Sporobolus pallidus — Edible Plant

Summary

Sporobolus pallidus is a perennial grass growing in light sandy and medium loamy soils with good drainage. It thrives in mildly acid to basic pH conditions, tolerates saline soils, and requires full sun. The wind-pollinated, hermaphroditic plant tolerates both dry and moist soils, drought conditions, and maritime exposure.

Description

Sporobolus pallidus is a perennial grass growing in light sandy and medium loamy soils with good drainage. It thrives in mildly acid to basic pH conditions, tolerates saline soils, and requires full sun. The wind-pollinated, hermaphroditic plant tolerates both dry and moist soils, drought conditions, and maritime exposure.

Edible Uses

The seed can be eaten raw or cooked. It can be ground into flour, formed into a paste, and baked.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Distribution

It is a tropical plant.

Where It Grows

Australia*,

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. There is some confusion over the correct name for this species, it might be better known as S. virginicus pallidus. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in any well drained soil in a sunny position.

Propagation

Sow seed in spring in a greenhouse, barely covering it; germination should occur within two weeks. Prick seedlings into individual pots once large enough to handle and plant out during summer if sufficiently developed, otherwise overwinter them in the greenhouse and plant out in late spring the following year. For division in spring, larger clumps can go directly into permanent positions, while smaller divisions do best potted up and grown on in a lightly shaded cold frame until well established, then planted out in summer.

Other Uses

None known Special Uses

Notes

There are about 160 Sporobolus species. They are mainly in the tropics and subtropics.

Synonyms

S. lindleyi.

References (2)

T. L. Mitchell, J. exped. trop. Australia 187. 1848
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/