Dragon Beard Grass

Dragon Beard Grass

　　Dragon Beard Grass, also known locally as "Mountain Grass" or "Coir Raincoat Grass," is a perennial herbaceous plant. It features tufted stems that are round and slender, growing over a meter in length, with undersides covered in tea-brown, scale-like leaves. In summer, flower stalks emerge about 10 centimeters from the tip of the stem, bearing numerous small, pale green flowers. It commonly grows in the moist crevices of mountain rocks, along streams, and on barren slopes near rivers in counties such as Qiaojia, Yongshan, Daguan, and Yiliang—areas with high humidity. Harvested in autumn, the annual total yield averages around 500,000 kilograms. The grass is notable for being node-free, having long fibers, strong tensile strength, and a milky white color. It serves as an excellent raw material for making offset printing paper, copying paper, and banknote paper. It’s also a good material for twisting ropes, can be used as stuffing for soft furniture, and is an indispensable production resource in the lives of rural residents. It is also a highly sought-after commodity in markets both within and outside the province. In some areas, Dragon Beard Grass is processed into carpets for export, where it is well-received in international markets. It is one of the economic strengths of Zhaotong’s rural economy. In recent years, places like Yiliang have promoted its artificial cultivation, actively protecting and developing this natural resource. (Zhaotong)