108 



INDIAN FOREST MEMOIRS. 



Susceptibil- 

 ity to Fire 

 Damage. 



Utility as 

 Fodder. 



short internode, and finally the terminal segment carrying the panicle. This gives 10 green 

 leaves for the mature culm which suggests 10 months as the period of activity and indicates 

 that the average culm usually commences vigorous growth in February. This, however, has 

 not yet been satisfactorily determined. 



The culms are distinctly green, while the green leaf lamina is often deciduous in 

 October, the sheath persisting for some time longer. It is possible that the green culms to 

 some extent function as leaves. 



89. This species usually shows a well-marked 

 period of rest, in the dry localities which here form its natural habitat, during the months 

 December — January. During these months the clumps contain only the old culms which 

 liowered the preceding September — November, while next year's culms have not yet com- 

 menced their growth and exist as large buds well protected by hard scaly leaves. 



Soon after flowering, also, the leaf -sheaths fall away from the culms and during the 

 period of rest the clumps have a very striking appearance, consisting as they do only of 

 naked green culms terminating in the panicles, with no leaves and no leafy immature culms. 

 At this period the old culms are not yet thoroughly dry and the clumps contain practically 

 no inflammable material. 



Although the species has a tufted habit and occurs on sandy soil it is, in consequence 

 of the above facts, not subject to damage by an early fire. 



A late fire, when the old culms and soil are thoroughly dry and the young culms have 

 commenced their growth, may cause severe damage. 



90. This species is believed not to be utilised 

 for fodder. 



D. — Economic Uses. 



91. The upper portion of the flowering culm 

 with the attached panicle is cut off and several of these being tied in small bundles the 

 latter are used as brooms. 



This species is of considerable value as a pioneer on gravel and shingle banks which 

 there resists erosion and gradually improves the soil and prepares the way for better 

 vegetation. 



References. 



Andropogon monticola, Schult. (Plates XXXVII to XXXIX.) 

 F. B. I., VII, 192; H., pp. 557—558 (under A. monticola and A. Trinii); C, II, 985. 

 P., II, 1205. 

 Distribution. Throughout India, especially in hilly tracts, from N. W. Himalayas southwards, as- 



cending to 6,000 feet. 



Extends to Burma, Ceylon, Afghanistan, Africa. 



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