Sorghum, Common wild sorghum, Grain sorghum, Sudangrass

Sorghum bicolor

Physical Characteristics

Sorghum bicolor is a ANNUAL growing to 5 m (16ft 5in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from August to October, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Original habitat is obscure.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Stem Edible Uses: Colouring Sweetener Seed - raw or cooked. It is used as a whole grain in similar ways to rice, it can be popped much like popcorn, or can be ground into a flour and made into bread etc[2 , 4 , 57 , 162 , 183 ]. The ground seed yields a particularly white flour[7 ]. Sorghum is a staple food in some regions, where it is often fermented (lactic acid fermentation) before being eaten[183 ]. The sprouted seed can be eaten raw, and is sometimes added to salads[183 ]. The seed is germinated, then dried and ground into a powder to form malt, which is used as a substratum for fermentation in local beer production[299 ]. Stems - cooked[105 ]. Some caution is advised here, there are some reports that the leaves can contain the poison cyanide[4 ]. The stems of sweet sorghum types are chewed like sugar cane and, mainly in the United States, a sweet syrup is pressed from them[299 ]. Sap - raw or cooked. Very sweet, it is made into a syrup[1 , 2 , 46 , 57 , 257 ].

Medicinal Uses

Antibacterial Antifungal Astringent Demulcent Diuretic Haemostatic Kidney Urinary The decoction of the seed is demulcent and diuretic[4 ]. It is used in the treatment of kidney and urinary complaints[4 , 299 ]. The inflorescence is astringent and haemostatic[7 ]. The leaves and panicles are included in plant mixtures for decoctions used in the treatment of anaemia[299 ]. Decoctions of the twigs, combined with lemon, is used as a treatment against jaundice[299 ]. The red pigment is said to have antimicrobial and antifungal properties. It is used as a treatment for anaemia[299 ].

Known Hazards

The immature plant is poisonous, especially if slightly wilted, since it can contain the toxins hydrogen cyanide and the alkaloid hordenine[4, 142, 269]. These substances are destroyed if the plant is dried or made into silage[269]. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.