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Thysanolaena latifolia
| Family Name: | Poaceae (Gramineae) |
| Synonyms: | Melica latifolia, Thysanolaena maxima, Agrostis maxima, Thysanolaena textilis, Thysanolaena agrostis |
| Common Name: | Tiger Grass, Asian Broom Grass, Rumput Buloh, Rumput Teberau, Buloh Terbau |
Thysanolaena latifolia or Tiger Grass has long leathery leaves that can reach up to 65 cm in length. These leaves are one of many species used to wrap glutinous rice dumplings or Zongzi (in Chinese), which are traditionally eaten during the Dragon Boat Festival. The leaves of Tiger Grass are reported to have antiseptic properties that help to extend the shelf-life of rice dumplings in warm and humid conditions.
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub, Grass or Grass-like Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | India to Myanmar, Thailand & China |
|---|
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | It is a perennial, bamboo-like grass, clump-forming, growing up to 2 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Flowers | The flowers are borne in clusters. |
| Habitat | It is commonly grown on hillsides, in forests, thickets and river banks. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Others: The dried leaves are used as a wrapper for glutinous rice dumplings which are traditionally made during the fifth month of the lunar calendar to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival. |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 3.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Monocot) |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 1219 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 2512 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |