Digitaria sanguinalis

(L.) Scop.

Summer grass, Large Crabgrass

Poaceae Edible: Seeds, Cereal 12,628 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Digitaria sanguinalis is a species of grass known by several common names, including hairy crabgrass, hairy finger-grass, large crabgrass, crab finger grass, purple crabgrass. It is one of the better-known species of the genus Digitaria, and one that is known nearly worldwide as a common weed. It is used as animal fodder, and the seeds are edible and have been used as a grain in Germany and especially Poland, where it is sometimes cultivated. This has earned it the name Polish millet.

Description

A millet grass. It is an annual grass. It can be 10-80 cm tall. It tends to lie along the ground and root at the nodes. The nodes and leaf sheaths are covered with fine hairs. The leaf blades are 5-20 cm long. The flower spike spreads out like fingers on a hand. The spikelets are usually in pairs. They are on short stalks of unequal length.

Edible Uses

The seeds are ground into flour. The flour has excellent keeping qualities, is fine and white, and can be used for semolina.

Traditional Uses

The seeds are used as a cereal. They are ground into flour.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

A decoction of the plant is used in the treatment of gonorrhoea. It is also a folk remedy for cataracts and debility and is said to be emetic.

Distribution

It grows in warm temperate and upland subtropical regions. It needs summer moisture. It is a cereal crop in Russia and Kashmir. In Argentina it grows between sea level and 2,000 m above sea level. Tasmanian Herbarium.

Where It Grows

Afghanistan, Africa, Antilles, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Central Asia, Chile, China, Cuba, Czech Republic, East Africa, Europe*, France, Greece, Haiti, India, Italy, Jamaica, Kashmir, Lesser Antilles, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mediterranean, Mexico, Mozambique, North America, Pacific, Pakistan, Paraguay, Poland, Polynesia, Portugal, Russia, SE Asia, Slovenia, Southern Africa, South America, Spain, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tasmania, Tibet, Tonga, Turkey, Türkiye, Uruguay, USA, West Indies, Zambia, Zimbabwe,

Propagation

Best sown in situ in spring, barely covering the seed.

Other Uses

A fibre obtained from the plant is used in making paper. The plant is also used as fodder and forage.

Other Information

It was used as a cereal in southern Europe during Roman times. It is a minor cereal in the Caucasus of Russia and in Kashmir. It is cultivated.

Notes

There are about 250 Digitaria species.

Synonyms

Digitaria marginata LinkPanicum sanguinale LinnaeusPaspalum sanguinale (Linnaeus) Lamarck

Also Known As

Ahipody, Capim-colchao, Capim-de-colchao, Finger grass, Gramilla, Gramilla de cuaresma, Garranchudo, Hairy finger grass, Krvavordeča srakonja, Ma tang, Manna grit, Pastoa blanco, Pastoa chato, Pastoa colchon, Pasto de cuaresma, Polish millet

References (26)

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Curtis, W.M., & Morris, D.I., 1994, The Student's Flora of Tasmania. Part 4B St David's Park Publishing, Tasmania, p 346
Duke, J.A., 1992, Handbook of Edible Weeds. CRC Press. p 86

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