Wild adlay
Polytoca gigantea

Family: Poaceae

What it is like

A tall broad leafed grass. It can be up to 4 m tall and the firm stem has prop roots near the ground. It is a perennial grass. The seeds are in a dense spike.

There are 6 Coix species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It is common in swampy places in the highlands.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, India, Myanmar, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, SE Asia

How it is used for food

The stems are used for the making of salt. They are also reported to be eaten.

Edible parts

Stems

How it is grown

It can be grown from seeds, and stems that fall over also form roots at the nodes.

Its other names

Local names

Bandu, Danga gurgur, Hongobandu, Kyeik, Kyeik-kaing

Synonyms

Coix gigantea Koenig; Coix lingulata Hack.; Coix lachryma-jobi L. var. palustris (Koorders) Backer;