FTA 9: 289 (1919).- Jardin 1846, Gabon (holo- P).
Andropogon densiflorus Steud., Syn. PI. Glum. 1: 386 (1854).
Regional litterature: FI. Gabon 5: 176, tab. 28:1-3 (1962); FWTA: 482 (1972); FTEA: 761 (1982); Gram. Cameroun: 448 (1992); Fl. Zambesiaca 10,4: 76 (2002).
Description:
*Caespitose perennial of 1-2 m high. Culms erect, robust. Leaves linear, 30-60 cm long and 8-20 mm wide, base rounded or cordate; ligule an pointed eciliate membrane of 1-2 mm long.
* Inflorescence a dense obovate spathate panicle of 5-15 cm long, consisting of terminal and axillary paired racemes. Racemes deflexed, 10-15 mm long; internodes linear, auriculate at the tip, 2 mm long; bases flattened, subequal. Pedicels linear, ciliate.
* Sessile spikelets elliptic, dorsally compressed, 3-4 mm long; callus obtuse, pilose. Lower glume oblong, membranous, keeled laterally, with a V-shaped depression; upper glume lanceolate, 1-keeled, acute. Lower lemma hyaline; upper lemma lanceolate, with a shortstraighr, apical awn of 4-6 mm long. Pedicelled spikelet narrowly lanceolate, 2-3 mm long with clear closely spaced nerves.
Note: A distinct species recognized by its globose inflorescence.
Distribution West Africa and world-wide: Cameroon, CAR.
Distribution worldwide: Gabon, Congo, and Tanzania and southern Africa.