Citation: Koel., Descr. Gram. Gall. & Germ. 27 (1802).

Synonymy: Panicum ciliare Retz., Obs. Bol. 4:16 (1786-7); P. adscendens Kunth in Humb., Bonpl. & Kunth, Nov. Gen. et Sp. Pl. 1:80 (1816); D. adscendens (Kunth)Henrard, Blumea 1:92 (1934).

Common name: Crab grass, summer grass.

Description:
Annual, 15-70 cm high, with flat linear to linear-lanceolate flaccid leaves 5-15 cm long and 4-8 mm broad; ligule truncate or erose, 1-2 mm long; racemes usually 4-9, subdigitate, at first erect but later spreading, 3-30 cm long.

Spikelets lanceolate, 3-3.25 mm long, acuminate, a pale greenish to purplish, glabrous or more often variously hairy; first glume usually distinct but short; second glume half to three-quarters of the length of the spikelet, narrow, 3-nerved, usually with fine hairs between the nerves and on the margins; first (sterile) lemma equalling the spikelet, 7-nerved, second (fertile) lemma oblong-lanceolate, almost as long as the spikelet.

Published illustration: Gilliland (1971) A revised flora of Malaya 3:fig. 40.

Distribution:  S.Aust.: GT, EP, NL, MU, SL, KI, SE.   All States.   Native throughout the tropics. Conservation status: native Flowering time: Feb. — April.

SA Distribution Map based on current data relating to specimens held in the State Herbarium of South Australia

Biology: This species is very similar to D. sanguinalis and great care is needed in their identification.

Author: Not yet available