Herb: Native Millet


Latin name: Panicum decompositum


Synonyms: Panicum laevinose, Panicum proliferum


Family: Gramineae (Grass Family)



Edible parts of Native Millet:

Seed - cooked or ground into a powder and used as a flour. A type of millet. The seed is rather small and fiddly to utilize. It has a mild flavour and can be used as a staple food like millet.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
30 cm
(11 3/4 inch)

Habitat of the herb:

Damp sandy soils. Widespread on heavy soils, especially in drier areas.

Propagation of Native Millet:

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Germination should take place within a week. Prick out the seedlings into trays or individual pots and plant them out after the last expected frosts. Division in spring. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.

Cultivation of the herb:

Damp sandy soils. Widespread on heavy soils, especially in drier areas.

Medicinal use of Native Millet:

None known

Known hazards of Panicum decompositum:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.