UPSC Express

Which of the following statements are correct about ‘Elephant Grass’?

1.      It is temperate grass and found in cold Mediterranean regions.

2.      It is the tallest grass of the world.

3.      It is used as a fodder for cattle.

Select the code from following:

a       3 only
b       1 and 2
c       2 and 3
d       All of the above
Explanation:

Solution (a)

Pennisetum purpureum, also known as Napier grass, elephant grass or Uganda grass, is a species of perennial tropical grass native to the African grasslands. It has low water and nutrient requirements, and therefore can make use of otherwise uncultivated lands. Historically, this wild species has been used primarily for grazing.

Napier grasses improve soil fertility, and protect arid land from soil erosion. It is also utilized for firebreaks, windbreaks, in paper pulp production and most recently to produce bio-oil, biogas and charcoal.

Note: The tallest grass of the world is Bamboo.