adlay
Coix lacryma-jobi L.
Coix lacryma-jobi is a perennial tropical plant in the Poaceae family, commonly known as adlay or Job's tears. It is native to Southeast Asia and has been introduced to regions such as Northern China, India, and the southern United States. Cultivated as an annual in many areas, it is naturalized in the New World tropics and grown in higher elevation zones where rice and corn are unsuitable. The plant is sometimes referred to as Chinese pearl barley, though it is botanically distinct from true barley.
Description
Coix lacryma-jobi, L. (1753), belongs to the genus Coix in the grass family Poaceae. It is widely distributed across regions including BR, Flores Island, TR, TW, VU, ZA, SC, CU, CK, Belgium, Flemish Region, NU, AS, Pitcairn Islands, WS, PW, SB, France, and The Netherlands. The plant is cultivated for its grain and is naturalized in tropical and subtropical areas. It is distinct from true barley, despite the common name Chinese pearl barley. The species has a long history of cultivation in Southeast Asia and is grown in regions where other staple crops are less viable.
Other common names
Job's tearsJob's-tearsadlayadlay millet
Distribution
BR · Flores Island · Parque Nacional Natural Macuira · TR · TW · VU · ZA · SC · CU · CK · Belgium · Flemish Region · NU · AS · Pitcairn Islands · WS · PW · SB · France · The Netherlands · Great Britain · IT · CO · MX · DK · AT · FR · KM · GR · FM
Synonyms
Coix lacrymaCoix ovataCoix pendulaLithagrostis lacryma-jobiSphaerium lacrymaCoix agrestis var. maximaCoix exaltata