SafePlants

Job's Tears (Coix lacryma-jobi)

Job's Tears, scientifically known as Coix lacryma-jobi, is a tall, grain-bearing grass with a rich history and diverse uses. It's also known by several other names, including coixseed, tear grass, hato mugi, adlay, and adlai.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant produces hard, bead-like structures (modified leaves) containing grains.

Considerations for Children

• The plant produces hard, bead-like structures (modified leaves) containing grains.
• The seeds are used to make rosaries and jewelry.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Coix lacryma-jobi
• Family: Poaceae (also known as Gramineae), the grass family
• Synonyms and alternative names:
  • Adlay Millet
  • Adlay Seed
  • Chinese Pearl Barley
  • Coix
  • Cox
  • Coix Lachrymal
  • Coix Lachryma
  • Coix ma-yuen
  • Coix Seed
  • Coix stenocarpa
  • Herbe aux Perles
  • Lgrimas de Job
  • Semen Coicis Lachrymajobi
• Varieties: Coix lachryma-jobi Linn. var. ma-yuen Stapf

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to Southeast Asia, specifically East Asia and Malaysia.
• Naturalized in various regions, including the southern United States (Hawaii, Louisiana, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania).
• Grows in wet places in grassland in the foothills.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• A tall, grain-bearing tropical plant.
• Can grow to a height of 4 to 6 feet.
• Characterized by wide, arching stems.
• Produces hard, shiny, tear-shaped seeds.
• Ornamental, tufted perennial grass (annual in temperate climates).

Uses

• The seeds are edible and used as a gluten-free replacement for barley.
• Used in Asian cultures as a food source.
• The seeds are used to make rosaries and jewelry.
• Used medicinally in China for its dampness-removing properties.

Quirky Facts

• The name "Job's Tears" comes from the resemblance of the seeds to tears.
• In Cajun Catholic culture, handmade Job's Tears rosaries are gifted among family members.
• The plant is closely related to corn.