Imperata koenigii
(Retz.) P. Beauv.
(c) 蜻蜓, some rights reserved (CC BY)
(c) 蜻蜓, some rights reserved (CC BY)
(c) 蜻蜓, some rights reserved (CC BY)
What to Eat
Edible parts: Buds
It is regarded as an excellent plant for thatching the roofs of traditional homes throughout south-east Asia, and is even grown as a crop for this purpose. It is planted extensively for ground cover and soil stabilization near beach areas and other areas subject to erosion. Other uses include paper-making, thatching and weaving into mats and bags. It is used in traditional Chinese medicine. A number of cultivars have been selected for garden use as ornamental plants, including the red-leaved 'Red Baron', also known as Japanese blood grass. Young inflorescences and shoots may be eaten cooked, and the roots contain starch and sugars.
Where to Find It
It is a temperate plant.
Asia, Japan, Myanmar, SE Asia,
How to Identify
A temperate grass species with young edible buds.
Medicinal Uses
The plant contains the triterpenoids arundoin, cylindrin and fernenol.
Notes
There are 6-10 Imperata species.
Names & Synonyms
Thekke-kyet-mi
References (2)
- Altschul, S.V.R., 1973, Drugs and Foods from Little-known Plants. Notes in Harvard University Herbaria. Harvard Univ. Press. Massachusetts. no. 11
- Ess. Agrostogr. 165, 177. 1812
