Paspalum notatum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Paspalum notatum |
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Paspalum
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notatum
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Bahiagrass is a type of grass known by many names, like common bahia or Pensacola bahia. Its scientific name is Paspalum notatum. This grass grows in warm, sunny places, from tropical to subtropical regions. It is a perennial plant, which means it lives for more than two years.
Bahiagrass is easy to spot because of its special V-shaped flower stalks. These stalks usually have two branches that look like spikes. Each branch holds many tiny flowers, called spikelets, which are about 2.8 to 3.5 millimeters long.
How Bahiagrass Grows
This grass grows low to the ground and spreads out. It uses special stems called stolons that creep along the surface. It also has thick underground stems called rhizomes. Roots grow easily from these stems, helping the plant form a thick, dense mat of grass, also known as a sod.
The leaves of bahiagrass are flat and tough. They usually do not have hairs and are about 2 to 6 millimeters wide. The leaves can be flat, folded, or rolled inward, and they end in a sharp point. The bottom parts of the leaves, where they connect to the rhizomes, often have a purplish color. The main stems of the grass can grow to be 20 to 75 centimeters tall.
Its Flowers
The main flower stalks usually have two branches at the very top of a thin stem. Sometimes, one branch might be a little lower than the other, and occasionally there can even be a third branch. The tiny flowers, or spikelets, are arranged very close together in two rows. They are wide, round, smooth, and shiny.
Inside each spikelet is a tiny flower. You can often see the small, black, feathery parts called stigmas and the black stamens hanging from the tips of the flowers.
Where Bahiagrass Lives
Bahiagrass first came from Mexico and South America. But now, you can find it growing naturally in other parts of North America and around the world. It likes to grow in sandy soils.
This grass can also handle some shade. It is quite strong and can grow in salty conditions. It can also survive during dry periods without much water.
Why Bahiagrass is Useful
Bahiagrass is mainly used as forage, which means it's food for animals like cows. Even when the grass is fully grown, it still has good nutrients for animals. However, it doesn't grow a huge amount of grass compared to some other types.
People also value bahiagrass because it helps stop soil from washing away, which is called erosion. It's also easy to plant and stays strong for a long time.
It makes a good turf because it doesn't need much care. It can handle dry weather and often has fewer problems with diseases and insects than other types of warm-season grasses.
