Saccharum spontaneum
L.
Wild pitpit, Wild sugarcane, Thatch grass
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Summary
Source: WikipediaSaccharum spontaneum (wild sugarcane, kans grass) is a grass native throughout much of tropical and subtropical Asia, northern Australia, and eastern and northern Africa. It is a perennial grass, growing up to three meters in height, with spreading rhizomatous roots. The plant has hybridized with Saccharum officinarum, a domesticated sugarcane. The hybridization has produced Saccharum barberi and Saccharum sinense.
Description
A strong clumpy perennial grass. It has rhizomes or underground stems. The stalks are upright, hard and slightly thickened at the nodes. They can be 4 m high. The leaves are long (150 cm) and narrow (4 cm) with fine teeth on the edge. The leaves are flat. The flowers at the tip are like feathers.
Edible Uses
The very young flower shoots are eaten raw or cooked, and can be used in chutney. The peeled rhizome is sweet and is chewed. The seeds are eaten, particularly in Uganda. Ash from the burnt plant is used as a salt substitute.
Traditional Uses
The very young flower shoots are eaten raw or cooked. They are also used in chutney. The peeled rhizome is sweet and is chewed. Ash from the burnt plant is used as a salt substitute. The seeds are eaten in Uganda.
Distribution
A tropical plant. It grows in the lowlands from sea level up to at least 1650 m. It is often common in areas with a strongly seasonal rainfall and in grassland areas. It grows in areas with a rainfall above 1,500 mm. It can grow in arid places.
Where It Grows
Afghanistan, Africa, Algeria, Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central Africa, Central America, Central Asia, Chad, China, Congo, Cuba, Cyprus, East Africa, East Timor, Egypt, Ethiopia, Europe, FSM, Ghana, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Korea, Kosrae, Laos, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Mariana Islands, Mauritius, Mediterranean, Micronesia, Middle East, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, North Africa, Northeastern India, Oman, Pacific, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Philippines, Pohnpei, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, SE Asia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tibet, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Vietnam, West Africa, West Indies, Yemen,
Cultivation
Plants are mostly grown by dividing up the old clump.
Other Uses
The plant is a source of material for thatching. Plants are used for hedging or screening.
Other Information
It is cultivated.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Abookin kibiyaa, Kadukabbu, Kaing, Kans, Kas, Kasa, Kashia danda, Keshur, Khagori, Kyan-sein-gale, Lao, Maqesha, Mojora, Oi-nu, Piko-pimur, Pira tobu, Tebu hitam, Teppi, Thekke-gyi
References (29)
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