Jungle rice, Awnless barnyardgrass, deccan grass, sawa millet, rice grass.
Echinochloa colona
🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
While generally considered a weed, the grain is edible and can be used similarly to rice or millet. It can be used as poultry feed. Can also serve as a soil stabilizer in disturbed areas. Its aggressive growth may be useful for suppressing unwanted vegetation, but care should be taken to prevent it from becoming invasive.
Permapeople description
An annual grass weed found in rice paddies and other disturbed areas.
Botanical description
Echinochloa colona is an annual grass in the Poaceae family. It typically grows to a height of 10-80 cm. The culms are erect or ascending, sometimes branching from the base. The leaves are linear, hairless, and flat, with no ligule. The inflorescence is a panicle composed of several spike-like racemes, often purplish in color. The spikelets are oval-shaped, awnless (usually), and contain one fertile floret. The plant is adapted to wet or moist environments and thrives in disturbed areas, rice paddies, and agricultural fields. It reproduces by seed.
Companion planting
Generally considered a weed and not intentionally companion planted. Its aggressive growth can be detrimental to other crops. No significant positive companion planting associations known.
Propagation methods
Propagation is primarily through seeds. The seeds readily germinate in moist soil. Direct sowing is the most common method.
History and traditions
Jungle rice has a history of use as a famine food in various parts of the world. It has been documented as a traditional food source in parts of Asia and Africa, particularly in times of food scarcity. In some cultures, it is also used medicinally.
Usage calendar
Germination occurs in warm weather. Flowering and seed production typically occur during the summer and fall months. Harvesting of grains would occur during the late summer to early fall, when seeds are mature. Planting can occur in spring after the last frost.