Tall, robust, non-native annual grass cultivated as a cereal in the tropics and subtropics. If sown during the rainy season, reaches maturity in about six weeks with good yields of rather coarse fodder. Fertile, moist but well-drained soils required for high yields. Grows vigorously, tolerates temporary flooding, and can sometimes already be grazed three weeks after sowing. Often occurs as a weed in rice and cotton.