Drinn (Stipagrostis pungens)

Family: Poaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Also known by the scientific name Aristida pungens. Stipagrostis pungens is a robust perennial 50 cm to 1 m). It is a long rhizomatous plant, recognizable by inflorescences composed of spikelets, in loose and ventilated panicles. Common throughout the Sahara, the drinn is perfectly adapted to sandy habitats. A traditional food plant in Africa, this grain has potential to improve nutrition, boost food security, foster rural development.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Edible Portion: Seeds, Cereal. A traditional food plant in Africa, this grain has potential to improve nutrition, boost food security, foster rural development, and support sustainable landcare. — Edible Portion: Seeds, Cereal.; A traditional food plant in Africa, this grain has potential to improve nutrition, boost food security, foster rural development, and support sustainable landcare.; It is used in kreb a grain mixture eaten in Chad.; Carbon Farming Solutions - Staple Crop: balanced carb (The term staple crop typically refers to a food that is eaten routinely and accounts for a dominant part of people's diets in a particular region of the world) .

Habitat & North American Range

Common throughout the Sahara. Adapted to sandy habitats, represented by deep sandy clusters (dunes, ergs). (Zone 10)