Saccharum (genus)

Genus containing 6 to 40 species (depending upon the classification) of perennial grass cultivated for its juice in tropical regions. Sugar cane products include table sugar, falernum, molasses, rum, cachaca, bagasse, and ethanol. Most present-day commercial canes are hybrids of the species Saccharum officinarum, which was developed from a wild cane species, Saccharum robustom, and cultivated by native peoples of southern Pacific Islands.