Eulaliopsis binata, the sabaigrass or Chinese alpine rush, is a perennial plant belonging to the grass family that is grown in many Asian countries like China, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia and Philippines.[2]

Eulaliopsis binata
Long leaves of Eulaliopsis binata used to make rope in Nepal
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Subfamily: Panicoideae
Genus: Eulaliopsis
Species:
E. binata
Binomial name
Eulaliopsis binata
Synonyms[1]
  • Andropogon binatus Retz.
  • Ischaemum binatum (Retz.) Buse
  • Pollinidium binatum (Retz.) C.E.Hubb.
  • Spodiopogon binatus (Retz.) Roberty
  • Spodiopogon angustifolius Trin.
  • Andropogon involutus Steud.
  • Andropogon notopogon Steud.
  • Andropogon obvallatus Steud.
  • Spodiopogon laniger Nees ex Steud.
  • Spodiopogon notopogon Nees ex Steud.
  • Pollinia eriopoda Hance
  • Spodiopogon involutus (Steud.) W.Watson
  • Ischaemum angustifolium (Trin.) Hack.
  • Eulaliopsis angustifolia (Trin.) Honda
  • Pollinidium angustifolium (Trin.) Haines
  • Eulaliopsis duthiei Sur

It is called bhabhar in India and lends the name to the region south of Himalayas where it grows.[3] It is called Babiyo in Nepal.

It is mainly used for the manufacture of writing and printing paper. Pulping is done using soda and sulfate processes.In Nepal, it is used to make rope for swing for Dashain festival, one of the greatest festivals of Hindu people.

References

edit
  1. ^ "Eulaliopsis binata". World Checklist of Selected Plant Families: Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew.
  2. ^ Wang Qingfeng (1993). "The exploitation value of Chinese alpine rush". Journal of Natural Resources (in English and Chinese). 8 (4): 307–313. doi:10.11849/zrzyxb.1993.04.003.
  3. ^ Sahu, S. C.; et al. (2010). "Ethnobotany of Eulaliopsis binata (Retz.) Hubbard - Poaceae, in Orissa, Eastern India: Cultivation Practice, Economics and Prospects". Journal of Advances in Developmental Research. 1 (2): 155–160. Retrieved 12 April 2011.