Centropodia glauca, also known as ghagras or ikagras[1] [2] is a species of grass native to Botswana, Namibia, South Africa (Cape Provinces and Northern Provinces), and Kenya. The occurrence of this grass is proof of well-preserved sandveld. The grass is very hardy and can thrive in dry veld. It is a perennial pole grass that usually grows between 200–850mm but can grow up to 1m tall. The flowering period is between September and May.[3] Because ghagras have few leaves and the stalks are almost always green, it is resistant to fire.[4]
It grows mainly in deep sandy soil, particularly in duneveld; also grows in gravelly soil.[5] It is eaten by game, especially oryx.
It was first described by Christian Gottfried Daniel Nees von Esenbeck, and given its current name by Thomas Arthur Cope.[6]