Saccharum officinarum

Saccharum officinarum, commonly known as sugarcane, is a tall, perennial grass native to tropical regions of South and Southeast Asia. It is the primary source of sugar production worldwide and has been cultivated for thousands of years for its sweet juice. Sugarcane grows in clumps, reaching heights of 2–6 meters, with jointed stems that store sucrose, which is extracted to produce sugar, molasses, and ethanol.

Sugarcane thrives in warm, sunny climates with abundant rainfall or irrigation. It is propagated mainly through stem cuttings, which develop roots and shoots to form new plants. Besides sugar, it serves as fodder for livestock, a raw material for biofuel production, and even in traditional medicine for its purported cooling and diuretic properties.

Culturally and economically, Saccharum officinarum has played a vital role in many tropical countries, including Sri Lanka, India, and Brazil. It supports local economies through sugar production, ethanol industry, and related agro-industries. Its cultivation has also influenced agricultural practices, trade, and even culinary traditions, as sugar derived from sugarcane is a staple in households worldwide.

Saccharum officinarum is part of the catalog of ayurvedic medicinal plants of Sri Lanka.