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Buffelgrasses (Cenchrus)
Also known as : Kikuyu grasses, Sandburs
Buffelgrasses are a group of plants in the grass family, named after their tendency to have spiky, bur-like flower clusters. Hardy and quick to colonize in open areas (especially in sandy soils), many buffelgrasses are considered pesky weeds beyond their native habitat ranges. Immature plants do not have burs, making them good options for animal forage.
Lifespan
Annual
Plant Type
Herb/Vine
Key Facts About Buffelgrasses
Feedback
Attributes of Buffelgrasses
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Ideal Temperature
20 - 35 ℃
Scientific Classification of Buffelgrasses
Distribution of Buffelgrasses
Feedback
Distribution Map of Buffelgrasses
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Buffelgrasses
Feedback
The buffelgrasses genus, known for its resilience, generally requires full sun exposure, well-draining soil, and moderate watering, respecting dry periods between irrigations. Temperature preferences vary among species, but many are tolerant of heat. Common challenges with buffelgrasses include invasive tendencies and vulnerability to pests like aphids and rust. Seasonally, buffelgrasses may need protection from extreme cold, and reduced watering in winter, with an uptick in growth and water needs during spring and summer.
How to Water Buffelgrasses?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Buffelgrasses?
How to Propagate Buffelgrasses?
How to Plant Buffelgrasses?
Exploring the Buffelgrasses Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Kikuyu grass
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
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
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.
Napier grass
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.
Pearl millet
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.
Blue buffel grass
Blue buffel grass (Cenchrus polystachios subsp. polystachios) is a species that’s indigenous to tropical parts of Africa. Other names for it include feathery pennisetum, mission grass, and thin Napier grass. Gardeners the world over use it as an ornamental plant.
Feathertop
Although feathertop is an annual ornamental grass in cooler areas, it can become aggressive in warmer parts. It gets its common name from its flowers, which look like feather dusters from a distance.
Southern sandbur
Southern sandbur (Cenchrus echinatus) is a clumping grass originally native to the tropical regions of the Americas. It is now found all over the tropics and is considered an invasive weed in some places, such as Australia. The spiny seeds of southern sandbur can attach to fur or clothing, and potentially puncture the skin.
All Species of Buffelgrasses
Kikuyu grass
Kikuyu grass
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
Crimson fountain grass
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
Chinese fountaingrass
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.
Napier grass
Napier grass
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.
Pearl millet
Pearl millet
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.
Blue buffel grass
Blue buffel grass
Blue buffel grass (Cenchrus polystachios subsp. polystachios) is a species that’s indigenous to tropical parts of Africa. Other names for it include feathery pennisetum, mission grass, and thin Napier grass. Gardeners the world over use it as an ornamental plant.
Feathertop
Feathertop
Although feathertop is an annual ornamental grass in cooler areas, it can become aggressive in warmer parts. It gets its common name from its flowers, which look like feather dusters from a distance.
Southern sandbur
Southern sandbur
Southern sandbur (Cenchrus echinatus) is a clumping grass originally native to the tropical regions of the Americas. It is now found all over the tropics and is considered an invasive weed in some places, such as Australia. The spiny seeds of southern sandbur can attach to fur or clothing, and potentially puncture the skin.
Buffel-grass
Buffel-grass
Buffel-grass is a type of grass that's widely found in Africa and southern Asia, among other places. This perennial grass is mainly used as a pasture grass for horses and livestock, but can also be used as silage or hay.
Oriental fountain grass
Oriental fountain grass
Oriental fountain grass (Cenchrus orientalis) is a perennial grass species native to Africa, Asia, and Europe. Oriental fountain grass is resistant to deer, rabbits, and drought conditions. This species is also called white fountain grass.
Mission grass
Mission grass
Mission grass (Cenchrus polystachios) is a tough and quick-spreading grass that is distinctive because of its dark red flowering seed heads. This dense-growing grass is used as a first-growth plant to stabilize loose soil. Mission grass is also used to make paper.
Mat sandbur
Mat sandbur
Mat sandburs fruit which takes the form of sharp burrs. These burrs have evolved to attach to animals and spread the seeds. They can, of course, also become irritatingly attached to human clothing. Mat sandbur is an invasive plant that can crowd out native species.
Coast sandbur
Coast sandbur
Coast sandburs spiny seedpods, or burs, spread by attaching themselves to animal fur or human clothing and can be very painful if touched or trodden on. This grass is of great use to butterflies and moths whose larvae feed on the leaves. It has been introduced to Europe where it is considered a noxious weed.
Hybrid Fountain Grass
Hybrid Fountain Grass
Hybrid Fountain Grass is a fascinating plant with unique features. It is often grown for its ornamental value in gardens, as its attractive foliage adds a touch of elegance. This plant is not only beautiful but also useful, as its seeds are used in traditional medicine for their healing properties. In addition, hybrid Fountain Grass is known to attract a variety of insects and birds, making it a great addition to any wildlife garden. With its striking appearance and beneficial qualities, hybrid Fountain Grass is a must-have for any nature lover.
Cenchrus macrourus
Cenchrus macrourus
Cenchrus macrourus is a resilient grass that thrives in arid conditions, often found sweeping across savannas and open plains. Its tall, feathery inflorescences sway atop slender stems, while a deep-rooted system allows it to access scarce moisture and nutrients, showcasing its adaptation to challenging environments. The plant's hardy nature and distinctive seed heads make it easily recognizable.
More Popular Genus
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Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Buffelgrasses
Cenchrus
Also known as: Kikuyu grasses, Sandburs
Buffelgrasses are a group of plants in the grass family, named after their tendency to have spiky, bur-like flower clusters. Hardy and quick to colonize in open areas (especially in sandy soils), many buffelgrasses are considered pesky weeds beyond their native habitat ranges. Immature plants do not have burs, making them good options for animal forage.
Lifespan
Annual
Plant Type
Herb/Vine
Key Facts About Buffelgrasses
Feedback
Attributes of Buffelgrasses
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Ideal Temperature
20 - 35 ℃
Scientific Classification of Buffelgrasses
Distribution of Buffelgrasses
Feedback
Distribution Map of Buffelgrasses
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Buffelgrasses
Feedback
The buffelgrasses genus, known for its resilience, generally requires full sun exposure, well-draining soil, and moderate watering, respecting dry periods between irrigations. Temperature preferences vary among species, but many are tolerant of heat. Common challenges with buffelgrasses include invasive tendencies and vulnerability to pests like aphids and rust. Seasonally, buffelgrasses may need protection from extreme cold, and reduced watering in winter, with an uptick in growth and water needs during spring and summer.
How to Water Buffelgrasses?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Buffelgrasses?
How to Propagate Buffelgrasses?
How to Plant Buffelgrasses?
Exploring the Buffelgrasses Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Kikuyu grass
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
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
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.
Napier grass
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.
Show More Species
All Species of Buffelgrasses
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
