
Saccharum officinarum
Saccharum officinarum, commonly known as sugarcane, is a tall perennial grass cultivated primarily for its high sugar content. Native to tropical regions of South Asia and Southeast Asia, it has thick, jointed stalks that store a sweet sap. Farmers harvest the stalks, extract the juice, and process it to produce sugar, molasses, and ethanol. Sugarcane also plays a vital role in producing renewable energy and supports various industries. Its cultivation requires warm climates, adequate rainfall, and rich soil, making it a key crop in tropical and subtropical agricultural economies.