Tiger grass, Broom-grass
Thysanolaena latifolia

Family: Poaceae

What it is like

A grass which keeps growing from year to year. It grows to about 3 m tall. The stem is round and solid. The leaves are large and narrow. They are leathery and taper to a fine point. They are heart shaped at the base. The flower is brownish. The fruit is a grain. It is very small.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. In Nepal it grows from 300-2000 m altitude. It grows in open, rocky places. It grows on mountain sides. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Guinea, Philippines, SE Asia, Sikkim, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The fresh leaf buds are eaten. Rice and other foods are wrapped in the leaves for cooking and this imparts a flavour to the food.

Edible parts

Leaf buds, flowers, leaves - flavouring

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed or by splitting the mother plant.

Its other names

Local names

Amliso, Amreso, Amriso, Awis, Barucha, Bouquet-grass, Buloh teberau, Bushnia, Chir, Chyas, Garajono, Ge lao mie, Hmunphiah, Karsar, Kaso beurit, King er, Kuchi, Me bu, Menjalin wuwu, Ophi, Phulbadhuni, Phuljanta, Pirlu, Rumput buloh, Tamiyang balu, Tangtang angin

Synonyms

Agrostis maxima Roxb.; Melicia latifolia Roxb.; Thysanolaena acarifera Arnott & Nees; Thysanolaena agrostis Nees; Thysanolaena maxima (Roxb.) Kuntze; and many others