Ngula, Keltje
Mnesithea rottboellioides
Family: Poaceae
What it is like
A tufted grass. It has underground stems or rhizomes. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 1-3.5 m high. The flowers are green.
There are 6 Mnesithea species.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows near the sea. It grows on sands, creeks, swamps and around sandstone boulders.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia (country/location of origin), East Timor, SE Asia, Timor-Leste
How it is used for food
The stems are chewed for the sweet sap. The rhizomes are eaten.
Edible parts
Stems, rhizomes, root
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Marurt, Pitarika