Particulars

Arboretum name: Kimi: Common Millet
Japanese name: Kibi
Species / Family: Panicum miliaceum L. var. contractum Alefeld/Gramineae
Okinawan name: Mājin, Chimi, Chimiawa

Plant Characteristics

Kibi, or Panicum miliaceum (Proso millet) is an annual grass cultivated in crop fields, growing to about 1 meter tall. In fall, inflorescences grow at the top of the stems, which droop down as clusters of blossom. Yellow or yellowish white, the fruit is globular and some 3 mm in length, slightly larger than that of Awa, or Setaria italica (Foxtail millet). It is said that the Japanese name Kibi originates in the distorted sound of “Kimi,” whose meaning is “yellow fruit.” Kibi is thought to be native to Central and East Asia, as its closely-related species are often found throughout India and Pakistan. Resistant to cold and drought conditions and with a short growing season, Kibi has long been cultivated as an important source of food. There is old data suggesting that Kibi was introduced to Europe due to migration of ethnic groups during the Mesolithic age (8,000 to 4,000 BC). In Japan, it is believed to have come from northern China via Korea, a little after Rice and Awa (Setaria italica/Foxtail millet) were introduced.

Uses

Grains: Food by Mixing with Rice, Snacks, Medicine

Calendar of best viewing periods

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