Plant Profile: Coix lacryma-jobi

A tropical perennial grass is often cultivated as an annual. Originally from Southeast Asia, it has adapted and spread throughout much of the southern United States. Carl Linnaeus named it after the symbolic tear of Job. Certain varieties produce seeds encased in hard pseudocarps, which are crafted into jewelry, while others have softer pseudocarps that serve as cereal crops and are utilized in traditional medicine. In the Cherokee Nation and the Eastern Band of Cherokee, Job's tears beads are incorporated into personal adornments.

This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist to wet soil conditions.