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Panicum decompositum
Also called Papa Grass, Umbrella Grass, Umbrella Millet, Wild Millet
Panicum decompositum, known by the common names native millet, native panic, Australian millet, papa grass, and umbrella grass, is a species of perennial grass native to the inland of Australia. It occurs in every mainland state. The seeds can be cultivated to produce flour typically used in Aboriginal bushfood. The species is also considered to have relatively high palatability by livestock, making it suitable for grazing pastures.
Some species of the genus Panicum such as Panicum dichotomiflorum are known to cause hepatogenous photosensitisation in ruminant livestock such as sheep. This occurs when the build up of phylloerythrin, a photosentising agent, in the gut reaches the skin and cause a phototoxic reaction which can lead to burning, blisters, or lesions of the skin. P. decompositum has been suspected to be poisonous in association with similar photosensitisation causing species, however, no specific cases were confirmed.
Native millet can tolerate a wide variety of soils but prefers wetter soils with high clay and sand content, also known as alluvial soil. Native millet is widely spread, growing evenly on pastures rather than forming dominant stands or single bushes. The species is resistant to both drought and flooding conditions. Native millet has been shown to be able to withstand prolonged periods of flooding with minimal effects on normal plant characteristics with the exception of slowed seedling growth. The species is sensitive to frost and often hays-off or stops producing seeds prematurely during the winter months. Native millet can quickly repopulate during spring.
Bitter panicgrass · Panicum australiense · Witchgrass · Kleingrass · Fall panicgrass · Hairy Panic Grass · Faurie's panicgrass · Wiry panicgrass · Panicum gymnocarpon · Hall's panicgrass · Havard's panicgrass · Maidencane
Text excerpted from the Wikipedia article Panicum decompositum by its contributors, under CC BY-SA 4.0; the excerpts are shared under the same licence.
Life form, climate and native range: World Checklist of Vascular Plants, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (CC BY 3.0), reformatted; see Plants of the World Online.
