Swamp millet
Isachne globosa

Family: Poaceae

What it is like

A millet grass which keeps growing from year to year. It grows 30-70 cm high. It forms loose clumps. The stems are trailing and form roots at the nodes. The leaves are 2-10 cm long by 0.3-0.8 cm wide. They are narrowly sword shaped. They are dark green and slightly roughened. The leaves are scattered along the stalk and at right angles to it. The flower heads are 6-12 cm long and 4-6 cm wide. They are open and with many branches. The spikelet is 0.2 cm long. It is purplish.

There are about 80-100 Isachne species. It can be a troublesome weed in rice fields.

Where it is found

A tropical to warm temperate plant. It grows in low lying wet soils. It forms mats around the edges of streams and swamps. It can tolerate light frosts. In Java it grows in the lowlands and up to 1,300 m above sea level. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Guinea, New Zealand, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tasmania, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The tender tops are eaten with rice.

Edible parts

Shoots

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed or by division of the clump.

Its other names

Local names

Babantalan, Beubeunteuran, Dauria, Doaria, Kakasuran, Kasuran, Letthe-zaung-myet, Rumput minyak, Waderan

Synonyms

Isachne australis R.Br.;