Cenchrus orientalis

Cenchrus orientale, previously Pennisetum orientale, commonly known as the oriental fountain grass, is a species of flowering plant in the grass family Poaceae, native to North West Asia and North Africa. Growing to 60 cm (24 in) tall and broad, this decorative perennial grass forms clumps with multiple tufted panicles up to 14 cm (5.5 in) in length. The panicles are pale pink, maturing to brown.^[1]

Cenchrus orientalis
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Clade:	Commelinids
Order:	Poales
Family:	Poaceae
Subfamily:	Panicoideae
Genus:	Cenchrus
Species:	C. orientalis
Binomial name
Cenchrus orientalis (Rich.) Morrone
Synonyms
Pennisetum orientale Rich.

The plant is not entirely hardy, disliking prolonged freezing temperatures. In cultivation it requires a sheltered position and some winter protection in colder areas. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.^[2][3]