This grass with a wide neotropical, presently almost cosmopolitan distribution, is present as a weed in almost all regions of Italy (missing in Valle d'Aosta and no more reported since a long time from Trentino-Alto Adige). It grows in damp areas, especially along ditches and in rice paddies, on muddy or silty, periodically inundated soils, from sea level to about 600 m. The species is sporadic in the outer belt of the Sardinian temporary ponds. The genus name is one of the Greek names of millet; the species name as well derives from Greek, meaning 'with two ears'. Flowering period: July to September.

Italian name(s): Panico acquatico (Italia), Paspalo a poche spighe (Italia), Paspalo distico (Italia).