Cogongrass is a grass native to Southeast Asia that grows widely in tropical and subtropical regions. It typically grows as a weed and is used as animal feed and erosion control. Its young shoots and young flowers can be cooked, and its roots can be used as a bioherbicide.

This plant grows in tropical to subtropical regions. It thrives best in areas with elevations up to 2,000 m above sea level, temperatures of 20-40 °C, rainfall of 500-3,500 mm/year, a pH of 4-7.5, and plenty of sunlight to partial shade.

• The hard roots are rhizome-like, creeping and segmented.

• The short stems rise above the ground and bear flowers, some purplish red.

• The leaves are linear (long ribbons) with lanceolate tips and a pointed base, with a pinnate base and a long, 12-80 cm long, lanceolate stalk.

• The inflorescences are panicles, 6-28 cm long, with long, white hairs, and spikelets measuring 1 cm.

• Plant propagation by seeds and rhizomes. The very light reed seeds can spread to other places carried by the wind.

• The rhizome roots are able to build a sturdy network underground and at any time the shoots will penetrate upwards to grow a new generation.

• Treats kidney stones, kidney infections, hepatitis, urinary stones, difficulty urinating, vaginal discharge.

• Manitol, glukosa, sacharosa, citric acid, malic acid, cylindrin, fernenol, coixol, arundoin, amemonin, semiarenol, asam kersik.