Plant profile: Pennisetum setaceum

Kathleen Konicek-Moran for The National

The perennial bunch grass, native to the region, grows fast and tolerates drought

Pennisetum setaceum is native to tropical Africa, the Middle East and South West Asia. It’s classified as a perennial bunch grass, and is often used as an ornamental plant.

Two of the species’ cultivars grown in this region are African fountain grass – identified by its green colouring with white seed heads – and rubrum – known for its dark-red leaves and pink-purple seed heads.

The plant is fast-growing and can often reach up to 90 centimetres tall. As it is a hearty species – the Pennisetum is drought-tolerant once fully established – it’s ideal for ­xeriscaping in the UAE.

To maintain, it’s best to trim the plant every six months or so, cutting back about 15 centimetres each time.

Propagation can be done by dividing large clumps into sections, although it’s also self-seeding.