Miscanthus

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Miscanthus is a genus of about 15 species of perennial grasses native to subtropical and tropical regions of Africa and southern Asia, with one species (M. sinensis) extending north into temperate eastern Asia.

Selected species

Miscanthus floridulus
Miscanthus sacchariflorus
Miscanthus sinensis
Miscanthus tinctorius
Miscanthus transmorrisonensis

Uses

An infertile hybrid between M. sinensis and M. sacchariflorus, Miscanthus x giganteus or "E-grass", has been trialed as a biofuel in recent experiments. It can grow to heights of 3.5 m over 5 to 6 years. Its dry weight annual yield can reach 25t/ha (10t/acre). It is sometimes called "Elephant Grass" and thus confused with the African grass Pennisetum purpureum, also called "Elephant Grass".

The rapid growth, low mineral content and high biomass yield of Miscanthus make it a favorite choice as a biofuel. After harvest, it can be burned to produce heat and power turbines. The resulting CO₂ emissions are equal to the amount of CO₂ that the plant used up from the atmosphere during its growing phase, and thus the process is greenhouse gas-neutral. When mixed in a 50%-50% mixture with coal, it can be used in some current coal-burning power plants without modifications.

M. sinensis is cultivated as an ornamental plant. In Japan, where it is known as susuki, it is considered an iconic plant of late summer and early autumn. It is mentioned in manyoshu (Vol8 1538) as one of the seven autumn herbs (akinonanankusa). It is used for the eight month in hanafuda playing cards. It is decorated with Bush clover for the Mid-Autumn Festival. Miscanthus has also excellent fiber properties for papermaking.

External links

[Miscanthus]
[Miscanthus as energy source] (German)

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