Common Name:

General Information

Miscanthus floridulus is a perennial grass growing from 2.4 - 3.6 metres tall[]. The plant forms clumps that slowly expand in circumference by short rhizomes, but still retain clump shape.
The plant is occasionally used as a food and medicine. More importantly, it is the source of a very good thatch that is often used in traditional buildings. It is cultivated as a hedge and ornamental[].

Known Hazards

The name 'sawgrass' is often used for this species because of the sharp edges on the leaves[]. It is best to wear gloves when working with the plant[].

Botanical References

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Range

E. Asia - China, Japan, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, New Guinea and through much of the Pacific.

Habitat

Moist soils in meadows[], of lowland Japan[]. Slopes, valleys and grassy places in China[]. Often dominant on open slopes in Fiji, where it can form dense thickets at elevations from sea level to 900 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	3.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Young growth is susceptible to frost damage[].
Grows best in full sun, but also succeeding in light shade[, ]. Prefers a deep fertile loamy soil that does not dry out[] but succeeds in a wide range of soils, including heavy clays, so long as they are not too dry[, , ]. Plants can be grown as a focal point in lawns, they also succeed in quite coarse grass[].
This species is closely related to M. Sacchariflorus[].
Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[].

Edible Uses

The unopened flower spikes are edible[, ].

Medicinal

The rhizomes are used for medicine. No more details given[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Plants can be grown as a screen or hedge[, ]. Although they die down in areas with cold seasons, they quickly attain their full height with the return of warmer weather[]. Though the clumps may grow quite tall, they seldom need staking[].

Other Uses

The culms are used for papermaking[].

The leaves are used for thatching[]. They make a very durable thatch, superior to both the coconut and the nipa palm[].

The stems can be used for garden stakes[].

Propagation

Seed - surface sow in a sunny position in a nursery seedbed; keep moist but be careful not to wash the seeds away when watering. Germination should take place within a couple of weeks. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on until large enough to plant out.
Division. Very easy.

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