Cenchrus pedicellatus, previously Pennisetum pedicellatum, known simply as desho or as desho grass, is an indigenous grass of Ethiopia of the monocot angiosperm plant family Poaceae. It is also known as annual kyasuwa grass in Nigeria, bare in Mauritania, and deenanath grass in India. It grows in its native geographic location, naturally spreading across the escarpment of the Ethiopian highlands. Widely available in this location, it is ideal for livestock feed and can be sustainably cultivated on small plots of land. Thus desho is becoming increasingly utilized, along with various soil and water conservation techniques, as a local method of improving grazing land management and combating a growing productivity problem of the local region.
Cenchrus pedicellatus displays strong resistance to diseases and is generally not susceptible to them. Regarding maintenance, this species is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only light watering, and larger specimens usually do not require pruning. Smaller specimens, however, should be trimmed after they finish blooming. Cenchrus pedicellatus is appropriate for anyone who has an outdoor area, like a garden or deck, and it does not demand extensive gardening experience.
How to keep Cenchrus Pedicellatus.
Light
Cenchrus pedicellatus comes from open, well-lit habitats and performs best in full sun. It can tolerate some shade but prefers direct sunlight for optimal growth. This species, which can be annual or biennial, is noted for its preference for sunny conditions.
Temperature
Cenchrus pedicellatus comes from tropical areas, where the climate is generally warm and humid. Consequently, it is well adapted to high temperatures and moisture. It is sensitive to sudden temperature shifts and prefers a stable thermal environment, so avoiding temperature fluctuations indoors is important. It typically does not tolerate cold and needs higher temperatures to grow. If the ambient temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Grass
- Life Cycle
- Annual
- Genus
- Cenchrus
- Family
- Poaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-11
- Mature Height
- 30 cm to 91 cm
- Mature Spread
- 20 cm to 49 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Dark Green
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Size
- 0.25 cm to 0.51 cm
- Bloom Time
- Summer, Early fall, Mid fall
- Planting Time
- Spring
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Fall, Early winter
Other names.
