Panicum Maximum (Mombasa Grass)

Panicum Maximum, commonly known as Mombasa Grass or Guinea Grass, is a highly productive, leafy, perennial grass native to tropical Africa, valued for forage, hay, and silage. It has a deep root system, making it drought-tolerant and adaptable to various soils, though it prefers well-drained, fertile conditions. The grass is a key feed source for livestock, growing up to 3-4 meters tall, and is also used in agroforestry and for biomass production.

Panicum Maximum (Mombasa Grass)

• Growth Habit: A tall, perennial, tufted, and robust grass that can reach heights of 3-4 meters.
• Root System: Possesses a deep root system that enables it to withstand extended dry periods.
• Soil Preference: Thrives in fertile, well-drained soils and does not tolerate waterlogged conditions.
• Drought Tolerance: Shows good drought tolerance, making it suitable for tropical regions.
• Waterlogging Tolerance: Has a medium tolerance to waterlogged conditions.

Panicum Maximum (Mombasa Grass)

• Nutritional Content: Contains 8-12% crude protein on poor soils and 12-14% on better soils.
• Livestock Consumption: Consumed by all classes of livestock, with high intake of young, leafy growth.
• Productivity: A very productive grass, yielding 20-40 tons of dry matter per year.
• Usage: Used for grazing, hay, silage, and as a source of large amounts of organic material.
• Agroforestry: Essential in agroforestry systems for producing food and organic material.
• Biomass: Used as a biomass crop for electricity, heat, and biofuel production.
• Other Applications: Also used in phytoremediation projects and as an ornamental grass.