Tambuki grass (Andropogon gayanus, Révis. Gramin. 1: 163 (1829))

Family: Poaceae

Author: Kunth

Bibliography: Révis. Gramin. 1: 163 (1829)

Year: 1829

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Andropogon

Vegetable: False

Observations: Cape Verde, Trop. & S. Africa

Description

Tambuki grass is a notable species within the Poaceae family, scientifically recognized as Andropogon gayanus. This grass stands out in the world of botany due to its prolific presence and significance in various regions, particularly within Cape Verde and the tropical and southern parts of Africa. The nomenclature and detailed classification of Tambuki grass were thoroughly reviewed and documented by Kunth in 1829, providing a foundational understanding of its characteristics and taxonomy.

Native to diverse climates, Tambuki grass exhibits a remarkable adaptability to different environmental conditions. It thrives in both tropical and subtropical regions, showcasing a robust resilience that enables it to persist through varying weather patterns and soil types. This adaptability makes it a crucial species in the ecosystems where it is found, contributing to both the stability of the environment and the agricultural practices of local communities.

The structural characteristics of Tambuki grass include tall, lush blades that can grow quite densely, offering significant ground cover and protection against soil erosion. Its root system plays a vital role in stabilizing soils, which is especially beneficial in areas susceptible to erosion and land degradation. Moreover, this grass is often valued for its potential uses in grazing and pasture systems, providing a reliable source of fodder for livestock.

Understanding the ecological importance and practical applications of Tambuki grass is essential for both environmental scientists and agricultural practitioners. Its ability to enhance soil stability and provide nutritional value to grazing animals underscores its role in supporting sustainable agricultural and ecological practices. Whether in the wild landscapes of Cape Verde, the vast savannas of Africa, or managed agricultural lands, Andropogon gayanus remains a significant species worth detailed study and appreciation.

Common Names

Eng: tambuki grass, gamba grass
Por: capim-gambá
En: Tambuki grass, Gamba grass, Bluestem, Beardgrass, Bluestem Grass, Rhodesian bluegrass
Af: Blougras
Am: ጋጃ
Bm: Waga
Fi: Savannivarrasheinä
Ha: Gamba
Pt: Capim-gambá
Es: Pasto llanero, Gamba

Synonyms

• Cymbachne guineensis subvar. gayana ((Kunth) Roberty)
• Sorghum gayanum ((Kunth) Kuntze)

Distribution

• Angola (native)
• Benin (native)
• Botswana (native)
• Burkina (native)
• Burundi (native)
• Cameroon (native)
• Cape Verde (native)
• Caprivi Strip (native)
• Central African Repu (native)
• Chad (native)
• Eritrea (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• Gabon (native)
• Gambia (native)
• Ghana (native)
• Guinea (native)
• Guinea-Bissau (native)
• Gulf of Guinea Is. (native)
• Ivory Coast (native)
• KwaZulu-Natal (native)
• Liberia (native)
• Malawi (native)
• Mali (native)
• Mauritania (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Namibia (native)
• Niger (native)
• Nigeria (native)
• Northern Provinces (native)
• Senegal (native)
• Sierra Leone (native)
• Somalia (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Swaziland (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Togo (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Zambia (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• Zimbabwe (native)
• Andaman Is. (introduced)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• Brazil North (introduced)
• Brazil Northeast (introduced)
• Brazil South (introduced)
• Brazil Southeast (introduced)
• Brazil West-Central (introduced)
• Colombia (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)
• Laos (introduced)
• Mexico Central (introduced)
• Mexico Gulf (introduced)
• Mexico Northwest (introduced)
• Mexico Southwest (introduced)
• Nicobar Is. (introduced)
• Northern Territory (introduced)
• Philippines (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Suriname (introduced)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
• Western Australia (introduced)

Additional Images

© 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 7, 2009 by Antoine Foucart (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 7, 2009 by Antoine Foucart (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 7, 2009 by Pierre-Emmanuel GAY (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 21, 2011 by Pierre-Emmanuel GAY (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2706112)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:387915-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Andropogon gayanus Kunth)

Specifications

Growth habit: Graminoid

Growth