Contents
Description
Coix Lacryma-Jobi, commonly known as Job’s tears, is a tropical plant that belongs to the family Poaceae. It is an annual grass that can grow up to 2 meters in height. This plant is native to Southeast Asia and has been cultivated in China for thousands of years. Its seeds are used for medicinal, culinary, and ornamental purposes.
Taxonomy
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Coix |
Appearance
The leaves of Coix Lacryma-Jobi are long and narrow, measuring up to 50 cm in length and 2 cm in width. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, measuring up to 1 cm in length. The seeds are oblong and hard, measuring up to 1 cm in length and 0.5 cm in width. The seeds have a hard outer shell that is usually removed before consumption.
Care Guide
Coix Lacryma-Jobi requires regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. It prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. Fertilizer can be applied once a month during the growing season. This plant prefers full sun exposure and can tolerate temperatures down to -5°C. It is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Coix Lacryma-Jobi is susceptible to fungal diseases like leaf spot and rust. It can also be attacked by pests like aphids, mites, and caterpillars. Regular pruning and sanitation practices can help prevent these problems.
Habitat
Coix Lacryma-Jobi is native to Southeast Asia and is widely cultivated in China, Japan, and other parts of Asia. It prefers warm and humid climates and can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Job’s tears be eaten?
A: Yes, the seeds of Coix Lacryma-Jobi are edible and are used in various dishes in Asian cuisine.
Q: Is Coix Lacryma-Jobi easy to grow?
A: Yes, this plant is relatively easy to grow and requires minimal care.
Q: What are the medicinal properties of Job’s tears?
A: Job’s tears are believed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. They are used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments.
Q: Can Job’s tears be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate its root system.
Related Plants
- Coix aquatica
- Coix lacryma
- Coix gigantea
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6600646/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405452617317057
- https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/12436
