Giant quaking grass
Briza maxima
Family: Poaceae
What it is like
An annual grass. It grows 60 cm high. The flowering stalk usually has 3-8 large spikelets. They droop at the tip.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. In Zimbabawe it grows between 1,600-1,710 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Balkans, Bosnia, Brazil, Chile, China, East Africa, Europe, Mediterranean, North Africa, Sao Tome and Principe, Slovenia, South Africa, South America, Spain, Tasmania, Uruguay, Zimbabwe
How it is used for food
The seeds are crushed and cooked and used in porridge and bread. The young flowering spikes are eaten raw as a snack.
Edible parts
Seeds - spice
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Majkine suze, Pana de cuco, Pendientes, Velika migalica