Eragrostis abyssinica, commonly known as teff or Williams lovegrass, is an annual grass indigenous to the diverse ecological zones of the Horn of Africa, particularly Eritrea and Ethiopia. It thrives in both highlands and lowlands, adapting to a range of environments from semi-arid to waterlogged soils. Teff’s typical height is 1-4 feet with a fine stem and small, narrow leaves. The plant produces tiny, round seeds in a range of colors from white to red to dark brown. The seeds are the smallest of all cereal grains, yet they pack a nutritional punch with high protein, calcium, and iron content. Flowering occurs from July to September, and the inflorescences are open panicles that can be quite attractive.

Teff is highly valued for its edible seeds, which are ground into flour and used to make injera, a traditional Ethiopian flatbread. Its cultivation is not limited to its native range; it is also grown in other parts of the world for its gluten-free seeds. In cultivation, teff requires minimal inputs and is known for its rapid growth and ability to thrive in both wet and dry conditions, making it a resilient crop for marginal soils. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, and while it is drought-resistant, it performs best with consistent moisture. Teff can be a useful cover crop due to its quick establishment, which suppresses weeds and improves soil structure. However, its fine seeds and rapid growth can make it difficult to manage, and it may become weedy if not carefully controlled.CC BY-SA 4.0