a genus of Old World grasses

Pennisetum is a genus of grasses in the grass family (Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae, tribe Paniceae), native to tropical and warm temperate regions of the world. They are large annual or perennial grasses, reaching 1-4 m tall. The genus includes a number of species grown for oramental purposes (such as Fountain Grass), as well as a type of millet, and a pasture form (Kikuyu Grass) originating from the highlands of Kenya.