Paspalum setaceum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Paspalum setaceum |
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| growing as a weed on Midway Atoll | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Paspalum
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| Species: |
setaceum
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Paspalum setaceum is a type of grass known by several common names, including thin paspalum. It's a common plant that grows in many places. Sometimes it's even considered a weed in lawns and grassy areas.
About Thin Paspalum Grass
This grass originally comes from the Americas. You can find it in the eastern and central parts of the United States. It also grows in Ontario, Canada, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean islands.
Sometimes, this grass spreads to new places where it didn't grow before. When it does, it's called an introduced species. In some of these new places, like many Pacific Islands, it can become an invasive species. This means it grows very quickly and can take over areas, sometimes causing problems for other plants. It often grows as a weed in lawns and turf.
What Does Thin Paspalum Look Like?
Thin paspalum is a perennial grass. This means it lives for more than two years. It has stems that can stand up straight or lie flat on the ground. These stems can grow to be over one meter (about 3 feet) long.
The leaves of this grass are flat. They can be smooth or a little bit hairy. Their color can also be different shades of green. The plant produces a flower cluster called a panicle. This panicle can have up to six branches, each up to 17 centimeters (about 6.7 inches) long. Along these branches are small, oval-shaped to round flower parts called spikelets.
Different Types of Thin Paspalum
There are several different types, or varieties, of Paspalum setaceum. These varieties can be told apart by things like their color or how hairy their leaves are. Some experts, however, don't separate them into different varieties.
Here are some of the known varieties:
- Paspalum setaceum var. ciliatifolium (fringe-leaf paspalum) - This type has dark green or purplish leaves. It is found in many places and often grows as a weed in the Pacific Islands.
- Paspalum setaceum var. longepedunculatum (barestem paspalum) - This variety has yellow-green leaves.
- Paspalum setaceum var. muhlenbergii (hurrahgrass) - This type is found in North America.
- Paspalum setaceum var. psammophilum (sand paspalum, beadgrass, slender beadgrass, tufted beard-grass) - This variety has hairy leaves. It grows along the East Coast of the United States.
- Paspalum setaceum var. setaceum (thin paspalum) - This is the main type, with hairy gray-green leaves.
- Paspalum setaceum var. stramineum (yellow sand paspalum) - This type has leaves that can be yellow-green to dark green.
- Paspalum setaceum var. villosissimum (hairy paspalum) - This variety has gray-green leaves.
