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Summary
Physical Characteristics
Eragrostis tef is a ANNUAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in flower from August to September, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind.
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 dry or moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
E. abessinica. E. abyssinica. Poa abyssinica.
Plant Habitats
Cultivated Beds;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Seed
Edible Uses:
Seed - cooked. It is used as a cereal for making bread and as a fermented food[46, 57, 61, 183]. 'Enjera' is a fermented pancake-like bread that is a made from this grain in Ethiopia where it is a staple food[183]. The bread is spongy, soft, thin and sour tasting[183]. The seed is very small but easy to harvest[K]. Protein content is around 13%.
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
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Succeeds in any good loam or humus-rich soil in a sunny position[1]. Tef is cultivated for its seed in Ethiopia where it is a staple crop, there are many named varieties[46, 183]. It is occasionally cultivated for its seed in Europe[50] but is more commonly grown as an ornamental[1]. Plants can mature in 4 months from seed in warm climates[160], the crop is more problematic in Britain due to the cooler summers[K]. Plants tend to lodge[160].
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:
Fahrenheit:
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Plant Propagation
Seed - sow early spring in a greenhouse, only just covering the seed. Germination is usually very quick and free. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant out after the last expected frosts. The seed can also be sown in situ in late April, but in cool summers this might not give a long enough growing season to ripen the crop[200].
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Native Range
Coming Soon
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 it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
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
(Zuccagni.)Trotter.
Botanical References
150
Links / References
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