Native forage grass species from the Federal District, Brazil

Abstract

One hundred and thirty-four native forage grass species from the Distrito Federal, Brazil, are listed. For each species the following information is given: scientific name, habitat, relative importance, palatability and forage value. Using these criteria thirteen species with the highest forage value were detected. These are: Actinocladum verticillatium, Agenium goyazense, Arthropogon villosus, Axonopus aureus, A. chrysoblepharis, A. marginatus, Echinolaena inflexa, Mesosetum loliiforme, Paspalum erianthum, P. gardnerianurn, P. splendens, Setaria geniculata and Schizachyriun tenerun. All these species are inhabitants of the open habitats, i.e., cerrado sensu stricto, «campo sujo» (native vegetation) and «campo limpo» (cleared field). In addition, they are all perennial and fire-adapted.