Botanical Name - Paspalum scrobiculatum

----- Paspalum, Linn. Paspalum scrobiculatum, Linn. F.B.I. V. 7. P. 10. Vern. Arugu, Nita ari gaddi, Arikelu (Tel).

----- An annual grass about 2 ft. tall, often tufted, erect or shortly decumbent at the base, glabrous, leafy, from the base upwards. Leaves narrow, flat or more or less inrolled. Inflorescence a panicle consisting of 2 or several false spikes, which are distant on the axis. False spike spreading horizontal or suberect. Spikelets in 2-rows on the under surface of the glabrous rachis, often brown or green in colour.

----- Found near wet cultivations, edges of lakes and in moist conditions in forests of Mulug, Singaram and Mahadeopur Blocks of Warangal and Karimnagar divisions, probably elsewhere also. The grain is used for food but requires careful preparation as it is liable to act as a narcotic poison. The straw makes good fodder for cattles.