Asian Broom Grass, Tiger Grass
Thysanolaena latifolia

Family: Poaceae

What it is like

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.

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.

Height (m): 3

Where it is found

Valleys and lightly shaded slopes; ravines; river banks; forest margins; open grasslands. Usually in association with trees (often bamboo forests), solitarily or in small groups, not in full sunlight; at elevations from 150 - 2,000 metres.

E. Asia - southern China, Japan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia.

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed

Countries/locations it is found in

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

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 4

Agroforestry Uses: The plant is frequently grown to provide screening and hedges. Other Uses The flowering panicles are used to make light, dust brooms. The panicles are harvested after flowering. In the Philippines a very characteristic, light dust broom is made of the panicles of this grass. 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. Thysanolaena brooms are more durable than those made from Phragmites and command a higher price.

Broom: Used for sweeping the floor etc.

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Hedge: Hedge

How it is grown

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

Propagating it: Seed -

Best place to grow:

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 10-12

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

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.

Synonyms

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