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Tiger Grass By-Product

Softbroom made of Tiger Grass used for Household cleaning

Softbroom Actual Procedure

This is how brooms are being made..

I will post a blog regarding this topic. My family is presently doing this stuff.
I will make a formal procedure for everyone on how to experience to make their own soft brooms! I'snt it very cool? So watch out...

Phenology

A one and one-half year old Tiger grass starts producing panicles in good sites. Panicle is the branching inflorescence in which small flowers are borne along an elongated axis. The panicles usually develop from October to March every year.

Learn More.... link:http://www.pcarrd.dost.gov.ph/cin/AFIN/propagation.htm

Propagation, Management and Harvesting of Tiger Grass in the Highlands

Species Description and Characteristics

There are two species of Tiger grass used in the manufacture of softbrooms. These are scientifically known as Thysanolaena maxima and Phragmites vulgaris of the family Graminae.
Thysanolaena maxima grows as high as 2.5 meters and can thrive at low to medium elevations but can grow faster in higher elevation. Normally, it grows in open areas particularly in logged-over areas, mountain slopes and ravines.
Its leaves are linear, about 5 cm wide and 30 cm long; and are alternately arranged at an interval of 12.5 cm. The panicles which are the main material for softbroom production has an average length of 50 cm while its stalk measures about 70 cm long. The panicles of the species are preferred for softbroom making because they are more durable and command higher market price.

On the other hand, Phragmites vulgaris is widely distributed in low and medium elevations. This variety grows in swamps along muddy streams or in places where there is stagnant or running water. Its leaves are also linear which are 2 to 3 cm wide and about 20 to 25 cm long. These are arranged alternatively at a regular interval of 5 cm. Its panicles are shorter than that of the Thysanolaena maxima with an average length of about 32 cm.
Moreover, both species are good planting materials for controlling soil erosion and as agroforestry crop. The leaves of the plant can be a good forage for ruminants like goat, cattle and other farm animals like the carabao.

Tiger Grass (Thysanolaena Maxima)

Tiger grass (Thysanolaena maxima) is a minor forest product that thrives well in the mountainous areas . Matured grass flowers are the main raw material in softbroom making and used in the manufacture of various display items. Its flower stalks are also used as adornment of picture frames. It is also used as giveaways to visitors and tourists who drop by the town. Sales generated from tiger grass provide a source of extra income to families. It is the major non-food commodity crop of the municipality.

Tiger grass is propagated for the production of panicles for softbroom making. The stalks of the panicles form part of the softbroom handle, but when damaged, the stalks are used for the manufacture of handicrafts like giftboxes either big or small items.