G.568. Saccharum L.

Grasses, usually large, perennial, rhizomatous or tufted. Culms robust to 7 m. tall. Leaves cauline; lamina narrowly to broadly linear, midrib usually broad, white; ligule membranous, margin ciliolate. Inflorescence terminal, a large plumose panicle with elongate central axis, its branches bearing numerous hairy racemes; racemes fragile, sessile. Spikelets usually small, lanceolate, dorsally compressed or pedicelled spikelet more rounded on back; callus short, bearded; lower glume membranous, thinly cartilaginous or becoming leathery below.

Worldwide: 35-40 species in tropical and sub-tropical regions worldwide, mainly in Asia.

Zimbabwe: 1 cultivated taxon.