Cenchrus

About 100 species, from warm-temperate and tropical countries; 24 in Australia (6 native), 8 in Victoria (all naturalised).

Pennisetum was until recently regarded as a genus separate from Cenchrus but the distinguishing feature (the involucre composed of free bristles rather than bristles and/or scales that are united to some extent) was known to be weak for a number of species. Subsequently molecular data has supported the inclusion of Pennisetum into Cenchrus, the earlier-named genus. Grown for ornament and forage, but many species are 'tranformational' weeds (i.e. they dominate and change natural ecological processes within invaded communities).