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Sugarcane
قصب السكر · Saccharum officinarum
A tall grass whose canes are pressed for sugarcane juice and sugar.
Quick facts
| Arabic name | قصب السكر |
|---|---|
| English name | Sugarcane |
| Scientific name | Saccharum officinarum |
| Family | Grass family (Poaceae) |
| Plant type | Tall perennial grass |
| Height | 2 to 4 m |
| Water use | High |
Planting and harvest calendar
Best time to plant
February to April
Harvest time
December to March
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Planting timeHarvest or flowering
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
A tall plant with thick jointed canes and long, sharp-edged ribbon leaves.
Where it grows
Grown in small areas in Al-Ahsa, Al-Qatif and Jazan.
Soil
Needs deep, rich soil.
Water and irrigation
Needs a very large amount of water.
Climate and light
Loves heat and humidity.
Propagation
From cane cuttings.
Benefits and uses
- Canes give sweet juice
- A source of sugar
Drawbacks
- Uses a lot of water, so it does not suit most areas
- Sharp leaves can cut the hand
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Saccharum officinarum
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Saccharum officinarum
- Wikipedia: Saccharum officinarum
- FAO Crop Calendar - Food and Agriculture Organization
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)