Imperata is a small but widespread genus of tropical and subtropical grasses, commonly known as satintails.

[1][2] Satintail grass species are perennial rhizomatous herbs with solid, erect stems and silky inflorescences.

The best known species is Imperata cylindrica, which is recognized as a devastating noxious weed in many places and cultivated as an ornamental plant in others.

[3][4][5][6] The genus is named after Ferrante Imperato, a Renaissance apothecary who lived in Naples in the late-16th and early-17th centuries.

[7][8][9] As of November 2022[update], Plants of the World Online accepted the following species:[10] Various species have been relocated to other genera, such as Cinna, Lagurus, Miscanthus Saccharum, and Tripidium:[11]