Sugarcane is a perennial grass belonging to the genues saccharum, tribe Andropogoneae, and family poaceae (Graminea). It's one of the most Photosynthetically - efficient C4 plant. Inter - breeding among species has led to the establishment of the sugarcane in areas most unlikely for prodution. Sugarcane today is cultivated in 127 countries in both the Subtropics anb tropics.
Of the six species of sugracane generally recognized, two are considered wild and four are domesticated.

Saccharum Officinarum
Used primarily for sugar production. They are moderately tall, of various colours, thick stalks, low in fibre and high in sucrose content. There are over four hundred clones of S. officinarum

Saccharum Spontaneum
This specie is highly adaptable, resistant to diseases, cold, grought and other difficult growing conditions. For this reason, this specie is widely used to interbreed with S. officinarum. However, S.spontaneum id thin-stalked, high in fibre and low in sucrose content.

Saccharum Sinense
This specie has been used for sugar production in areas of India, China, Japan, Philippines and Hawaii. Stalks are generally thin, but resistant to disease, drought and flooding.


Saccharum Barbari
This specie is native of India. Typically has narrow leaves, is a short cane, and is considered hardy. Has been used for sugar production.


Saccharum robustum
This specie was discovered in New Guinea. Stems are large in diameter, tall and vigorous. Susceptible to similar diseases as S. officinarum


Aaccharum edule
This specie is thought to be in intergeneric hybrid of Miscanthus floridus and S. robustum. It has the appearance of cauliflower, and can be eaten. S. edule is considered sterile.

Saccharum is thought to have evolved in the Burma-China-India area of Southern Asia. Typical of Southern Asia are S.spontaneum, S.sinense and S. barbari; relatively juicy forms of the latter two were used at the beginning of sugarcane cultivation and processing in India and China. As cane spread to other areas, S. robustum developed in the Islands of Southeast Indonesia and evolved into S. officinarum in the new Guinea area.

Each of the five species, other than S. edule, generally produces fertile flowers and can be intercrossed. Commercially sugarcane cultivators are mostly tri-specie hybrids involving S. officinarum, S. spontaneum, and either S. barbari or S. sinense.