burgu grass
Echinochloa stagnina (Retz.) P.Beauv.
Echinochloa stagnina is a perennial grass species native to tropical Africa and Asia, with a wide distribution across the Afrotropical and Indomalayan regions. It is known for its stoloniferous growth and is commonly found in wetland habitats such as riverbanks and riverbeds. The species was historically cultivated by the Fulani people in the Inner Niger Delta for its edible seeds, which were used in both food and the production of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. However, it has also become invasive in several Pacific islands, raising concerns about its ecological impact.
Description
Echinochloa stagnina is a perennial herb that spreads through stolons, allowing it to form dense mats in moist environments. It is often found along riverbanks and in riverbeds, where it thrives in the fluctuating water levels. The grass is characterized by its robust growth and adaptability to wetland conditions. It is a member of the Poaceae family and is part of the Echinochloa genus, which includes several other grasses adapted to aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. The species was first described in 1812 and is known by the common name 'burgu grass'.
Habitat
Echinochloa stagnina is typically found in wetland environments, particularly along riverbanks, in riverbeds, and in other areas with seasonal or permanent water availability. It is well adapted to moist and flooded soils and can tolerate fluctuating water levels. The species is commonly associated with tropical and subtropical climates and is often found in regions with high rainfall or near water sources. It is native to parts of Africa and Asia and has been introduced to other regions, where it may become invasive.
Cultivation
Historically, Echinochloa stagnina was an important cultivated grass in the Inner Niger Delta of the Niger River, where it was grown by the Fulani people. The seeds of the grass were used as a food source and were processed into both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. The grass was valued for its nutritional content and its ability to grow in wetland conditions. However, due to changes in land use and agricultural practices, its cultivation has declined in recent decades. In some regions, it has become naturalized and is now considered an invasive species.
Uses
The primary use of Echinochloa stagnina is as a food source, particularly for its edible seeds. These seeds were historically used by the Fulani people in the production of both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. The grass is also valued for its ability to stabilize wetland soils and prevent erosion along riverbanks. However, in some regions, its invasive growth has led to ecological concerns, as it can outcompete native vegetation and reduce biodiversity in wetland ecosystems.
Other common names
burgu grasshippo grasslong-awn water grass
Distribution
Afrotropical · Oriental (Indomalaya) · WS · SB · KM · SE · MG · PG · AU · BR · Global · FJ · Andaman Is. · Angola · Assam · Bangladesh · Benin · Borneo · Botswana · Burkina · Burundi · Cameroon · Central African Repu · Chad · Congo · Egypt · Ethiopia · Free State · Gambia · Ghana
Synonyms
Echinochloa barbataEchinochloa hostiiEchinochloa lelievreiEchinochloa malakuensisEchinochloa oryzetorumOplismenus scaberOplismenus stagninusOrthopogon stagninusPanicum burguPanicum crus-galli var. leiostachyumPanicum crus-galli var. maximumPanicum crus-galli var. sieberianumPanicum crus-galli var. stagninumPanicum crus-galli var. stoloniferumPanicum crus-galli var. submuticumPanicum galliPanicum lelievreiPanicum oryzetorumPanicum oryzetumPanicum scabrumPanicum scabrum subsp. burguPanicum scabrum subsp. lelievreiPanicum scabrum subsp. oryzetorumPanicum scabrum subsp. stagninumPanicum scabrum var. leiostachyumPanicum scabrum var. submuticumPanicum sieberianumPanicum stagninumPanicum subaristatumEchinochloa scabra