Sorghum bicolor

Sorghum bicolor is the primary Sorghum species cultivated for grain for human consumption and for animal feed. The species originated in northern Africa and can grow in arid soils and withstand prolonged droughts. It is commonly known simply as sorghum.

S. bicolor is usually an annual, but some cultivars perennial. It grows in clumps which may reach over 4 meters high. The grain is small reaching about 3 to 4 mm in diameter. Sweet sorghums are sorghum cultivars that are primarily grown for foliage; they are shorter than those grown for grain.

The species is source of ethanol biofuel, and in some environments may be better than maize or sugarcane as it can grow under more harsh conditions.