Sacciolepis interrupta

Description

A grass which grows in water. It grows vigorously. The shoots root and float in water. It is spongy, fleshy, hollow and smooth. It grows 20-50 cm tall. The stalk can be 1 cm across. The leaf sheaths are loose and papery. The leaf blades are narrow, flat and soft. They are 4-12 cm long by 0.3-0.6 cm wide The base ends abruptly and it tapers to the tip. The spikelets are light green.

Edible Uses

The grains are eaten, particularly during times of food scarcity.

Traditional Uses

The grains are eaten during times of food scarcity.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Distribution

A tropical plant. It grows in swamps, shallow lakes and rice fields in Yunnan in S China. It can grow on clayey and sandy soils. It grows in wet grass savannah and temporary pools. It grows in water up to 1 m deep.

Where It Grows

Africa, Asia, Bhutan, Botswana, Central Africa, Chad, China, East Africa, Guinea, Guinée, Guinea-Bissau, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, SE Asia, Sierra Leone, Southern Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Vietnam, West Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe,

Notes

There are about 30 Sacciolepis species.

Synonyms

Also Known As

Guilguil, Jian xu nang ying cao, Modike hullu, Myet-win-poo, Nardula, Pakalia, Tandan pillu, Wolam

References (8)

• Ambasta, S.P. (Ed.), 2000, The Useful Plants of India. CSIR India. p 538
• CRÉAC'H,
• Dalziel, J. M., 1937, The Useful plants of west tropical Africa. Crown Agents for the Colonies London.
• Peters, C. R., O'Brien, E. M., and Drummond, R.B., 1992, Edible Wild plants of Sub-saharan Africa. Kew. p 26
• Poaceae Flora of China.

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