This document addresses the biology of the Saccharum spp. hybrid which is grown as commercial sugarcane, with particular reference to the Australian environment, cultivation and use. Information included relates to the taxonomy and origins of Saccharum spp. hybrid, general descriptions of its morphology, reproductive biology and biochemistry, biotic and abiotic interactions. This document also addresses the potential for gene transfer to occur to closely related species. The purpose of this document is to provide baseline information about the non-genetically modified (GM) parent organism for use in risk assessments of GM Saccharum spp. that may be released into the Australian environment.