Panicum turgidum is a perennial bunchgrass, growing in dense bushes up to 1 metre (3.3 ft) tall.

The roots are covered in hairs to which fine sand adheres creating a felted appearance.

[2] In the Nigerien Sahara, tussocks of Panicum turgidum act as a nurse plants for tree regeneration.

Accordingly, transplanting seedlings of Saharan trees inside Panicum’s tussocks may promote substantially reforestation in degraded areas on a long-term scale.

[5] The leaves and shoots of this grass are palatable to livestock, and camels and donkeys will also eat it in the dry state.