Thysanolaena latifolia that’s used as a wrapper for glutinous rice dumplings

Posted by Jacqueline on October 8th, 2017 in Plants database

Thysanolaena latifolia (Bamboo Grass, Tiger Grass, Asian Broom Grass, Rumput Buloh/ Teberau in Malay)

The dried leaves of Bamboo Grass or Asian Broom Grass are Glutinous rice dumplings wrapped dumplings with dried leaves of Thysanolaena latifolia (Bamboo Grass, Tiger Grass, Asian Broom Grass, Rumput Buloh/ Teberau in Malay), 3 Oct 2017used as wrappers for glutinous rice dumplings which are traditionally made during the fifth month of the lunar calendar to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival.

Cultivation of the Bamboo Grass has the great potential to generate employment and enhance rural income for poor countries.

Plant Profile, Culture and Propagation :

  • Botanical Name: Thysanolaena latifolia (syn.: Melica latifolia, Thysanolaena maxima, Thysanolaena textilis ).
  • Common Names: Thysanolaena latifolia (Bamboo Grass, Tiger Grass, Asian Broom Grass, Rumput Buloh/ Teberau in Malay) with dense panicle of numerous spikelets, 1 Aug 2009Bamboo Grass, Tiger Grass, Asian Broom Grass, Rumput Buloh/ Teberau in Malay.
  • Family Name: Poaceae.
  • Etymology: Not available.
  • Origin: Native to India to Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia and China, Taiwan and Japan.
    It is also cultivated throughout the world.
  • Plant type: Bamboo-like culms of Thysanolaena latifolia (Bamboo Grass, Tiger Grass, Asian Broom Grass, Rumput Buloh/ Teberau in Malay) that grows below 3 m tall, 4 Oct 2017An ornamental and clump-forming perennial grass.
  • Features: Thysanolaena latifolia is from the genus Thysanolaena that consists of only one recognized species, namely T. latifolia.
    A fast-growing and clump-forming perennial grass with bamboo-like culms.
    It grows below 3 m tall, unbranched and often arching.
    40cm long and 3.7cm wide leaf blades of Thysanolaena latifolia (Bamboo Grass, Tiger Grass, Asian Broom Grass, Rumput Buloh/ Teberau in Malay), 4 Oct 2017Leaf sheaths are smooth and glabrous.
    The large and broadly lanceolate-oblong leaf blades are leathery, up to 40 cm long and 3.7 cm wide.
    This tall, broad-leaved grass is easily recognized by its large, purplish brown panicle of tiny spikelets which gracefully fall entire with the pedicel attached.
    Several culms of Thysanolaena latifolia (Bamboo Grass, Tiger Grass, Asian Broom Grass, Rumput Buloh/ Teberau in Malay) showing off their leaves and purplish brown panicle, 1 Aug 2009Panicle is large and open with an elliptic outline, measuring between 30-50 cm long.
    It is very dense with many branches and numerous spikelets.
    Spikelets 1.5-2 mm long, 2-flowered and cylindrical with ciliate-hispid margins.
    Caryopsis 0.5 mm long, reddish-brown and elliptical in shape.
    Flowers occur in minute spikelets and in large branched clusters.
    It is commonly grown on hillsides, in forests, thickets and river banks.
  • Culture (Care): Beautiful lanceolate-oblong and large leaves of Thysanolaena latifolia (Bamboo Grass, Tiger Grass, Asian Broom Grass, Rumput Buloh/ Teberau in Malay), 4 Oct 2017Thysanolaena latifolia or Bamboo Grass can be grown easily with least maintenance.
    Light: Full sun or semi-shade though grows best in sunny location.
    Moisture: Moderate water requirements. Water regularly and thoroughly.
    Soil: Humus-enriched, loamy and well-drained soils.
    Others: Weeding is needed at the early stage of establishment.
    Clump-forming perennial grass of Thysanolaena latifolia (Bamboo Grass, Tiger Grass, Asian Broom Grass, Rumput Buloh/ Teberau in Malay), 4 Oct 2017Since there will be a lot of old dead growth after several years of growing, prune off the whole clump to ground level with a large hedging shears to encourage new growth. Generally free from serious pests and diseases. Nevertheless, watch out for grasshoppers, caterpillars, leaf beetles and yellow-spined bamboo locusts.
    For subtropical and temperate regions: Hardiness: USDA Zone 9b-11.
    Thysanolaena latifolia or Bamboo Grass prefers tropical or subtropical climates.
    Thysanolaena latifoliaarge (Bamboo Grass, Tiger Grass, Asian Broom Grass, Rumput Buloh/ Teberau in Malay) with purplish brown panicle of tiny spikelets, 3 Oct 2017It is frost sensitive and can tolerate a minimum temperature of -2°C. It can be damaged by cold weather but will return in the spring. Keep it well mulched during cold weather. A plant that looks like bamboo but it’s actually a perennial grass with linear leaves and golden brown flowers in summer. It is used as a border, accent, in mass planting or as cut flowers. Prune off old culms with a large hedging shears in late winter or early spring to stimulate new growth. For non-hardy regions, grow it in a large container to easily bring indoors to overwinter.
  • Propagation: Glutinous rice dumplings that are wrapped with leaves of Thysanolaena latifolia (Bamboo Grass, Tiger Grass, Asian Broom Grass, Rumput Buloh/ Teberau in Malay), 3 Oct 2017Easily propagated by seeds, rhizomes and division of rooted culms.
  • Usage: The dried leaves of Thysanolaena latifolia or Bamboo Grass are used to wrap glutinous rice dumplings which are traditionally made during the fifth month of the lunar calendar to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival. It is cultivated as a hedge or screen and grown as an ornamental plant.
    Flower heads of Thysanolaena latifolia (Bamboo Grass, Tiger Grass, Asian Broom Grass, Rumput Buloh/ Teberau in Malay) that are used to make brooms, 3 Oct 2017Its flower heads are commonly used as cleaning tools or to make brooms which are extensively sold in local markets. Tiger Grass has antibacterial and wound-healing properties, prevents ulcers and reduces scarring. The veins are strengthened through the use of this plant extract. It’s particularly suitable for the care of mature skin as it promotes the regeneration of peripheral blood vessels and stimulates the skin’s own collagen production. Also, eczematous, sore and burned skin benefits from the salutary effect of Tiger Grass.

Other External links

Jacq's Signature

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

You Might Also Like (using plugin: YARPP) :


Welcome! You are valuable to us and we love to hear from you. Leave us a comment or share your experiences. Also, please inform us if you find a broken link in any of our articles. Thank you.

« »