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.

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