The Barley (Hordeum vulgare) belongs to Poaceae (the Grass family). It is an annual or biennial herb that is native to West Asia. This grain has fourth-largest growing area; followinwg bread wheat, rice and corn. The stems are erect, fasciculate and bear linear or lanceolate leaves. The greenish flowers bloom in spikes atop of stems from April to May. The hulless barley (Hordeum vulgare var. nudum ) is beardless, the Six-rowed barley (Hordeum vulgare f. hexastichon) has six-rowed caryopses, and the Tow-rowed barley (Hordeum vulgare f. distichon) has tow-rowed caryopses. The caryopses are used as an ingredient of fodder, soy sauce, miso, beer ,and the wheat straws are used as a straw hat and a straw work.
Photos 17-19th show the cultivation of "oomugi" as a substitute for straw in "Devil's tongue" cultivation. The variety is "Otasuke Mugi".