[6] African foxtail grass is native to tropical Africa, the Mediterranean region and the hotter and drier parts of Asia.

As a key species for pastoralism, Cenchrus ciliaris is projected, in one simulation, to expand its overall range in East Africa under a high-emission scenario (RCP 8.5) in the future.

The introduction was largely unsuccessful but the grass began to appear as a weed beside highways and in cleared fields or over-grazed land.

It can spread quickly and appears to increase the mortality of native plants, including grasses and even palo verdes, by taking away nearby water.

[13] In Australia's Northern Territory, invasive buffel grass is implicated in worsening wild fires and is declared a weed.