Macrochloa tenacissima
Species of grass
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Macrochloa tenacissima, synonym Stipa tenacissima, (esparto, esparto grass, halfah grass, alfa grass, or needle grass) is a perennial grass of northwestern Africa and the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula.[1] Phylogenetic and morphological evidence indicated that the species did not belong in Stipa,[3][4][5] and recent sources treat the species as Macrochloa tenacissima as a result.[2][6][7]
| Macrochloa tenacissima | |
|---|---|
| |
| Flowerhead | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Embryophytes |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Spermatophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Subfamily: | Pooideae |
| Genus: | Macrochloa |
| Species: | M. tenacissima |
| Binomial name | |
| Macrochloa tenacissima (L.) Kunth | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
| |
Distribution
Macrochloa tenacissima is native to the Iberian Peninsula, the Balearic Islands, and northwestern Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and [Libya]]).[2] It grows in dry, sandy or rocky and base rich soils, forming a steppe-like grassland. It has been managed by people for centuries.[1]
Description
Macrochloa tenacissima is a large grass growing to 1.5–2 metres (5–7 ft) tall with stout stems. The leaves are convoluted (rolled), 30–120 centimetres (1–4 ft) long and 1 mm diameter, and with a sharp apex. The flowerheads form compact panicles 25–35 cm (9.8–13.8 in) long, with glumes 1 cm long.[8][9]
Uses
Macrochloa tenacissima produces a fibre product called esparto which is used for crafts, such as cords, basketry, and espadrilles as well as for making paper.[1]
See also
- Lygeum spartum, another species of grass also used as esparto.
