Native Australian grass used for millennia reveals unusual chromosome secret

Channel millet, a native grass, possesses twelve chromosome copies, a trait linked to domestication. Mithaka people utilized this grain for millennia, demonstrating sophisticated ecological knowledge. This desert plant thrives in Channel Country’s extreme boom-and-bust cycles. Its genetic makeup suggests resilience, offering potential for future climate-resilient crops. Ancient Aboriginal practices shaped native grains, revealing hidden strengths for modern food systems.