Setaria megaphylla
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Kingdom: Plantae ·
Order: Poales ·
Family: Poaceae ·
Genus: Setaria ·
Species: Setaria megaphylla Synonyms: Agrostis flabellate; Panicum flabellatum; Panicum megaphyllum; Setaria
plicatilis; Setaria proliseta Common Names: Setaria Local Names: Oko-esin,ponripon-omi Species ID: NMP-161;wfo-0000899377;NCBI_Taxonomy ID: 795690 Basic Description: Setaria megaphylla, commonly known as broad-leaved bristle
grass or big-leaf bristle grass, is a robust perennial grass that can grow up
to 3 meters tall. It has broad, dark green leaves and hairy leaf sheaths. The
plant produces linear to lanceolate panicles that are 20-60 cm long, with
narrowly ovate to elliptic spikelets. Distribution and Habitat: Setaria megaphylla is native to southeastern Africa, including
countries such as South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. It has also been
naturalized in other regions, including parts of the United States such as
Florida. The plant thrives in tropical and subtropical areas and is commonly
found in: Forest glades and along the edges of forests,
Riverbanks and streams, Low-lying, moist, or wet areas, Shaded or semi-shaded
regions.It can grow from sea level up to 1800 meters in elevation and is often
seen in degraded areas where it helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion. Medicinal
Properties: Setaria megaphylla has several medicinal
uses: Anodynal
and Analgesic: Known for its pain-relieving properties. Urino-genital
Treatment: Used traditionally to treat various urinary and genital
issues. Anti-inflammatory: A
leaf decoction is used to treat edema and has a sedative effect on coughs. Skin
Conditions: The sap and crushed leaves are applied
topically to bruises and other skin conditions. Epilepsy
and Convulsions: Leaf decoctions are used in baths or orally
for babies suffering from convulsions or epilepsy. Known
Toxicity: Cyanogenic Poisoning: Proper wilting is
necessary when used in cut-and-carry systems for livestock feed to prevent
hydrocyanic acid poisoning. Tsetse
Fly Habitat: In some regions like Kenya, the plant may
harbor tsetse flies, posing a risk for livestock to contract trypanosomiasis. Additional
Information: Setaria megaphylla is valuable for
environmental management due to its role in stabilizing soil, preventing
erosion, and purifying water by absorbing excess nutrients. It serves as good
pasture grass when young and palatable, and attracts various seed-eating birds,
making it beneficial for both agriculture and ecological restoration. References
External
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| Compounds of Setaria megaphylla | |
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