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Uses

Edible uses

Notes

Seed - raw, cooked or ground into a meal and used in making bread etc, gruel and as a thickener in soups[1][2][3][4][5]. The seed is rather small but when fully ripe it falls readily from the plant and is fairly easy to harvest[5]. Another report says that the seed is rather large[5], but this has not been our experience[K]. The seeds were parched over the flames of a fire in order to remove the hairs[6]. A pleasant taste and very nutritious[3][5], it contains about 6% sugars and 20% starch[6]. Before corn was introduced to the area, this seed was at one time a staple food for some native North American Indian tribes[6].

Material uses

There are no material uses listed for Achnatherum hymenoides.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

There are no medicinal uses listed for Achnatherum hymenoides.

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in situ[7].

We have had better results from sowing the seed in a greenhouse. Only just cover the seed and it should germinate freely within 2 weeks. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in early summer[K].

Division in spring. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Achnatherum hymenoides. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Succeeds in any moderately fertile moisture retentive soil in full sun[7].

This species is unlikely to tolerate temperatures lower than about -5°c, and so will only be suitable for the milder areas of the country[6].

Currently (1992) being tested for its potential as a perennial cereal for sandy soils in dry regions[5].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Achnatherum hymenoides. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Achnatherum hymenoides.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Achnatherum hymenoides
Genus
Achnatherum
Family
Gramineae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
8
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
no shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
  • Strong wind
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Ecosystem Niche
None listed.
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
Life
Deciduous or Evergreen
?
Herbaceous or Woody
?
Life Cycle
Growth Rate
?
Mature Size
Fertility
?
Pollinators
Flower Colour
?
Flower Type

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References

  1. ? 1.01.1 Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-20459-6 (1972-00-00)
  2. ? 2.02.1 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
  3. ? 3.03.13.2 Harrington. H. D. Edible Native Plants of the Rocky Mountains. University of New Mexico Press ISBN 0-8623-0343-9 (1967-00-00)
  4. ? 4.04.1 Coon. N. The Dictionary of Useful Plants. Rodale Press ISBN 0-87857-090-x (1975-00-00)
  5. ? 5.05.15.25.35.45.5 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
  6. ? 6.06.16.26.36.4 Weiner. M. A. Earth Medicine, Earth Food. Ballantine Books ISBN 0-449-90589-6 (1980-00-00)
  7. ? 7.07.17.2 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
  8. ? Fernald. M. L. Gray's Manual of Botany. American Book Co. (1950-00-00)
  9. ? Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named PFAFimport-60

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