Eragrostis tef, commonly known as Teff or Williams Lovegrass, is an annual grass native to the highlands and lowlands of Ethiopia and Eritrea, where it thrives in diverse environments ranging from dry to wet conditions. It is a staple crop in its native region, adapted to environments that can be challenging for other cereals. Teff’s native habitat includes both seasonally waterlogged soils and drought-prone areas, making it a versatile plant in terms of moisture requirements. It typically grows to a height of 1-4 feet (0.3-1.2 meters), depending on the variety and growing conditions.

Teff is valued for its fine seeds, which are high in protein, iron, and fiber, and are used to make injera, a traditional Ethiopian flatbread. Its rapid growth rate and ability to thrive in both dry and wet marginal soils make it a useful crop for sustainable agriculture. In cultivation, it prefers full sun exposure and can tolerate a range of soil types, though it performs best in soils with medium drainage. While it requires low to medium amounts of water, consistent moisture will generally yield better results. Teff is also used as forage for livestock and has potential as a gluten-free grain alternative in Western diets.CC BY-SA 4.0