Comparative morphological screening of some species of Cenchrus L. (Poaceae) from Thar Desert of Rajasthan, India.

Abstract

In present study an attempt has been made to describe widely confused species of Cenchrus (Poaceae). The exact identification has been critically assessed. The name Cenchrus comes from the Greek word “Kenchrous” meaning millet. Cenchrus is an extremely variable genus having both annual and perennial species. Morphologically Cenchrus is very similar to Pennisetum. All species of Cenchrus are very much similar in their morphology except few micromorphological distinctions.  It is a xerophytic C₄ grass, which grows in bunches and more often with creeping rhizomes. These grasses can exist under minimal level of precipitation ranging from as low as 95 mm to 1000 mm. Cenchrus is very efficient in water usages as its root draws soil moisture rapidly as compared to other plants. Various traits are known to wild species of genus Cenchrus but due to lack of enough studies their full potential has not been exercised.  An attempt has been need to study morphology of three species common in our region so that these details can further be utilized to exploit these species for their full potential.