| Imperata cylindrica var. major |
| Long live
the Lalang ! Neither top-cutting, drought nor bushfire can destroy
its underground rhizomes which regenerate soon enough to carpet open
wasteland in green. (See close-up of inflorescence
and a lalang lawn) The dried rhizomes have been used in traditional chinese medicine (TCM) in preparing a tonic drink for relieving 'heatiness' of the body. This is done simply by boiling it in water and drink it plain. They are commonly sold in TCM pharmacies by the name of Pai Mao Chow - meaning 'white-haired grass'. |
| 'After
wine, I go out into the fields, wander open country - singing, asking myself how green grass could be a white-haired old man. But looking into a mirror, I see him in my failing hair too. Blossom scent seems to scold me. I let go grief, and face east winds.' - Li Po, poet (AD 701 - 762) |
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