How to Grow and Care for Buffelgrasses

Kikuyu grass (Cenchrus clandestinus) is a plant species native to Africa, Asia, Australia, America, and the Pacific. Kikuyu grass is considered an invasive species in many regions. This species is capable of suppressing the growth of other species.

Crimson fountain grass (Cenchrus setaceus) is a grass plant also commonly called crimson fountain grass. It grows throughout East Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Crimson fountain grass is drought tolerant and the existence of it increases the risk of fires. Crimson fountain grass is often considered to be an invasive species.

Chinese fountaingrass (Cenchrus alopecuroides) is an ornamental perennial grass that is native to Asia and Australia. It earns its common name from the fact that it produces long flower spikes that erupt and curve out from the plant like a fountain of water. The flower spikes develop into seed heads that resemble bottle brushes and are usually silvery white or pink.

It is a tall, perennial plant with woody stems. The grass reaches a height of approximately 3 to 7 meters and has leaves 30 to 90 cm long and 2 to 3 cm wide. It is called Elephant Grass, because it is a favorite food of elephants.

An important subsistence crop, pearl millet is hardy and drought-tolerant. Also known as Cenchrus americanus, it grows well near deserts where the rainfall is low. It has been cultivated in the United States since the 1850s and there are records of this important crop being grown since 2000 B.C.