Tragus racemosus

(L.) All.

Carrot seed grass

Poaceae Edible: Seeds, Cereal 827 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Tragus racemosus, commonly referred to as stalked bur grass, European bur grass, or large carrot seed grass, is a species of grass native to Europe. It is often confused with a similar plant of the same genus, Tragus berteronianus. It is a monocot and is considered a weed in many countries and is a relatively uncommon seed contaminant.

Description

A herb. It is an annual grass. It grows 25 cm high. The leaves have stiff hairs along the edge. The flowers are spiny. They are in spikes 7 cm long.

Edible Uses

Because Tragus racemosus is a grass, it can be used to reduce soil erosion in areas where it is native to. Species of the Tragus genus, including Tragus racemosus, are not suitable grasses for grazing. If these plants are found in abundance, it could suggest overgrazing, in which the other grasses suitable for grazing are eaten, eliminating competition and allowing Tragus racemosus to grow in larger quantities.

Traditional Uses

The seeds are eaten in porridge.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Distribution

It is a Mediterranean climate plant. It grows in shallow stony soils. It grows between 600-2,600 m above sea level. It grows in areas with an annual rainfall between 250-500 mm. It can grow in arid places. In Argentina it grows below 500 m above sea level.

Where It Grows

Africa, Arabia, Argentina, Australia, Botswana, Burkina Faso, East Africa, Mediterranean, Middle East, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, United Arab Emirates, UAE, Yemen, Zimbabwe,

Synonyms

Cenchrus racemosus L.Tragus brevicaulis Boiss.Tragus paucispinus Hack.

Also Known As

Nagaadh, Xarfo

References (1)

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (1999). Survey of Economic Plants for Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (SEPASAL) database. Published on the Internet; http://www.rbgkew.org.uk/ceb/sepasal/internet [Accessed 4th June 2011]