Imperata cylindrica

Botanical Description

Imperata cylindrica is a perennial grass growing around 120cm tall and forming extensive clumps by means of its aggressively spreading rhizomes[ 418 Title Ecocrop Publication Author Website http://ecocrop.fao.org/ecocrop/srv/en/home Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description Basic information on a wide range of useful plants, plus details of environmental needs where available. ]. Considered to be a noxious weed in many areas of the tropics, it is sometimes harvested from the wild for its wide range of edible, medicinal and other uses. It is sometimes used in soil stabilization schemes. Although it has a wide range of useful attributes, alang-alang is also a widespread, weed of disturbed ground and cultivated areas - indeed, it is considered to be one of the 10 most noxious weeds in the world. It spreads vigorously by its rhizomes, which descend deep into the soil and are almost impossible to eradicate. The plant rapidly invades native areas, outcompeting the native vegetation, and may cover very large areas of ground, and flourishes particularly well in grasslands that are frequently burned[ 266 Title Flora of China Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/ Publisher Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis. Year 1994 ISBN Description An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available. ]. Plants grow away vigorously after a fire, often spreading freely to infest the burnt areas[ 144 Title Wild Food in Australia. Publication Author Cribb. A. B. and J. W. Publisher Fontana Year 1976 ISBN 0-00-634436-4 Description A very good pocket guide. , 193 Title Wild Food Plants of Australia. Publication Author Low. T. Publisher Angus and Robertson. Year 1989 ISBN 0-207-14383-8 Description Well presented, clear information and good photographs. An interesting read for the casual reader as well as the enthusiast ].