Common Name:

General Information

Miscanthus floridulus is a robust, evergreen perennial grass growing from 240 - 360cm tall[]. The plant forms clumps that slowly expand in circumference by means of short rhizomes, but the plant still retains 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	Evergreen Perennial
Height	3.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Miscanthus floridulus is a plant of the warm temperate to tropical zones[]. The 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 photosynthesizes by a more efficient method than most plants. Called the 'C4 carbon-fixation pathway', this process is particularly efficient at high temperatures, in bright sunlight and under dry conditions.
This species is closely related to Miscanthus 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 spring in a greenhouse and keep moist. 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 in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Division in spring or early autumn[]. Very easy, large 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.