Napier grass. Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum)

Family: Poaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

A clumping perennial grass to 4 m, native to tropical Africa, this grass is fairly tolerant of different soil conditions and remarkably drought tolerant for a plant of high rainfall areas. As a carbon farming solutions plant it is an excellent biomass Industrial Crop. It is also edible. it makes a good contour hedgerow and is excellent bank and pasture fodder. Napier grasses improve soil fertility, and protect arid land from soil erosion.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

mildly laxative. — Edible Portion: Flowers, Shoots, Vegetable.; The young shoots or leaves are added to soup.; Very young and tender inflorescences are eaten as a vegetable.; The young leaves and shoots are added to soups to provide extra protein, carbohydrates, fat and vitamins.

Habitat & North American Range

A tropical tall grass found along rivers and forest margins on more fertile soils. (Zone 8)