[3] Cenchrus pennisetiformis is native to East Africa where it is found in Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya, and to western Asia, where it occurs in Southern Iran, Yemen, India and Pakistan.

[4] C. pennisetiformis is a grass suited to growing in arid and semi-arid environments because it remains green and palatable even in the dry season.

It grows best on light sandy or silty soils, in either full sun or partial shade, but cannot tolerate heavy, cracking clays.

Several species of grasses including C. pennisetiformis, Diplachne fusca, Panicum turgidum and Pennisetum divisum are able to provide good grazing for livestock and even dairy enterprises in these areas.

Research has shown that C. pennisetiformis and P. turgidum produce the most forage under drought conditions, and are able to tolerate moderate levels of salinity in the subsoil groundwater, and irrigation with this brackish water.