Melinis nerviglumis is a species of grass known by the common names mountain red top or bristle-leaved red top. The Latin name refers to the veined glume.[1] It is native from tropical to southern Africa, the western Indian Ocean islands, and Indochina.[1] It is cultivated as a garden ornamental due to its colourful purple flowers.[2] The flowers are produced in summer and fade to white as they mature. By this time the seeds can be harvested for new plantings.