Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum)

FamilyPoaceae
Scientific nameSaccharum officinarum
Common name (English)Sugarcane
Common name (Malay)Tebu
Identified asIntroduced plant on Project M.A.R.S.’s land

Saccharum officinarum, commonly known as sugarcane, is a tall perennial grass in the Poaceae family. Native to tropical South and Southeast Asia, it is cultivated worldwide for its sweet, fibrous stalks, which are processed to produce sugar, molasses, and bioethanol. Traditionally, various parts of the plant—including juice, leaves, and stems—have been used in folk medicine for their digestive, diuretic, and energizing properties. With its agricultural, economic, and cultural significance, Saccharum officinarum remains a cornerstone crop in tropical and subtropical regions globally.