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Linton starts with ... Traditionally the Weeping Rice Grass, Microlaena stipoides, has been used as a pasture crop and even as a native lawn grass. The problem was that the seed was never large enough for grain production. Now a strain has been developed with larger seed that is suitable for growing as a grain for harvest. At this stage commercial growing has just started and according to the developer, seed will be available in a few months time. http://alpinerice.com.au/ I would be interested to learn if anyone is currently growing backyard grain crops and might have an opinion whether "Alpine Rice" would be a suitable candidate for the home grower. Thanks.
| About the Author Linton Springvale, Vic 13th July 2015 8:36pm #UserID: 2286 Posts: 994 View All Linton's Edible Fruit Trees |
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denise1 says... The species is also native to new zealand. It often grows under sparse cover of tea tree. Where it grows in well drained pasture it makes for 30% of grasses. However when grazing is stopped it becomes !00% dominant. From my recollection the leaves often have poor nutrient value for stock but that some strains are more nutrient rich. I suppose it would be possible to make a hand harvesting devise for small areas. | About the Author denise1 auckland NZ 14th July 2015 5:39am #UserID: 6832 Posts: 688 View All denise1's Edible Fruit Trees |
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gardener says... Sounds interesting. Something I might try in my backyard BUT. How does the yield compare to other grains? Is it suitable for low tech (=backyard) threashing? Did you try that? Gluten free is not always a benefit because you cannot bake normally with the grain.If it is widespread in Australia, won't it cross and the resulting grains would be smaller every year? And it seems that you don't sell the grain at least not in small packets. | About the Author loewenzahn 2780 22nd July 2015 5:09pm #UserID: 8357 Posts: 60 View All loewenzahn's Edible Fruit Trees |
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