Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br., Prodr. 195 (1810).
Fruiting spikes of pearl millet are sold in the potpourri trade as “babu” or “babla.” Spikes are dense as a cat-tail, 3-10 cm long x 1.5-3 cm wide, tapering to apex, bead-like individual fruits (caryopses) outgrowing the floral envelopes and bursting them.
Pennisetum glaucum is cultivated around the world with uncertain nativity.
Poaceae (alt. Gramineae)