Bufflegrass is native to southern Asia and Africa.
Pennisetum is a short-statured, stoloniferous perennial grass that grows in clumps. Inflorescences are bristly spikes that can range in color from tan to purple. Spikelets occur in clusters of 2-4 and are each surrounded with feather-like bristles that are joined at the base. Reproduction appears to be largely apomictic. This grass has been planted as fodder and for erosion control. To date, new cultivars with wider environmental tolerances continue to be sold. Plants can be propagated both by seed and vegetatively.
Bufflegrass was first recorded in Australia in the 1870's. It was introduced into Haway, Mexico, and the United States in the 1930's as forage and, in the U.S., for erosion control (Marshall et al., 2012).