Cenchrus americanus, commonly known as Pearl Millet, is an annual grass native to the open grasslands and savannahs of Central and West Africa. It is a staple food crop in arid and semi-arid regions of Africa and the Indian subcontinent. Pearl Millet typically grows to a height of 1-3 meters with a robust, tillering habit that can produce multiple stems from the base. The plant has slender, erect, and leafy stems with a cylindrical inflorescence that bears the grains. The grains are ovoid and can vary in color, including nearly white, pale yellow, brown, grey, slate blue, or purple. The 1000-seed weight ranges from 2.5 to 14 grams, with an average of 8 grams, making them the largest kernels among millet varieties, excluding sorghum.

Pearl Millet is valued for its high tolerance to drought, low soil fertility, and high temperatures, making it an important crop in challenging environments where other cereals fail. It is often used for forage and as a cover crop, improving soil health and preventing erosion. Its ability to grow in soils with high salinity or low pH is particularly notable. The plant produces green and purple flowers during the summer, which are less showy compared to other ornamental grasses. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun and requires low to medium water, preferring soils with medium to fast drainage. While not commonly grown for ornamental purposes, its tall, waving stems can add texture to garden landscapes.CC BY-SA 4.0