Setaria megaphylla

Setaria megaphylla, commonly known as Natal buffalo grass, broad-leaved bristle grass or in Afrikaans riffelblaarmannagras (wrinkle-leaved manna grass), is a perennial, tufted herb with broad leaves. It grows from a short rhizome, spreading by way of creeping stolons.

This plant is often found in shade. Various forest habitats, but also low-lying grassland and moist areas such as along watercourses, all form part of its typical habitat.

S. megaphylla serves well in stabilising disturbed land, also as a water purifier by absorbing excess nutrients (Lowrey and Wright, 1987; Van Oudtshoorn and Van Wyk, 1991; www.plantzafrica.com).