Echinochloa esculenta, commonly known as Japanese Millet, is an annual grass native to temperate and tropical regions of Southeast and East Asia, thriving in a variety of habitats including plains, grasslands, and the understory of open forests. It typically grows to a height of 1-4 feet and a width of 0.2-0.3 feet. Japanese Millet has a fibrous root system and produces dense, green foliage with flower spikes that emerge in summer, displaying small, wind-pollinated flowers. The plant is valued for its rapid growth and ability to thrive in wet conditions.

Japanese Millet is cultivated for its edible seeds, which are a traditional food source in East Asia, and as animal fodder. It is particularly useful in regions where paddy rice cultivation is not feasible due to unsuitable land or cooler climates. Despite the decline in its cultivation due to the development of cold-tolerant rice varieties, it remains an important crop in certain areas. Japanese Millet requires full sun exposure and can tolerate a range of water conditions, from medium to high, making it adaptable to various soil types with slow to medium drainage. It is also used as a cover crop or for erosion control due to its fast growth and dense foliage. However, it can become weedy and invasive if not managed properly, and it may suffer from fungal diseases in humid conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0