[1] It is native to Africa,[3] and it has been introduced elsewhere, such as the United States and Australia, and bred into many cultivars.

The firm, mostly upright stems grow up to 1.4 m (4.6 ft) tall.

[5] This C4 plant can grow on saline soils[6] and requires some of sodium for effective photosynthesis.

[9] While it makes a good graze for most animals, the grass has occasionally been associated with liver damage and photosensitivity in young ruminants and horses.

[3][10][11] This photosensitivity can lead to sunburn, which causes swelling of the head and ears of the animal, a condition commonly called "swellhead".