Scientific name: Setaria pumila (Poiret) Roemer & Schultes

Habit of pale pigeon grass (Setaria pumila). The inflorescence of pale pigeon grass. Close-up of the inflorescence of pale pigeon grass showing clusters of florets (spikelets) with bristles. Several purple stigmas are protruding from the spikelets on this inflorescence.

Synonym: Panicum pumilum Poiret

Common name: Pale pigeon grass

Family: Poaceae

Origin:

Native of the warmer parts of Asia and Africa.

Habit:

Perennial grass forming tufts of leaves, grows up to 80 cm tall.

Habitat:

Often a weed of disturbed sites, roadsides and cultivation.

General description:

Stems and leaves:

Stems are erect and may be branched at the base. The stem nodes and sheaths of the leaves are hairless. Leaves have linear or linear-ovate blades (10-30 x 0.4-1 cm), which may be hairless or have a few long hairs on the upper surface. the upper surface of the leaves may be rough to the touch.

Flowers and fruit

Distinguishing features:

Perennial grass up to 80 cm tall, mostly hairless except for scattered hairs on the upper surface of the leaves. The inflorescence is spike-like, up to 15 cm long, and consisting of clusters of florets each with 4-12 bristles at their base.

Noxious status:

Not noxious.

Sources:

Stanley, T.E. and Ross, E.M. (1983-1989). Flora of South-eastern Queensland. Volume 3. Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane.