Elephant grass

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For an Asian grass known as Elephant Grass, see Miscanthus.

Elephant Grass (Pennisetum purpureum), also known as Napier Grass, is a species of grass native to the tropical grasslands of Africa. It is a tall perennial plant, growing to a maximum height of 3-7 m (10-23 ft), with leaves 30-90 cm long and 2-3 cm broad.

It has a very high productivity, both as a forage grass for livestock and as a biofuel crop. The name derives from its being a favourite food of elephants.

It can be killed with a light layer of frost but is usually harvested before winter so it can be burnt in the power plants.

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