Spartina
Smooth cordgrass ( Spartina alterniflora )
The silt grasses ( Spartina ) is a genus in the family of grasses ( Poaceae ). The genus name is Greek in origin of Spartina division = knitting and knitting means or broom grass.
Description
The silt grasses are vigorous, perennial grasses with long, narrow, alternate leaves and long branched rhizomes. The plants reach a stature height between 0.3 and 2 meters. The ear is composed with alternate, seated spikelets.
Distribution and location
Several species are common North American and South American. A few are in Europe ( Sp maritima, Sp × townsendii, M. anglica ) and along the west coast of Africa before. The species are halophytes, which occur predominantly at sea shores, especially salt marshes.
Species
About 18 species and hybrids can be distinguished:
- Spartina alterniflora Loisel (Smooth cordgrass )
- Spartina anglica Hubb. (Salt cordgrass, English cordgrass )
- Spartina argentinensis
- Spartina arundinacea
- Spartina bakeri Merr.
- Spartina ciliata
- Spartina cynosuroides (L.) Roth
- Spartina densiflora Brongn. ex Beer
- Spartina foliosa Trin.
- Spartina densiflora × Spartina foliosa
- Spartina gracilis Trin.
- Spartina maritima ( Curt. ) Fernald ( Niederes cordgrass )
- Spartina merrillii A. Chevalier
- Spartina patens ( Ait. ) Muhl.
- Spartina pectinata Link.
- Spartina saving tinae ( Trin. ) Merr. ex AS Hitchc.
- Spartina × townsendii Groves
- Spartina versicolor Fabre
Use
Several species were grown for watt increase and land reclamation. The species that often dominate in salt marshes, have been used as fodder ( grazing and hay ). Some species were also used for roofing.