Managing rangelands: promoting sustainable grass forage species: Birdwood grass (Cenchrus setigerus): A resilient, drought-tolerant perennial grass for pastures in hot, dry areas

Abstract

Cenchrus setigerus, commonly known as Birdwood grass, is one of the most drought-tolerant perennial grasses. Native to East Africa and Western Asia between latitudes 30⁰N and 30⁰S, this grass occurs naturally in areas with average rainfall between 125 mm and 1250 mm. The tufted grass is very resilient, withstanding low and sporadic rainfall, long dry seasons, strong winds, high temperatures, frost, erosion, nutrient-poor soils, and salinity.