Botanical Name: Setaria verticillata
Family: Poaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Poales
Genus: Setaria
Species: S. verticillata
Synonyms:
Alopecurus paniceus
Chaetochloa ambigua
Chaetochloa brevispica
Chaetochloa verticillata
Chamaeraphis verticillata
Cynosurus paniceus
Ixophorus verticillatus
Panicum acuminatissimum
Common Names: Hooked bristlegrass, Rough bristle-grass and Bristly foxtail.
English: Bristly foxtail; German: Quirlige Borstenhirse; French: Sétaire verticillée; Spanish: Amor de hortelano
Habitat: Setaria verticillata is native to Europe, but it is known on most continents as an introduced species and often a noxious weed. It is a hardy bunchgrass which grows in many types of urban, cultivated, and disturbed habitat. It is a weed of many types of agricultural crops, growing in vineyards and fields.
This grass species is ruderal in disturbed areas, such as cultivated fields, cattle kraals and along paths; often in damp soil, shady places. It is a common and persistent weed in gardens and in cultivated lands that can spread uncontrollably.
Description:
Setaria verticillata is a loosely tufted annual grass, reproducing solely by seed with decumbent or erect stems growing up to a meter long. The leaf blades are up to 25 centimeters long and have a long sheath around the stem. The inflorescence is a dense panicle up to 15 centimeters long which tapers at both ends. It contains many small spikelets and bristles. The bristles have tiny backwards-pointing barbs that help them hook onto clothing or animal fur, facilitating their dispersal.
Medicinal Uses:
Root paste is applied on the septic wounds of the cattle for early cure by the Santals. The mat prepared from the
inflorescence portion (without grains) are used as flooring mat in the granary. It is said that this carpet functioned as a rodent repellent
by the Santals, Lodhas and Mundas
Edible Uses: Seeds of the grass are used to make beer in South Africa and porridge in Namibia. They have been used as a famine food in India.
Other Uses: Setaria verticillata is palatable, and is therefore, used as pasture, hay and forage. In East Africa the inflorescences are used to keep rats from harvested grains. It is also used for weaving hats and toys. This grass species can be a problem as inflorescences adhere to animals such as sheep, causing much suffering and wool damage.
Known Hazards: Setaria verticillata is a persistent weed that can spread uncontrollably and regarded as a noxious weed in parts of Australia.
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Setaria_verticillata
https://www.cropscience.bayer.com/en/crop-compendium/pests-diseases-weeds/weeds/setaria-verticillata
http://pza.sanbi.org/setaria-verticillata
