Alkali sakaton
Sporobolus airoides

Family: Poaceae

What it is like

A grass. It forms bunches and can grow to 2 m tall. The stem bases are thick and tough. The leaves are green to grey and 50-60 cm long. The flowering shoots are long and wide open.

There are about 160 Sporobolus species. They are mainly in the tropics and subtropics.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows well in alkaline soils. It will also grow in salty soils.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, India, North America (country/location of origin), USA

How it is used for food

The seeds are parched, ground and eaten dry or made into mush.

Edible parts

Seeds, cereal

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Agrostis airoides Torr.; Sporobolus regis I. M. Johnst.; and others