Sugarcane

The sugarcane plant produces a number of stalks that reach 3 to 7 meters (10 to 24 feet) high and bear long sword-shaped leaves. The stalks are composed of many segments, and at each joint, there is a bud. When the cane becomes mature, a growing point at the upper end of the stalk develops into a slender arrow bearing a tassel of tiny flowers. Sugarcane is propagated primarily by the planting of cuttings. The sections of the stalk of immature cane used for planting are known as seed cane, or cane sets, and have two or more buds (eyes), usually three. Seed cane is planted in well-worked fields. Mechanical planters that open the furrow, fertilize, drop the seed cane, and cover it with soil are widely used.