Family: Poaceae

There are around 80 species in this genus of annual and perennial grasses, found in tropical and warm temperate zones. They have cylindrical spike-like or brush-like inflorescences and narrow spikelets, surrounded by spirals of hairy bristles. Some species are cultivated as cereal or fodder crops, while others are used as border and lawn plants. Some are very invasive in various parts of the world.

Species

P. alopecuroides, zone 7, grows to over 1 m (3 ft) high, producing 15 cm (6 in) 'foxtail' inflorescences in late summer and autumn. It is grown as an ornamental grass and is an effective addition to the perennial border. It is a potential weed in warm areas.

P. clandestinum, kikuyu grass, zone 10, is used both as lawn and pasture grass and covered in the section on lawns.

P. latifolium, zone 9, from Argentina, grows to 2 m (6 ft) high, with broad leaves and pendulous flower spikes. It makes a good green-house or border plant.

P. purpureum, elephant or Napier grass, zone 9, a tropical African species, is used commercially for fodder and paper-making. A robust grass, it grows to 2-7 m (6-23 ft) high.

P. setaceum, fountain grass, zone 9, is a tufted perennial from tropical Africa. Growing to 1 m (3 ft) high, it has long, narrow leaf blades, feathery, purple-pink spikes and is a useful feature plant.

P. villosum, zone 8, from north-east, tropical Africa, is a loosely tufted perennial, to 60 cm (24 in), with broad spikes and tawny or purple inflorescences. It can be invasive.

Cultivation

All species prefer a sandy, well-drained soil and a sunny position, but most do well in a range of soils and situations. Most species are propagated from seed while some, such as P. latifolium and P. setaceum, are increased by division of the rootstock.

Climate

There are species suited to various climatic zones.