| Etymology | Genus | Latin name for a grass Setaria italica. |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Creeping; referring to its habit | |
| Family | Poaceae | |
| Synonyms | Panicum arenarium Brot., Panicum chromatostigma Pilg. | |
| Common Names | Torpedo Grass, Creeping Panic Grass, Kerunong Padi | |
| Status | Native: Common | |
| Form | Herb | |
| Native Distribution | Africa, Asia, and Europe | |
Diagnostics:
Panicum repens is a dominant grass in scrublands. It is quite easy to recognise from its evenly arranged leaves along the straight upright stems. The leaf shealth seldom overlap each other and the upper surface of the leaf blade can be very hairy. The inflorescence is branches out twice and bears whitish spikelets.
Interesting Facts:
The Torpedo Grass is a effective pioneer sand-binder as well as a good feed for cattle as it has high nutritional value (Gilliland, 1971).
Habitat of the Torpedo Grass in a scrubland.
Upright stem bearing leaves aligned 45° upwards.
The leaf shealths are mostly non-overlapping.
The base of leaf is rounded.
Very fine hairs line the upper leaf surface.
Fully opened inflorescence branches twice.
Close-up of spikelets.
References
Gilliland HB. (1971) A Revised Flora of Malaya. Volume III: Grasses of Malaya. Government Printing Office, Singapore. 319 pp.Author: Siyang
Posted: 2013-06-11 / Modified: 2017-12-25
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