Smut Grass, Rat-tail grass, West Indian dropseed

Sporobolus indicus

Physical Characteristics

Sporobolus indicus is a PERENNIAL. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. 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

S. Europe.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Seed - raw or cooked. It can be ground into a flour[46].

Medicinal Uses

Antiinflammatory Blood tonic Contraceptive VD The plant is used to enrich the blood, reduce swellings and correct gonorrhoea[218]. It is considered to be an antifertility drug in some countries[218].

Known Hazards

None known