Sauwi, Mexican panicgrass
Panicum sonorum
Family: Poaceae or Gramineae
What it is like
Panicum sonorum is a ANNUAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). 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, 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.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Poor land.
Southern N. America - Northern Mexico.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Seed - cooked or ground into a powder and used as a flour for making tortillas etc. The seed has a pleasant mild flavour and can be used like millet.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
We have almost no information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. It is cultivated on a small scale in south-western N. America for its edible seed, there is at least one named variety. The plant has a long growing season and may not produce a crop on tough soils. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a moderately fertile well-drained soil in full sun. Succeeds in ordinary garden soil.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Germination should take place within a week. Prick out the seedlings into trays or individual pots and plant them out after the last expected frosts.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist