Tiger Grass

Thysanolaena latifolia (Roxb. ex Hornem.) Honda

thigh-san-oh-LANE-ah  lat-ah-FOL-ee-ah

Poaceae

Explanation of name: Thysanolaena comes from Greek thysano, fringe, and laina, cloak, in reference to fringed bracts (lemmas) in the inflorescence (GAB). Latifolia is Latin for broad leaf.

Synonym: Thysanolaena maxima (Roxb.) Kuntze. The grass is better known by this synonym, but we have followed recent authors, especially GAB in the Flora of North America in using T. latifolia. See Baaijens, G. J. & J. F. Veldkamp. 1991. Sporobolus (Gramineae) in Malesia. Blumea 35: 393-458 for the basis of this nomenclatural action (latifolia is an older name and must take priority).

Natural range: Tropical Asia. Open habitats on mountains (WAT, GAB)

Recognition: Apart from sugarcane and bamboos, probably the largest commonly cultivated grasses, standing to about 9(12)’ tall and having leaf blades about 3” wide. The drooping, branched inflorescences are 3’ long.

Landscape uses: This huge rhizomatous grass makes an attractive clump. Its tendency to spread can be constrained by delivery of water via drip irrigation. Alternatively, it can be used to fill a large space. As with all ornamental grasses, beware of unattractive phases. Tiger Grass flourishes on the Palm Beach Community College campus in partial sun, protected from high winds, watered generously, and fertilized lightly. When in full bloom, the flower clusters have a hazy feathery appearance.

Notes: In Asia this grass is used to make brooms, and the leaves are used as envelopes for rice dumplings.