Pennisetum is a genus of grasses in the grass family (Poaceae, subfamily Panicoideae, tribe Paniceae). Fountain Grass is a perennial bunch grass from north Africa and can grow up to a meter high. It has been introduced to many parts of the world as an ornamental plant. It is drought tolerant, grows fast and has many purple, plumose flower spikes. Fountain grass has a limited range within its natural range along the Sahara and Mediterranean Coast. Although a native of North Africa, it has been introduced worl-wide. It thrives in warmer, drier areas and threatens many native species, with which it competes very effectively. It also tends to increase the risk of intense fires, thus posing a further threat to certain native species.