Finger millet (Eleusine coracana, Fruct. Sem. Pl. 1: 8 (1788))

Family: Poaceae

Author: (L.) Gaertn.

Bibliography: Fruct. Sem. Pl. 1: 8 (1788)

Year: 1788

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Eleusine

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. Trop. Africa to Socotra and Angola

Description

Finger millet, scientifically known as Eleusine coracana, is a highly valued cereal crop in various parts of the world, particularly in regions ranging from Western Tropical Africa to Socotra and Angola. As a significant member of the Poaceae family, finger millet holds a pivotal role in traditional agriculture and local diets.

First documented in 1788, this resilient plant has catered to the sustenance needs of many civilizations. The botanical author (L.) Gaertn. was among the first to professionally describe and classify finger millet, providing foundational knowledge on its taxonomy and characteristics.

Finger millet is renowned for its adaptability to diverse climatic conditions, particularly thriving in arid and semi-arid regions where other staple crops may struggle. Its remarkable drought resistance makes it an indispensable crop for communities facing variable weather patterns and water scarcity. The grain is celebrated not only for its robustness but also for its nutritional benefits. Rich in essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and amino acids, finger millet supports a balanced diet and contributes to food security, especially in rural and marginal areas.

In addition to its nutritional value, finger millet also plays a critical role in traditional and rural economies. It serves as a primary food source and a crop that can be stored for extended periods without significant deterioration, ensuring a stable food supply during off-harvest months.

Through centuries of cultivation, finger millet has woven itself into the cultural and social fabric of communities across its growing regions. It is often featured in local culinary traditions, contributing to a variety of dishes ranging from porridge to baked goods.

Overall, Eleusine coracana is an exemplary species that illustrates the intersection of agricultural resilience, nutritional wealth, and cultural significance. It continues to be a vital resource for millions, demonstrating the enduring importance of traditional crops in modern food systems.

Common Names

Eng: finger millet
Por: capim-pé-de-galinha
Swe: korakan
En: Finger millet, African finger millet, Goose grass, African millet, Dragon’s Claw Millet, Ragi
Af: Osgras, Vingermanna
Am: ዳጉሳ
Ar: دخن إصبعي
Ca: Mill africà
Zh: 穇, 穇子
Cs: Kalužnice křivoklasá
Dv: ބިންބި
Fi: Afrikansormihirssi
Fr: Éleusine, Éleusine des Indes
Ff: Cargaari
De: Fingerhirse
Gu: નાગલી
Ha: Tamba
He: דגוסה
Hi: रागी
It: Panico indiano
Kn: ರಾಗಿ
Ml: മുത്താറി
Mr: नाचणी
Ne: कोदो
No: Korakan
Os: Галмуг
Pl: Manneczka łękowata
Pt: Capim-pé-de-galinha
Ru: Дагусса
Sa: रागीधान्यम्
Sn: Rapoko
Si: කුරහං හෙවත් කුරක්කං
Es: Indijska prosenka
Sw: Mwimbi
Sv: Korakan
Zh-tw: 穇子
Ta: கேழ்வரகு
Te: రాగులు
Th: ข้าวฟ่างสามง่าม
Zh-hant: 穇子

Synonyms

• Eleusine indica var. coracana ((L.) Fiori)
• Eleusine indica var. stricta ((Roxb.) Chiov.)
• Eleusine coracana var. tocussa ((Fresen.) Franch.)
• Eleusine tocussa var. melanocarpa (Chiov.)
• Eleusine pilosa (Gilli)
• Eleusine ovalis (Ehrenb. ex Sweet)
• Cynosurus coracanus (L.)
• Eleusine indica subsp. coracana ((L.) Lye)
• Eleusine tocussa var. leucocarpa (Chiov.)
• Eleusine luco (Welw.)
• Eleusine tocussa var. flavocarpa (Chiov.)
• Eleusine tocussa (Fresen.)
• Eleusine reniformis (Divak.)
• Eleusine tocussa var. erytromelana (Chiov.)
• Eleusine tocussa var. olivacea (Chiov.)
• Eleusine dagussa (Schimp.)
• Eleusine sphaerosperma (Stokes)
• Eleusine rigida (Spreng.)
• Eleusine cerealis (Salisb.)
• Cynodon coracanus (Raspail)
• Eleusine coracana var. stricta ((Roxb.) Nees)
• Eleusine tocussa var. erytroleuca (Chiov.)

Distribution

• Angola (native)
• Burkina (native)
• Burundi (native)
• Cameroon (native)
• Central African Repu (native)
• Chad (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• Nigeria (native)
• Rwanda (native)
• Socotra (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• Afghanistan (introduced)
• Andaman Is. (introduced)
• Assam (introduced)
• Bangladesh (introduced)
• Brazil West-Central (introduced)
• China North-Central (introduced)
• China South-Central (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• East Himalaya (introduced)
• Egypt (introduced)
• Fiji (introduced)
• Gulf States (introduced)
• Hainan (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Inner Mongolia (introduced)
• Japan (introduced)
• Jawa (introduced)
• Laos (introduced)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (introduced)
• Libya (introduced)
• Malaya (introduced)
• Maldives (introduced)
• Mali (introduced)
• Maluku (introduced)
• Marianas (introduced)
• Mauritius (introduced)
• Myanmar (introduced)
• Nepal (introduced)
• Nicobar Is. (introduced)
• Oman (introduced)
• Pakistan (introduced)
• Philippines (introduced)
• Réunion (introduced)
• Saudi Arabia (introduced)
• Senegal (introduced)
• South Carolina (introduced)
• Sri Lanka (introduced)
• Sulawesi (introduced)
• Sumatera (introduced)
• Taiwan (introduced)
• Tanzania (introduced)
• Thailand (introduced)
• Transcaucasus (introduced)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
• Tunisia (introduced)
• Vietnam (introduced)
• West Himalaya (introduced)
• Western Australia (introduced)
• Yemen (introduced)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Oct 12, 2008 by EOL − Dinesh Valke (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2013 by Pedro Gaspar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2013 by Pedro Gaspar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2013 by Pedro Gaspar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 12, 2021 by Erich🦅 Ju (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 5, 2018 by vini (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Apr 20, 2021 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2020 by Rico García Antonio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2019 by Pedro Gaspar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2019 by Pedro Gaspar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 5, 2018 by vini (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Dec 29, 2020 by Kampf Robert (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 14, 2022 by Alboss (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 14, 2022 by Alboss (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

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

© 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:399945-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2705957)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Graminoid

Growth