Sugar cane

Sugar cane is a species of tall perennial grasses that belong to the genus Saccharum, tribe Andropogoneae, and family Poaceae. It is native to the warm temperate to tropical regions of South Asia and Melanesia, and used for sugar production.

Description

Sugar cane is a tall grass that grows in a variety of soils and climates. It has a stout, jointed, fibrous stalk that is rich in sucrose, which accumulates in the stalk internodes. The plant can grow up to 2–6 m tall.

Cultivation and production

Sugar cane cultivation requires a tropical or subtropical climate, with a minimum of 60 cm (24 in) of annual moisture. It is one of the most efficient photosynthesizers in the plant kingdom. It is a C4 plant, able to convert up to 1% of incident solar energy into biomass.

Uses

The primary use of sugar cane is the production of sugar (sucrose) from the cane juice. It is also used in the production of ethanol for fuel and in the manufacture of rum and other forms of alcohol.

Health effects

Consumption of sugar cane and its products can have various health effects. While it is a source of energy, excessive consumption can lead to health problems such as obesity and diabetes.

See also

• Sugar beet
• Sugarcane juice
• Sugarcane molasses

External links

• FAO Stat - Crops

Sugar cane Resources
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