Elephant grass (Panicum maximum, Austrobaileya 6: 572 (2003))

Family: Poaceae

Author: Jacq.

Bibliography: Austrobaileya 6: 572 (2003)

Year: 2003

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Panicum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Unknown

Description

Elephant grass, scientifically known as Panicum maximum, is an integral species within the Poaceae family. This plant is notable for its robust growth and adaptability, making it a prominent feature in various ecosystems and agricultural practices.

Originating from tropical regions, Elephant grass thrives in warm climates, where it contributes significantly to the local flora. Its sturdy and tall stature provides essential forage for livestock, especially in areas where other grasses may fail to grow. Its effectiveness as a fodder crop is due to its rapid growth rate and high biomass production, ensuring continual supply throughout the growing season.

Apart from its agricultural uses, Panicum maximum plays a crucial role in soil conservation. Its extensive root system helps in binding the soil, preventing erosion, and maintaining soil health. This quality is particularly beneficial in regions susceptible to heavy rainfall or wind erosion.

Elephant grass is also an important component in certain traditional medicine practices, although specific medicinal properties are not well-documented due to the lack of comprehensive observations. In ecological research, it serves as an excellent specimen for studying plant adaptation and resilience in varying environmental conditions.

Despite the wealth of existing information on Panicum maximum, much remains to be discovered about its specific botanical characteristics and broader ecological impacts. Observations from further studies could provide deeper insights into its role within its native habitats and its potential applications in sustainable agriculture and environmental management.

For a detailed botanical overview, refer to the publication in Austrobaileya 6: 572 (2003), authored by Jacq. This work provides foundational knowledge that underpins much of what is known today about this versatile and valuable grass species.

Common Names

En: Elephant Grass, Gini Grass, Green Panic Grass, Guinea Grass, Buffalograss, Green panic, Guineagrass
Fr: Capime guiné, Fataque, Herbe de Guinéa, Panic élevé, Piptathère faux Millet
He: Dohan kipeh, דוחן קפח, דוחן קיפח
Es: Pasto Guinea, Zacate Guinea, Zacate privilegio

Synonyms

Distribution

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Oct 1, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 13, 2019 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 26, 2020 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2020 by bimbi bimbi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 4, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 20, 2021 by Cédric Lefort (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 1, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 6, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 23, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 28, 2022 by William Korosian (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 18, 2022 by Lavagnino Rodriguez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 18, 2022 by Lavagnino Rodriguez (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Oct 15, 2020 by Ikhsan Rakhmat Harahap (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 25, 2021 by NIYIGENA Vladimir (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 21, 2019 by Gnagbo Anthelme (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 18, 2022 by Lavagnino Rodriguez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 17, 2021 by Meshach Owusu (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Mar 20, 2022 by Gonçalves da Cunha Lucas (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 4, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 9, 2020 by soto Hector Cesar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 15, 2020 by Ikhsan Rakhmat Harahap (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7562245)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Panicum maximum Jacq.)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2705868)

Specifications

Growth