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Summary

Thysanolaena latifolia, or commonly known as Tiger Grass or Asian Broom Grass is the sole species in the Thysanolaeneae genus. Its stem is round and solid. The leaves are narrow, large, leathery, heart-shaped, and taper to a fine point. Flowers are brownish. Fruits are small grains. The fresh leaf buds are eaten. No plant part of this species is of medicinal importance. However, T. latifolia is utilized mainly as hedges and to provide screening. Its flowering panicles are used to make light dust brooms which are highly durable. Plants are grown from seeds.

Physical Characteristics

Thysanolaena latifolia is an evergreen Perennial growing to 3 m (9ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Agrostis latifolia Heyne ex Bor Agrostis maxima Roxb. Agrostis scoparia J.K?nig ex Bor Melica latifo

Habitats

Edible Uses

None known

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

None known

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Broom Hedge

Agroforestry Uses: The plant is frequently grown to provide screening and hedges[200 , 317 ]. Other Uses The flowering panicles are used to make light, dust brooms[46 ]. The panicles are harvested after flowering[317 ]. In the Philippines a very characteristic, light dust broom is made of the panicles of this grass[345 ]. These brooms are extensively used for sweeping the highly polished hardwood floors so characteristic of the better houses in the Philippines. The panicles of this species are considered to make the best grade of these brooms, and for this purpose they are gathered extensively in some parts of the Islands. The handles of the brooms are made of the flowering stems variously interwoven or bound together, the panicles being arranged in a fan-like fashion to form the broom itself. The brooms are decidedly pretty and very effective for their special purpose[345 ]. Thysanolaena brooms are more durable than those made from Phragmites and command a higher price[345 ].

Special Uses

Hedge

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a rich soil and a position in full sun[200 ]. Bloom Color: Rose/Mauve. Spacing: 12-15 in. (30-38 cm).

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Propagation

Seed -

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Amreso, Chyas, Buloh teberau, Rumput buloh, Menjalin wuwu, Awis, Kaso beurit, Tamiyang balu, Pirlu, Tangtang angin, Bouquet-grass, Kuchi, Phuljanta, Phulbadhuni, Hmunphiah, Ophi, Bushnia, Karsar, Garajono, Barucha, Chir, amreso, amrisau, chyas, gerai, huk, karauti chhe, mra, mro kucha, mí, phurke, phys, sarsi, sellosang, tiger grass, tuphi.

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, China, India, Indochina Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, SE Asia, Thailand,

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : This taxon has not yet been assessed

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Expert comment

Author

(Roxb. ex Hornem.) Honda

Botanical References

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here
A special thanks to Ken Fern for some of the information used on this page.

Thysanolaena latifolia - (Roxb. ex Hornem.) Honda