Sorghum comes from the hot and dry regions of Africa. Sorghum came directly from its wild form, which in turn has many types. It is believed that sorghum was domesticated 5,000 B.C. in Ethiopia, Sudan, Chad. The sorghum can grow to over two metres height. The seeds are found in a panicle at the end of the leaf. The seeds are about twice as large than these of the proso millet, about as large as hemp seeds. The sorghum needs even more warmth than maize but tolerates drought more. The Veltlinese always planted some sorghum in case that hot summers cause maize to fail. Sorghum was plantedAnbau in South Tyrol and the Veltlin. There are three varieties, the normal sorghum with vertical branches, the overhanging sorgho grass and the sweet sorghum whose leaves contain more sugar. There was a variety whose panicle could be used to make brooms and brushes, the seeds of this variety were food for poultry.

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