.

Pennisetum purpureum (elephant grass)

Climate

Prefers a tropical climate and is adaptable to various altitudes.

Common Name

Elephant grass

Description

Pennisetum purpureum, also known as elephant grass, is a clumping perennial native to tropical Africa. It can reach a height of 4 meters and is highly drought tolerant. This grass spreads through underground rhizomes, seeds, and cuttings, and it is known for its fast recovery from browsing. It prefers nutrient-rich soil but does not thrive in waterlogged conditions. Propagation is easy by planting small branches in damp soil, where roots quickly take hold.

Genus
Grouping
Other utility
Latin Name

Pennisetum purpureum

Origin

Country of origin: tropical Africa

Other Relevant Information

Plant Characteristics: - Common Name: Elephant Grass - Scientific Name: Pennisetum purpureum - Grouping: Other utility - Native to: Tropical Africa - Height: Up to 4 meters - Soil Conditions: Tolerant of different soil conditions - Drought Tolerance: Remarkably drought tolerant - Spreading: Stems arising from a creeping underground rhizome, from seed, and cuttings - Nutrient Requirement: Very 'hungry' for nutrients - Waterlogged Conditions: Does not like waterlogged conditions - Recovery: Very fast to recover from browsing Propagation: Elephant grass is very easy to propagate. Simply place small branches into damp soil either in situ or in a nursery situation, and roots will strike very quickly.

Related Genus
Soil Preferences

- Fairly tolerant of different soil conditions - Remarkably drought tolerant for a plant of high rainfall areas - Does not like waterlogged conditions

Specific species
Uses
Suitability to cool temperate climate

A clumping perennial to 4 m, native to tropical Africa, this grass is fairly tolerant of different soil conditions and remarkably drought tolerant for a plant of high rainfall areas. It spreads from stems arising from a creeping underground rhizome, from seed and cuttings. It is a plant very 'hungry' for nutrient but does not like waterlogged conditions. It is very fast to recover from browsing.

This is a very easy grass to propagate. Simply place small branches into damp soil either in situ, or in a nursery situation. Roots will strike very quickly.