Abstract:

Cricket fighting is a traditional Chinese game that has lasted for more than 1000 years. Before competitions, Xishuai grass (stimulant grass) is commonly used to hit a cricket’s head and antennae to prepare the insects for battle. In “Flora of China” and flora of Chinese provinces, Xishuai grass is referenced as the Chinese common name of Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. In “Flora of Beijing” and “Flora of Hebei”, Xishuai grass is referenced as the Chinese common name of the genus Eleusine. In this paper, however, we demonstrate that Xishuai grass should actually be Digitaria spp. Given the mistakes in the above flora references, this paper aims to clarify the correct classification for future reference.

Key words: flora, Digitaria, Xishuai grass, Eleusine indica, taxonomy