Panicum

Panicum is a large genus of about 250 species of grasses mostly native to tropical regions.

Description

The flowers are produced in a well-developed panicle often up to in length with numerous seeds, which are long and broad. The fruits are developed from a two-flowered spikelet. Only the upper floret of each spikelet is fertile; the lower floret is sterile or staminate. Both glumes are present and well developed.

Taxonomy

studies found the genus as previously circumscribed was polyphyletic, and several species have been reassigned to other genera. Most species in section Stolonifera of subgenus Phanopyrum were transferred to Ocellochloa, while P. venezuelae was placed in the new monotypic genus Drakkaria.
Well-known species include P. miliaceum and P. virgatum.

Selected species

Formerly placed here

Species formerly classified in genus Panicum include:

Distribution

The genus is native throughout the tropical regions of the world, with a few species extending into the northern temperate zone. They are often large, annual or perennial grasses, growing to tall.
Australia has 29 native and 9 introduced species of Panicum.