Pearl Millet
Pennisetum glaucum

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae

What it is like

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.

Height (m): 3

Where it is found

River banks in sandy soils, common as a weed.

E. Asia - China.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

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. The grain is often fermented to make various foods The sweet tasting grains are eaten raw by children. Very nutritious.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The plant is appetiser and tonic. It is useful in the treatment of heart diseases. The fruits have been rubbed on open facial pimples in order to get rid of them.

Appetizer: Improves the appetite

Skin: Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.

Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Requires a light well-drained soil in a sunny position. Succeeds in dry infertile soils. This species is the most drought-resistant of all cereal crops. Cultivated for its edible seed in tropical and sub-tropical areas, it is especially suited to regions with a short growing season. 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.

Propagating it: 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.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

P.americanum. (L.)Schum. P. typhoideum. Rich.