Cenchrus

• Authority

  Britton, Nathaniel L. & Millspaugh, Charles F. 1920. The Bahama Flora.

• Family

  Poaceae

• Scientific Name

  Cenchrus

• Description

  Genus Description - Annual or perennial grasses, with usually flat leaves. Inflorescence spikelike. Spikelets subtended by a spiny involucre which is deciduous with them at maturity. Scales 4; the first hyaline; the second and third membranous, the latter sometimes having a palet and staminate flower in its axil; the fourth chartaceous, subtending a palet of similar structure which encloses a perfect flower. Stamens 3. Styles united below. Stigmas plumose. Grain free, enclosed in the scales. [Ancient Greek name for some grass, probably Millet.] About 12 species, in tropical and temperate regions. Type species: Cenchrus echinatus L.