Pennisetum glaucum

Name and publication

Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br., Prodr. 195 (1810).

Description

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.

Nativity and distribution

Pennisetum glaucum is cultivated around the world with uncertain nativity.

Family

Poaceae (alt. Gramineae)

 fruiting inflorescences; photo copy; The Lebermuth Company, Inc.

fruiting inflorescences; photo © The Lebermuth Company, Inc.

 fruiting inflorescences, dyed green; photo by Indira Singh

fruiting inflorescences, dyed green; photo by Indira Singh

 fruiting inflorescences, dyed various colors; photo by Lyndon Photography

fruiting inflorescences, dyed various colors; photo by Lyndon Photography