Deuay or tears grass, which has white seeds, that are known as Job's tears that are gained from the hard flower buds. Whereas the seeds are edible (fig.), the beads are used by some hill tribe people to make ornaments, such as necklaces (fig.).

Both the Karen and Akha people grow several varieties of the plant and the women of the latter group typically adorn their headwear and jackets with tear grass beads, though today colourful plastic pearls are being used ever more frequently.