Alpine Rice - Microlaena stipoides - Rice Grass (forum)

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.


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Time: 13th July 2015 8:36pm

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About the Author Linton
Springvale, Vic
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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.

Time: 14th July 2015 5:39am

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About the Author denise1
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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.

Time: 22nd July 2015 5:09pm

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About the Author loewenzahn
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