Latin digitus – finger.

Rhizomatous or stoloniferous annuals or perennials. Leaves not basally aggregated, broad or narrow, rolled in bud. Inflorescence with spicate main branches more or less digitately arranged. Spikelets solitary, paired or in triplets (usually in groups of 2-3), secund and largely stalked. Glumes one per spikelet, or 2 (then very unequal), lower glume 0-1nerved, or 3 nerved at the base, upper glume 3-7 nerved. Lemma firmer than glumes, pointed, awnless, 1-3 nerved. Palea relatively long, awnless, entire, 2-nerved.

Significant weed species include D. sanguinalis, D. decumbens and D. ciliaris; cultivated fodder species D. eriantha; native pasture grass D. longifolia; lawn species D. didactyla, D. swazilandensi and D. timorensis.

Seed.

Digitate windmill-like flower heads, the side branches spread along the stem.

About 220 species from warm regions, mostly species of open habitats.

Henrard (1950).

Source: Spencer, R.; Aldous, D.; Stajsic, V.; McGeary, D (2005). Poaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.