Gynerium sagittatum

Family: Poaceae

What it is like

A grass. It can grow 3-10 m tall. It has rhizomes or underground stems. The leaves are simple and dark green. They are narrow.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It is best in light shade. It needs a pH between 6-8.5. It cannot tolerate frost. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 1,700 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Amazon, Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Central America, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Ghana, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Leeward Is., Mexico, Nicaragua, North America, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, South America (country/location of origin), Suriname, Trinidad-Tobago, USA, Venezuela

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Seeds

How it is grown

It can be grown by seeds or cuttings. A spacing of up to 90 cm is suitable.

It is fast growing and short lived.

Its other names

Local names

Cana brava, Shuru'

Synonyms

Aira gigantea; Aundo fastuosa; Arundo rugii; Arundo saccharoides; Arundo sagittata (Aubl.) Pers.; Cynodon gynerium; Gynerium levyi; Gynerium parviflorum; Gynerium procerum; Gynerium saccharioides; Saccharum sagittatum Aubl.;