Napier grass

Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum), also called elephant grass or Uganda grass, is a perennial grass of the grass family (Poaceae) native to tropical Africa. It grows in dense clumps with stems 2–4 m tall, sometimes up to 7 m, and strong creeping rhizomes. The leaves are 30–90 cm long and 1–5 cm wide, lanceolate with a prominent midrib and slightly rough margins. The cylindrical inflorescence is 10–30 cm long and yellow-brown or purple. It is among the highest-biomass grasses, growing very fast and tolerating drought and repeated cutting; it is propagated mainly from stem cuttings because viable seed is rarely produced. The species is grown widely throughout the tropics and subtropics, including Vietnam.

Napier grass is a staple fodder crop in many tropical countries: it is cut and fed fresh or ensiled to cattle, buffaloes, goats, rabbits and fish. Because of its large biomass it is also used as a feedstock for bioenergy (ethanol, pellets, power generation), and for paper and pulp. In agriculture it is planted to control erosion, as a living fence, ground cover and organic mulch. The plant prefers a humid tropical or subtropical climate (1000–1500 mm of rain a year) and fertile soil, and tolerates frequent cutting. In Vietnam it is widely grown for livestock and can be cut 4–6 times a year.