PENNISETUM

genus of the grass family (Poaceae), containing about 80 species of annual and perennial plants, native to tropical and subtropical areas. Kikuyu grass (P. clandestinum), a perennial sod-forming species, is grown for pasturage in Central America. Several varieties of feathertop (P. villosum) and fountaintop, or fountain grass (P. setaceum, formerly P. ruppelii), both native to Ethiopia, are cultivated in North America as ornamentals for their arching form and feathery, coloured flower clusters. Pearl millet (P. glaucum), an annual species, which bears a cattaillike flower cluster, is cultivated in tropical areas for its edible grain. Napier grass, or elephant grass (P. purpureum), a tall African perennial, is cultivated for forage in Central American pastures.