Thin Fingergrass
Scientific Name: Digitaria ischaemum
Family: Poaceae
MORPHOLOGY
Growth habit and size: An annual herbaceous plant with a prostrate or ascending habit, usually not exceeding 40 cm in height.
Stem: Erect or prostrate fleshy stem, green or pinkish, branched at the base.
Leaves: Opposite, elliptic or lanceolate light green leaves, with entire or slightly dentate margins.
Inflorescence: Small umbrella-like inflorescences, called cymes, borne at the apex of the branches.
Flowers: The flowers are reduced to a single female or male.
Fruits and seeds: The fruit is a three-lobed capsule, containing brown seeds.
DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT
Digitaria ischaemum is a widespread weed in many tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It mainly grows in disturbed soils, such as cultivated fields, roadsides, pastures, and uncultivated lands.
USES
There are no known specific uses of Digitaria ischaemum in human or animal consumption. However, some populations use it for feeding their domestic animals.
INTERESTING FACTS
Digitaria ischaemum is considered a harmful weed in many countries due to its ability to compete with agricultural crops for water, sunlight, and nutrients. It can cause serious damage to crop yields if not properly controlled.
Photo: Saxifraga-Peter Meininger, Rutger Barendse
