How to identify Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum)

How to identify Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum)

Sugarcane, also known as Plume Grass

Sugarcane is a robust, tropical grass with stout, jointed, fibrous stalks that are rich in sugar and measure 6 to 12 feet (1.8 to 3.7 meters) in height. Its leaves are broad, alternate, and can grow up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) long and 3 inches (7.6 cm) wide. The plant has a tufted appearance with large plumelike flower clusters ranging from purplish to creamy white. Stalks are typically composed of a series of nodes and internodes, where the commercial sweetener is concentrated primarily in the latter.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Grass

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Sugarcane

Robust, jointed stalks 6-12 feet (1.8-3.7 meters) tall rich in sugar.

Plumelike flower clusters in purplish to creamy white, 20-40 inches (50-100 cm) long.

Broad, alternate leaves up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) long, 3 inches (7.6 cm) wide.

Small, oblong fruit seeds 1.5 mm (0.06 inches) long for wind dispersal.

Culms 10-20 feet (3-6 meters) tall, 0.8-1.8 inches (20-45 mm) thick, solid with swollen internodes.

Detailed Traits of Sugarcane

Leaf Features

The leaves of sugarcane are arching, linear to lanceolate, typically spanning 27-59 inches (70-150 cm) in length and 1.2-2.4 inches (3-6 cm) in width. They are large with a conspicuous midrib and sharply toothed margins. The leaf sheath is loose, generally glabrous but slightly hairy around the mouth. The ligule has small hairs as well, adding to the detailed texture of the leaves.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of sugarcane are plume-like and typically exhibit a whitish-grey color. These flowers form in large panicles, measuring 20 to 40 inches (50 to 100 cm) in length. The panicle structure is prominently large and mostly hairless but can be pilose at the nodes. Each individual flower is small and delicate, contributing to the airy and feathery appearance of the entire inflorescence. The blooming period predominantly falls in late summer to early autumn.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of sugarcane is composed of culms that reach a height of 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters) and have a diameter of 0.8 to 1.8 inches (20 to 45 mm). These culms are solid, juicy, high in sugar content, and distinctly jointed at nodes, hosting around 20 to 40 nodes. The internodes are typically swollen and vary in color, enhancing their identifiable appearance. The overall structure is robust and pivotal in the plant's identification.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of sugarcane is characterized by its small, oblong seeds, which are approximately 1.5 mm (0.06 inches) in length. These seeds typically possess a smooth, glossy texture, reflecting their adaptation for wind dispersal. The fruit itself is often insignificant in appearance and may not be noticeable without close examination. It is encased within the larger flower structure and is rarely a focal point for identification or horticultural appreciation, as sugarcane is predominantly valued for other aspects, such as its stem.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Sugarcane and Their Similar Plants

Sugarcane plume grass vs. Sugarcane: What's The Difference?

Sugarcane plume grass (Saccharum giganteum) is a grass frequently planted as an ornamental due to its showy seed heads. In the wild, it likes to grow in moist soils, such as in bogs and swamps. Sugarcane plume grass is a larval host plant for butterflies including common wood-nymph and clouded skipper butterflies. Its fruit, seeds and nectar are also eaten by butterflies, birds and small mammals.

Silver plume grass vs. Sugarcane: What's The Difference?

Silver plume grass is a perennial grass known for its tall, slender form and feathery flower clusters. These plumes emerge in hues of purplish to silver-white, capturing the light and dancing with the breeze, while the underlying foliage maintains a rich green. Thriving in open, sunny environments, silver plume grass adapts well to various soils, showcasing its resilience and contributive beauty to natural grasslands.

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Key Facts About Sugarcane

Attributes of Sugarcane

Lifespan

Perennial

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Color

White

Yellow

Red

Brown

Stem Color

Red

Leaf type

Evergreen

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Scientific Classification of Sugarcane

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Monocotyledons

Order

Grasses, sedges and allies

Family

Grass

Genus

Saccharum

Species

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum)

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Distribution Map of Sugarcane

Sugarcane is a plant staple to the tropical regions of the Pacific, notably in the area encompassing Vanuatu and Fiji, with its roots also traced back to the Asian continent. Beyond its native territories, sugarcane has been introduced and thrives across multiple continents including the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. Its cultivation is widespread due to its adaptability to various tropical and subtropical climates.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Sugarcane

A Comprehensive Guide to Sugarcane How to Grow and Care for Sugarcane