Family: Poaceae
Common name: Indian Muraina Grass, Batiki bluegrass, Smut grass
Indian Muraina Grass, though its name is very fancy, is a very simple-looking grass growing well in tropical countries, especially thriving in places with very heavy rainfall.
The grass is native to Asia, parts of Africa, and the Pacific islands; and is now seen in backyards, grasslands, and undisturbed areas.
Plant characteristics
These plants only grow to a height of 30-60 cm with a heavily branched hollow green stem that has a reddish tinge. Indian Muraina grass has a tufted growth habit, forming big clumps that can fill an area quickly.
Root system is fibrous with numerous thin strands spreading out to support the plant.
The nodes or the joints along the stem also produce long roots which can anchor the plant to the soil. When growing in places with very heavy rainfall, water droplets congeal like a gel at the tip of these long root-like structures, forming a little droplet of dlear jello.
In Malayalam, this is called ‘pullenna‘ literally translating to grass oil. This was applied to the eyes in olden days, and is said to improve vision. Growing up, I have also done this umpteen times:)
Leaves of the Indian Muraina grass are long and narrow about 10-15 cm long and 2-3 cm in width. Leaves are linear and have a are glossy green and covered with thin white hairs giving them a furry appearance.
The base of the leaves is covered with long white hairs which are also seen at the nodes of the stem. These white hairs give the plant its name ‘ciliare’.
During spring and summer, Indian Muriana grass also produces long, branched flowers that are about 20-30 cm long.
The inflorescence consists of two spikelets growing at an angle to each other. Each individual flower is miniscule, and looks like a small hairy projection on the spikelets. Flowers are initially pale green, later turning brown on maturity.
The fruits of Indian Muraina grass are small, about 2-3 mm long, brown or tan in color. These seeds are eaten by birds and small animals that help in propagation.
Growing tips
Indian Muraina grass grows in loose, sandy soil and also on crevices of laterite walls. They look bright green and beautiful in the monsoon season but dries up during summer.
These plants are capable of self-seeding, the dry seeds in the soil germinating when the rainy season starts. They plants prefer good sunlight to grow well and spread into large tufts. They need watering during summer months, but no fertilization, pruning or maintenance.
Indian Muraina grass can be a good ground cover to prevent soil erosion. But they cannot be grown as a lawn since the plants tend to get tall with long spreading branches.
Uses of Indian Muraina Grass
These plants are exceptionally good for grazing animals, and hence can be grown as pasture grass. They can also be grown on slopy areas to help protect the top soil.
The long white roots that grow on the nodes with their jellified water droplets are applied to the eyes, and is said to improve vision. But make sure the droplets are clean and that the plant is growing in a clean location, before doing this.
Any self-medication should be always done with expert guidance, since the hairs of this grass can irritate sensitive skin.
Since these plants are very adaptable and fast-growing, they can be grown in backyards, home gardens, or landscaped areas as a good ground cover. They can be grown underneath trees to help protect the top soil.
Propagation
Propagation is through seeds and stem cuttings.
Each plant produces hundreds of seeds which can be collected, dried, and sown in newer areas. The plant will also self-seed and produce new plants all around it.
Stem cuttings with nodes are capable of rooting effectively. In fact, that makes it hard to remove these plants from a location. Since a small piece of stem left behind can produce new plants very quickly.
Photographed at: Koonammavu, Kerala
