Rank Species | Scientific name Miscanthus floridulus | |
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Similar Miscanthus, Miscanthus giganteus, Miscanthus sacchariflorus, Chinese silver grass, Saccharum spontaneum | ||
Miscanthus floridulus, Pacific Island silvergrass, is a species of perennial grass in the Poaceae family.
Contents
miscanthus floridulus at miaoli 2012 05 14
Usage
This grass, locally known as pit pit grass, is widely grown naturally in the Highlands Region of PNG. The local communities use the stem of this grass for several purposes. The matured stem is used to make fences around gardens. It is also used to construct the outer wall of traditional houses. The third important use is that remote households use the burning dried stems to light their houses. Also, children who walk to school carry torches from the burning stem of this grass until they reach their destination. A torch is about 1-2 meters long and it takes quite a while to burn it down. The walking distance is long where the children start their journey as early as 5.00 am.
