Quick facts
| Arabic name | الحلفاء |
|---|---|
| English name | Halfa Grass (Cogongrass) |
| Scientific name | Imperata cylindrica |
| Family | Grass family (Poaceae) |
| Plant type | Perennial grass |
| Height | 30 cm to 1.2 m |
| Water use | Low |
Planting and harvest calendar
Best time to plant
It grows by itself and is not planted
Harvest
Not harvested
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
An upright grass with long strap leaves that have sharp tips and rough edges, silky white cylinder-shaped flower heads, and dense rhizomes that go deep into the soil.
Where it grows
Grows on banks of valleys, springs and channels and on damp land. It can handle some salt.
Soil
Handles salt and heavy soil.
Water and irrigation
Needs damp ground or shallow groundwater.
Climate and light
Handles heat.
Propagation
By rhizomes and seed.
Benefits and uses
- Holds banks and stops erosion
- Traditionally used for roofing and mats
- Grazed when young
- Handles harsh conditions
Drawbacks
- Spreads strongly and is hard to remove
- Burns easily when dry
- Sharp leaves and low grazing value when mature
Important notes
Do not plant it near farms because it spreads by rhizomes.
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Imperata cylindrica
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Imperata cylindrica
- Wikipedia: Imperata cylindrica
- Chaudhary, S. A. (1999-2001). Flora of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Ministry of Agriculture and Water, Riyadh.
- National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC)
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)