''Cenchrus riparius'', or previously ''Pennisetum riparium'', is a species of perennial tropical grass in the family

Poaceae Poaceae ( ), also called Gramineae ( ), is a large and nearly ubiquitous family of monocotyledonous flowering plants commonly known as grasses. It includes the cereal grasses, bamboos, the grasses of natural grassland and species cultivate ...

, native to

Ethiopia Ethiopia, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, is a landlocked country located in the Horn of Africa region of East Africa. It shares borders with Eritrea to the north, Djibouti to the northeast, Somalia to the east, Ken ...

but also found is other parts of eastern and central Africa. It is typically found in mid-altitude, humid to sub-humid environments, particularly near watercourses, as implied by its species name ''riparium'', which refers to riparian (riverbank) habitats. In Ethiopia, it is used for

livestock Livestock are the Domestication, domesticated animals that are raised in an Agriculture, agricultural setting to provide labour and produce diversified products for consumption such as meat, Egg as food, eggs, milk, fur, leather, and wool. The t ...

fodder and for stabilizing soil in

erosion control Erosion control is the practice of preventing or controlling wind or water erosion in agriculture, land development, coast, coastal areas, Bank (geography), river banks and construction. Effective erosion controls handle surface runoff and are ...

structures.

Description

''Cenchrus riparius'' is a tall, clump-forming perennial grass that can reach over 2 meters in height. It grows well in moist, fertile soils and forms a dense root system, making it particularly effective for soil stabilization. Like other species in the genus, it is a C4 plant, well adapted to warm climates with seasonal rainfall. Seed production is typically low and unreliable, and the plant is mostly propagated vegetatively through stem cuttings or divisions of clumps.

Distribution and habitat

The species is native to tropical eastern Africa, including Ethiopia, Uganda, and Tanzania. It thrives in areas with seasonal rainfall and good soil moisture, from lowland valleys to elevations over 1,800 meters. It is often found along riverbanks, hillsides, and degraded slopes targeted for rehabilitation.

Uses

Forage

''Cenchrus riparius'' is valued as a high-quality forage grass due to its palatability, rapid regrowth, and good biomass production. It is suitable for cut-and-carry systems and supplemental feeding during dry periods. Farmers in East Africa have adopted it as an alternative to less palatable species like '' Vetiveria zizanioides'', especially in integrated crop-livestock systems.

Soil and water conservation

The species can play an important role in soil and water conservation. It can be planted to reinforce terraces, check dams, and contour bunds, reducing runoff and soil erosion. Its fibrous roots bind the soil and improve water infiltration.It gives better results when used in combination with nitrogen-fixing species such as ''

Cajanus cajan The pigeon pea (''Cajanus cajan'') or toor dal is a perennial legume from the family Fabaceae native to the Eastern Hemisphere. The pigeon pea is widely cultivated in tropical and semitropical regions around the world, being commonly consumed in ...

'' and '' Sesbania sesban'' to enhance ecological benefits.

Agronomic considerations

''Cenchrus riparius'' is easy to establish from cuttings and begins to produce usable forage within a few months. Regular harvesting promotes regrowth and maintains forage quality. Clumps are usually renewed every 2–3 years to prevent lignification and decline in productivity. Organic manure or moderate fertilization can enhance biomass production.

Potential and adoption

While detailed agronomic studies remain limited, ''Cenchrus riparius'' has demonstrated potential in smallholder farming systems, particularly where forage shortages, soil degradation, and water management challenges intersect. Adoption has been observed in parts of southern Ethiopia, where it has contributed to improved fodder availability and landscape restoration efforts.

References

External links

{{Taxonbar">from=Q50992430 riparius Bunchgrasses of Africa Flora of East Africa Forages">Flora of East Africa">Bunchgrasses of Africa Flora of East Africa Forages Afromontane flora