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Summary
Physical Characteristics
Pennisetum glaucum is a ANNUAL growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). It is in flower from September to October, 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) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
P.americanum. (L.)Schum. P. typhoideum. Rich.
Plant Habitats
Cultivated Beds;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Seed
Edible Uses:
Seed - raw or cooked. It can be used like rice in sweet or savoury dishes, or can be ground into a powder and used as a flour for making bread, porridge etc[74, 105, 183]. The grain is often fermented to make various foods[183] The sweet tasting grains are eaten raw by children[183]. Very nutritious[171].
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.
Appetizer Skin Tonic
The plant is appetiser and tonic[240]. It is useful in the treatment of heart diseases[240]. The fruits have been rubbed on open facial pimples in order to get rid of them[257].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Requires a light well-drained soil in a sunny position[162]. Succeeds in dry infertile soils[160]. This species is the most drought-resistant of all cereal crops[162]. Cultivated for its edible seed in tropical and sub-tropical areas[61, 142], it is especially suited to regions with a short growing season[266]. It is a more problematical crop in Britain, requiring a hot summer if it is to ripen a good crop of seed. There are often not many seeds on the inflorescence[160].
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Plant Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer.
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
(L.)R.Br.
Botanical References
74236266
Links / References
For a list of references used on this page please go here
Readers comment
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