Mango, Mango brome
Bromus mango
Family: Poaceae or Gramineae
What it is like
Bromus mango is a BIENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from June to July. 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 and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Not known
S. America - S. Chile, Argentina.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Seed - cooked. It is toasted and ground into a flour, then used to make an unleavened bread called 'cougue'. It is also used to make a drink called 'chicha'.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Drink: not including plant saps, tea or coffee substitutes.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors in this country. It succeeds on infertile acid soils. This plant was cultivated as a biennial cereal by the Araucana Indians of Chile until at least the middle of the last century. Thought to have become extinct, it has recently (1990 article) been rediscovered. It has been grown successfully outdoors at Kew Gardens in Londn. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in most well-drained soils in a sunny position.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring or autumn in situ and only just cover. Germination should take place within 2 weeks. If seed is in short supply it can be surface sown in a cold frame in early spring. When large enough to handle, prick out the seedlings into individual pots and plant them out in early summer.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Biennial
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist