Paspalum repens, known as horsetail paspalum or water paspalum, is a species of grass native to South America, Central America, and North America.[1][2][3] It is often called Paspalum fluitans,[2] though this name is treated as a synonym of P. repens in Kew's Plants of the World Online database and the Flora of North America project.[3] It is an obligate wetland species, often found submersed or floating in shallow water bodies or on the edges of rivers. It grows to be about a foot tall, with lance shaped leaves, spongy air-filled stems, and often a reddish tint. Inflorescence takes the form of spikelets.[4][5]

Paspalum repens
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Subfamily: Panicoideae
Genus: Paspalum
Species:
P. repens
Binomial name
Paspalum repens
P.J.Bergius
Synonyms[1]
Synonyms list
  • Ceresia fluitans Elliott
  • Cymatochloa fluitans (Elliott) Schltdl.
  • Cymatochloa repens (P.J.Bergius) Schltdl.
  • Paspalum bistipulatum Hochst. ex Steud.
  • Paspalum fluctuans Larrañaga
  • Paspalum fluitans (Elliott) Kunth
  • Paspalum frankii Steud.
  • Paspalum gracile Rudge
  • Paspalum mucronatum Muhl.
  • Paspalum natans Leconte
  • Paspalum paniculatum Walter
  • Paspalum pyramidale Nees
  • Paspalum repens var. fluitans (Elliott) Wipff & S.D.Jones

Wildlife Value edit

P. repens has a medium protein content; it is highly palatable for both browsing and grazing animals[6] and is a favored food of Manatees. [7]

References edit

  1. ^ a b "Paspalum repens P.J.Bergius". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanical Gardens Kew. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
  2. ^ a b USDA, NRCS (n.d.). "Paspalum fluitans". The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov). Greensboro, North Carolina: National Plant Data Team. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
  3. ^ a b Allen, C. M.; Hall, D. W. "Paspalum repens". beta.floranorthamerica.org. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
  4. ^ "Paspalum repens - Species Details". Atlas of Florida Plants. Retrieved 2023-09-27.
  5. ^ "| Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants | University of Florida, IFAS". plants.ifas.ufl.edu. Retrieved 2023-09-27.
  6. ^ "USDA Plants Database". plants.usda.gov. Retrieved 2023-09-27.
  7. ^ "Manatees Expand Their Habitat in Costa Rica". Costa Rica Star News. 2014-01-14. Retrieved 2023-09-27.