Panicum sonorum

Beal

Sonoran panic-grass

Poaceae Edible: Seeds, Cereal 171 iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Summary

An annual grass reaching 1 m tall. Hermaphroditic and wind-pollinated. Grows in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils, preferring good drainage and tolerating poor soil. Adapts to mildly acid, neutral, and basic soils. Requires full sun. Tolerates both dry and moist conditions.

Description

A millet grass. An annual grass up to 1 m tall. The cultivated form has larger spikelets. Now Panicum hirticaule

This description is brief — help expand it

Edible Uses

The seed can be cooked whole or ground into a flour for making tortillas and similar foods. It has a pleasant, mild flavour and can be used in the same way as millet.

Traditional Uses

The seed is cooked or ground into a flour. It is used in tortillas and tamales. The flour is seasoned with salt and sugar and mixed with milk to make a drink.

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

A tropical plant. It grows in poor soil. It needs full sunlight and a well drained soil. It is damaged by frosts. It suits semiarid areas.

Where It Grows

Central America, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, North America, USA,

Cultivation

We have almost no information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. It is cultivated on a small scale in south-western N. America for its edible seed, there is at least one named variety. The plant has a long growing season and may not produce a crop on tough soils. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a moderately fertile well-drained soil in full sun. Succeeds in ordinary garden soil.

Propagation

Sow seed in spring in a greenhouse, covering only just lightly. Germination should occur within a week. Prick out seedlings into trays or individual pots and plant out after the last expected frosts.

Other Uses

None known.

Production

Some varieties are fast growing and heat tolerant.

Other Information

An ancient crop being re-established.

Notes

There are about 500 Panicum species.

Also Known As

Saui, Arrocillo, Sauwi

References (7)

Felger, R.S., Ancient Crops for the Twenty first century, in Rickie, G.A., (ed), 1979, New Agricultural Crops, AAAS Selected Symposium 38. Westview Press, Colarado. p 10
Grass. N. Amer. 2:130. 1896
Hermandez Bermejo, J.E., and Leon, J. (Eds.), 1994, Neglected Crops. 1492 from a different perspective. FAO Plant Production and Protection Series No 26. FAO, Rome. p 30
Kiple, K.F. & Ornelas, K.C., (eds), 2000, The Cambridge World History of Food. CUP p 113
Marinelli, J. (Ed), 2004, Plant. DK. p 274

Show all 7 references

Moerman, D. F., 2010, Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press. p 377
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/