Eragrostis is a large and widespread genus of plants in the grass family, found in many countries on all inhabited continents and many islands.

A notable exception is teff (E. tef), which is used to make traditional breads on the Horn of Africa, such as Ethiopian injera and Somalian laxoox.

Bahia lovegrass (E. bahiensis) is known as a hyperaccumulator of caesium-137 and can be grown to remove the highly toxic radioactive atoms from the environment.

The dense bunches also provide cover for small animals such as the rare Botteri's sparrow (Aimophila botterii).

[14][15] Many species now considered better suited to other genera, including Cladoraphis Coelachyrum Desmazeria Diplachne Ectrosia Festuca Harpachne Poa etc.