Kachi grass (Cymbopogon caesius, Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1906: 341 (1906))

Family: Poaceae

Author: (Hook. & Arn.) Stapf

Bibliography: Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1906: 341 (1906)

Year: 1906

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Cymbopogon

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & S. Africa, W. Indian Ocean, Arabian Pen. to Indian Subcontinent

Description

Kachi grass, scientifically known as Cymbopogon caesius, is a fascinating species within the Poaceae family. This perennial grass is widely distributed across tropical and southern regions of Africa, encompassing areas from the Western Indian Ocean to the Arabian Peninsula and extending to the Indian Subcontinent.

Characterized by its robust growth and distinctive, aromatic leaves, Kachi grass has adapted well to a variety of climates and terrains. Traditionally, it has played a significant role in local ecosystems, providing forage for wildlife and livestock. Beyond its ecological contributions, the essential oils extracted from its leaves have been employed in traditional medicine and fragrance production, attesting to its versatility.

First documented in 1906 in the Bulletin of Miscellaneous Information at Kew, Cymbopogon caesius was thoroughly described by the botanists Hooker and Arnott before being formally named by Otto Stapf. This detailed study highlighted its unique characteristics and widespread occurrence, enhancing botanical understanding and appreciation of this species.

Overall, Kachi grass stands out not only for its ecological utility and cultural importance but also for its intriguing botanical attributes. Its widespread presence across diverse regions is a testament to its adaptability and enduring significance in both natural and human-modified landscapes.

Common Names

Eng: kachi grass
En: Kachi grass
: West indian foxtail grass

Synonyms

• Andropogon caesius (Hook. & Arn.)
• Andropogon schoenanthus var. gracillimus (Hook.f.)
• Gymnanthelia connata ((Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Schweinf. & Asch.)
• Andropogon foliatus (Steud.)
• Cymbopogon connatus var. muticus (Chiov.)
• Andropogon fragrans (C.Cordem.)
• Cymbopogon excavatus ((Hochst.) Stapf ex Burtt Davy)
• Cymbopogon plicatus (Stapf)
• Andropogon excavatus (Hochst.)
• Cymbopogon connatus ((Hochst. ex A.Rich.) Chiov.)
• Andropogon connatus (Hochst. ex A.Rich.)
• Andropogon bicornis (Forssk.)
• Andropogon nardoides var. minor (Nees)
• Cymbopogon caesius var. gracillimus ((Hook.f.) E.G.Camus & A.Camus)
• Andropogon schoenanthus var. caesius ((Hook. & Arn.) Hack.)
• Cymbopogon suaveolens (Pilg.)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Angola (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Botswana (native)
• Burkina (native)
• Burundi (native)
• Cape Provinces (native)
• Comoros (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• Free State (native)
• India (native)
• Kenya (native)
• KwaZulu-Natal (native)
• Lesotho (native)
• Madagascar (native)
• Malawi (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Namibia (native)
• Northern Provinces (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Rwanda (native)
• Réunion (native)
• Somalia (native)
• Sri Lanka (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Swaziland (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Yemen (native)
• Zambia (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• Zimbabwe (native)
• Cuba (introduced)
• Laos (introduced)
• Vietnam (introduced)

Additional Images

Other

Taken Mar 7, 2022 by ThePokeLeader PvP (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)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:396888-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/4151099)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cymbopogon caesius (Hook. & Arn.) Stapf)

Specifications

Growth