India sandbur (Cenchrus biflorus, Fl. Ind. 1: 238 (1820))

Family: Poaceae

Author: Roxb.

Bibliography: Fl. Ind. 1: 238 (1820)

Year: 1820

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Cenchrus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Africa to NW. India

Description

India sandbur, scientifically known as Cenchrus biflorus, is a hardy and resilient grass species that belongs to the Poaceae family. This grass is notably recognized for its distinctive seed burs, which are not only a defining characteristic but also give rise to its common name. Originally described in the early 19th century (Fl. Ind. 1: 238, 1820) by the renowned botanist William Roxburgh, Cenchrus biflorus is widely distributed across various regions, stretching from the African continent to Northwestern India.

The plant typically thrives in arid and semi-arid environments, demonstrating a remarkable ability to adapt to harsh and challenging conditions. Due to its extensive root system and hardy nature, India sandbur plays a significant role in soil stabilization, particularly in regions prone to erosion. However, its spiny burs can become a nuisance as they readily cling to clothing and animal fur, which can be problematic for both humans and livestock.

Despite these challenges, Cenchrus biflorus has its utilities. In certain areas, it serves as a fodder plant, providing essential nutrients to grazing animals, especially during the dry season when other forage might be scarce. Its resilience to drought and ability to grow in poor soil conditions make it a valuable resource in sustainable agricultural practices aimed at combatting desertification and promoting environmental conservation.

In summary, India sandbur (Cenchrus biflorus) is a versatile and robust grass species prevalent from Africa to Northwestern India. This plant’s noteworthy characteristics, ecological contributions, and occasional drawbacks underscore its complex role in the ecosystems it inhabits.

Common Names

Fra: cramcram
Eng: india sandbur, indian sandbur, indian sandburr
En: India sandbur, Indian sandbur, Indian sandburr
Ar: ياداب جبل (ياداب جَبَل), ياداب
Ca: Cram-cram
Fr: Cramcram, Taéniathérum tête-de-méduse, Tête-de-méduse
Ha: Ƙarangiya
Pt-br: Capim-carrapicho

Synonyms

• Cenchrus triflorus (Aitch.)
• Cenchrus lapeta (Ham. ex Stapf)
• Cenchrus annularis (Andersson)
• Cenchrus barbatus (Schumach.)
• Cenchrus perinvolucratus (Stapf & C.E.Hubb.)
• Cenchrus niloticus (Fig. & De Not.)
• Cenchrus catharticus (Delile)
• Cenchrus leptacanthus (A.Camus)
• Cenchrus rajasthanensis (Kanodia & P.C.Nanda)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Angola (native)
• Benin (native)
• Botswana (native)
• Burkina (native)
• Burundi (native)
• Cameroon (native)
• Cape Verde (native)
• Caprivi Strip (native)
• Chad (native)
• Congo (native)
• Djibouti (native)
• Egypt (native)
• Equatorial Guinea (native)
• Eritrea (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• Gambia (native)
• Ghana (native)
• Guinea (native)
• Guinea-Bissau (native)
• India (native)
• Ivory Coast (native)
• Kenya (native)
• Madagascar (native)
• Mali (native)
• Mauritania (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Namibia (native)
• Niger (native)
• Nigeria (native)
• Northern Provinces (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Saudi Arabia (native)
• Senegal (native)
• Sinai (native)
• Somalia (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Togo (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Yemen (native)
• Zambia (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• Zimbabwe (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• New York (introduced)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken May 17, 2011 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 2001 by Tela Botanica − Laurent JARRY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 10, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 10, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 17, 2022 by Cyril Piou (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.

Flower

Taken Sep 8, 2009 by Pierre-Emmanuel GAY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 9, 2020 by indu sankhla (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 9, 2020 by indu sankhla (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 10, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 17, 2022 by Cyril Piou (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 19, 2009 by EOL − Barry Rice (cc-by-nc-sa)

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

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Sune Holt (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 17, 2011 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 10, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 12, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 16, 2022 by M. Hedayat (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 16, 2022 by M. Hedayat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 16, 2022 by M. Hedayat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 10, 2011 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 17, 2022 by Cyril Piou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 10, 2021 by luca aquino (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Sune Holt (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Sune Holt (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Sune Holt (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 10, 2011 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 17, 2011 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5289734)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:395201-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cenchrus biflorus Roxb.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Graminoid

Growth