Bamboo plants bear 'rice' in southern India

Indian tribals hunt bamboo 'rice' in the forests in the southern region, in what is considered to be a rare phenomenon. The tribals in the border regions of Tamil Nadu and Kerala collect the seeds of bamboo plants, and use it like rice. The flowering and bearing of 'rice' is a rare phenomenon that occurs once in forty years. The forests in Bitherkad near Gudalur on the borders of these two states dot thousands of bamboo trees, which provides livelihood to tribals these days. Rich in nutrition, this 'rice' is in much demand because of the exclusivity factor. The seeds are separated from the dust and then cleaned and used for eating.