'SARGA' NATIVE WILD SORGHUM (Sorghum leiocladum)

Sorghum leiocladum is a grass plant in the family Poaceae that is found in eastern and northern Australia. An erect, perennial, tufted grass often found in open eucalypt communities, found in least disturbed sites, commonly within Kangaroo Grass communities, grows to 1.5m tall.

Cinnamon coloured flower spikes to 35 cm long, from November to March, and is wind-pollinated. The leaves are yellow-green in warmer months, frosted to pale brown in winter.

The plant is a good grazing plant for herbivores and prefers sandy soil. It is a hardy species which copes with a range of soil types, and prefers sunny, dry grassland areas. It resprouts after fire. S. leiocladum provides food for adult butterflies and their larvae.

When not in bloom, Native Wild Sorghum (Sorghum leiocladum) may be confused with Kangaroo Grass (Themeda australis) due to their similar appearance. Both grasses are C4 and form tufts of comparable size, with rusty red leaves. However, S. leiocladum can be distinguished by the ring of white hairs resembling a ballerina skirt at the nodes on the stem.

Bush Food: S. leiocladum seeds were traditionally ground, baked, and consumed by indigenous communities,  commonly referred to as wild sorghum, is edible and known for its sweet and flavorful taste.

Germination: Fresh seed germinates easily with no dormancy restrictions, Best germination occurs above 200C. Dry storage at alternating temperatures can overcome dormancy.