Themeda villosa

Family: Poaceae

What it is like

A large grass. It is reed like and forms tufts. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 2-3 m tall. The culms are 1-2 cm across. The leaf blades are 100 cm long by 1-2 cm wide. They narrow towards the base. The flower is a compound panicle up to 1 m high and with drooping branches.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows on hill slopes and moist grassy places between 300-2,500 m above sea level in southern China.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia (country/location of origin), Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Northeastern India, Philippines, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tibet, West Africa

How it is used for food

Young shoots are eaten as a salad. They are sweet.

Edible parts

Shoots, vegetable

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Glagah arjuna, Manjah, Manjarakan, Rumput perimping, Rumput riong, Saing-lon, Sisren, Thekke-min

Synonyms

Themeda gigantea var. villosa Hack.;