, this grass provides a natural barrier, mitigating the effects of wind and water erosion through its extensive root systems.

The scientific classification of Setaria geminata traces back to the taxonomic work compiled in “Blumea” in 1994, where Veldkamp revised the species, further consolidating our understanding of its classification and botanical characteristics. This comprehensive work has provided a clear framework for identifying and studying this species across its natural range.

In summary, the Egyptian paspalidium (Setaria geminata) stands as a vital component of the Poaceae family, with its extensive range highlighting its adaptive success. Its role in ecosystems, contribution to agriculture, and the stabilizing effect on soils exemplify its significance. The scholarly efforts to classify and document this species have ensured that it remains a well-recognized and studied grass within its native and extended habitats.

Common Names

En: Egyptian paspalidium, Water paspalidium, Egyptian panicgrass, Water grass
Ar: Nseila, Qasaba
He: פספלת התאומים

Synonyms

• Paspalidium geminatum ((Forssk.) Stapf)
• Panicum geminatum (Forssk.)
• Panicum beckmanniiforme (J.C.Mikan ex Trin.)
• Paspalum appressum (Lam.)
• Panicum paspaloides (Pers.)
• Panicum briziforme (J.Presl)
• Digitaria affinis (Roem. & Schult.)
• Paspalidium geminatum subsp. paludivagum ((Hitchc. & Chase) Catasús)
• Paspalidium geminatum var. paludivagum ((Hitchc. & Chase) Gould)
• Paspalum adpressum (Pers. ex B.D.Jacks.)
• Paspalidium paludivagum ((Hitchc. & Chase) Parodi)
• Paspalidium pilgeri (Herter)
• Panicum paludivagum (Hitchc. & Chase)
• Digitaria appressa ((Lam.) Pers.)
• Echinochloa geminata ((Forssk.) Roberty)
• Setaria geminata var. paludivaga ((Hitchc. & Chase) R.D.Webster)
• Digitaria adpressa (Bojer)
• Panicum carnosum (Salzm. ex Steud.)
• Panicum brizoides (Lam.)
• Panicum truncatum (Trin.)
• Panicum fluitans (Retz.)

Distribution

• Angola (native)
• Benin (native)
• Burkina (native)
• Burundi (native)
• Cameroon (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Cape Verde (native)
• Chad (native)
• Comoros (native)
• Djibouti (native)
• Egypt (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• Gabon (native)
• Ghana (native)
• Guinea-Bissau (native)
• India (native)
• Ivory Coast (native)
• Kenya (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Madagascar (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Malawi (native)
• Mali (native)
• Mauritania (native)
• Mauritius (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Namibia (native)
• Niger (native)
• Nigeria (native)
• Oman (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Rodrigues (native)
• Rwanda (native)
• Réunion (native)
• Saudi Arabia (native)
• Senegal (native)
• Seychelles (native)
• Socotra (native)
• Somalia (native)
• Sri Lanka (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Togo (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Yemen (native)
• Zambia (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• Argentina Northwest (introduced)
• Aruba (introduced)
• Bahamas (introduced)
• Belize (introduced)
• Bermuda (introduced)
• Brazil Northeast (introduced)
• Brazil South (introduced)
• Brazil Southeast (introduced)
• Cayman Is. (introduced)
• Colombia (introduced)
• Costa Rica (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)
• Dominican Republic (introduced)
• Ecuador (introduced)
• El Salvador (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• French Guiana (introduced)
• Galápagos (introduced)
• Georgia (introduced)
• Guatemala (introduced)
• Guyana (introduced)
• Haiti (introduced)
• Honduras (introduced)
• Jamaica (introduced)
• Jawa (introduced)
• Leeward Is. (introduced)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (introduced)
• Louisiana (introduced)
• Malaya (introduced)
• Mexico Central (introduced)
• Mexico Gulf (introduced)
• Mexico Northeast (introduced)
• Mexico Northwest (introduced)
• Mexico Southeast (introduced)
• Mexico Southwest (introduced)
• Missouri (introduced)
• Myanmar (introduced)
• Netherlands Antilles (introduced)
• Nicaragua (introduced)
• Nicobar Is. (introduced)
• Oklahoma (introduced)
• Panamá (introduced)
• Paraguay (introduced)
• Peru (introduced)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)
• South Carolina (introduced)
• St.Helena (introduced)
• Suriname (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
• Turks-Caicos Is. (introduced)
• Uruguay (introduced)
• Venezuela (introduced)
• Vietnam (introduced)
• Windward Is. (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 26, 2022 by Mohammad Zaman (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 24, 2018 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Mar 24, 2018 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Dec 11, 2014 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 11, 2014 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 11, 2014 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Bark

Taken Dec 11, 2014 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-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)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:979871-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Paspalidium geminatum (Forssk.) Stapf)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2703482)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/4117082)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Graminoid

Growth