Alternative uses of herbaceous species of the Gramineae family

Various species of the Gramineae family (Triticum aestivum, Zea mays, Oryza sativa, etc) constitute the base of human food since prehistoric time and of animal feed (Dactylis glomerata, Lolium spp., Festuca spp., Bromus spp., etc). They are also used in turfgrasses for aesthetic (gardens, parks) and functional (sport facilities) reasons as well as for reclamation of disturbed areas (mines, landfill sites, road sides) in order to prevent soil erosion and to restore the ecosystem. Besides these uses, there are also some not as well known but of financial interest. The objective of this study was the investigation and the report of the alternative uses of plant species of the Graminae family. Cynodon dactylon has medicinal properties, Arundo donax, and Phalaris arundinacea can be used as energy plants, Briza maxima, Lagurus ovatus and Stipa pennata, are used for ornamental purposes, and appropriate for cat grass are Avena sterilis, and Dactylis glomerata.