IN EXTRA-TROPICAL COUNTRIES. 221 



Panicum decompositum, R. Brown. (P. Icevinode, Lindley.) 



The Australian Millet. One of the most spacious of Australian 

 nutritious grasses. The aborigines convert the small millet-like 

 grains into cakes. This grass will thrive on poor soil. Hardly 

 different from the North American P. capillare, L., except in 

 perennial roots. The allied P. trachyrrhachis, Bentham, from 

 North and East Australia, consitutes also a very good fodder 

 grass. Of similar value the exclusively Australian P. effusum, 

 R. Br. 



Panicum divaricatissimum, ]J. Brown. 



Australia, particularly in the warmer inland regions. A good 

 perennial grass, of easy growth on poor soil. 



Panicum divaricatum, Linne. 



P. bambusoides, Hamilton. Central and South America. A grass 

 of a scandent habit, ascending high up in trees ; desirable for 

 naturalization in forests. 



Panicum flavidum, Retzius. 



South Asia, tropical and Eastern sub-tropical Australia. According 

 to Mr. Bailey a prolific seed-bearer, mostly prostrated by the weight 

 of the seeds. 



Panicum fluitans, Retzius. 



Tropical Asia and Africa. This perennial grass, like P. spinescens 

 (R. Brown), of East Australia, ought to be naturalized along lakes, 

 lagoons, and rivers, particularly for the benefit of waterfowl. 



Panicum folio sum, R. Brown. 



India, East Australia. Perennial. Mr. Bailey finds this to be 

 one of the best grasses for river bankg. 



Panicum frumentaceum, Roxburgh. 



The Shamalo or Deccan Grass. Probably introduced from tropical 

 Africa into South Asia. It serves as a fodder grass and produces 

 also a kind of millet. The grain much recommended by Mr. C. B. 

 Taylor for culinary purposes. 



Panicum Italicum, Linne.* 



This grass, notwithstanding its specific name, is of Indian origin, 

 ascending the Himalayas to 6,500 feet. It is annual and worthy 

 to be cultivated as a tender green fodder, attaining a height of 5 

 feet. It keeps weeds down. Yields early in the season a heavy 

 crop of excellent hay, which dries easily (C. Mohr). The abun- 

 dantly-produced grain is not only one of the best for poultry, but 



