Distichlis spicata
Distichlis spicata | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Clade: | Commelinids |
Order: | Poales |
Family: | Poaceae |
Genus: | Distichlis |
Species: | D. spicata
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Binomial name | |
Distichlis spicata | |
Synonyms | |
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Distichlis spicata is a species of grass known by several common names, including seashore saltgrass, inland saltgrass, and desert saltgrass. This grass is native to the Americas, where it is widespread.[1] It can be found on other continents as well, where it is naturalized. It is extremely salt tolerant.[2]
Distribution and habitat
Distichlis spicata thrives along coastlines and on
This plant grows easily in salty and alkaline soils, excreting salts from its tissues via salt glands.[3]
Description
Distichlis spicata is a hardy perennial with rhizomes and sometimes stolons. It is an erect grass which occasionally approaches half a meter in height but is generally shorter. The solid, stiff stems have narrow leaves up to 10 centimeters in length, which may be crusted with salt in saline environments.[4]
This species is
Uses
Because it gets rid of excess salts by secreting it onto its surfaces, the Kawaiisu Indians were able to make salt blocks by scraping off the salt.[2]
"Under favorable soil and moisture conditions, studies have shown Saltgrass favorable for pastures irrigated with saline water. The total dry matter yields were 9081 kg/ha with a total protein production of 1300 kg/ha. Saltgrass is grazed by both cattle and horses and it has a forage value of fair to good because it remains green when most other grasses are dry during the drought periods and it is resistant to grazing and trampling. It is cropped both when green and in the dry state; however, it is most commonly used the winter for livestock feed. Saltgrass along the Atlantic coast was the primary source of hay for the early colonists."[6]
References
- ^ "Distichlis spicata".
- ^ a b Mojave Desert Wildflowers, Pam MacKay, 2nd ed. 2013, p 284
- ^ "Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Opportunities for Salt Marsh Types in Southwest Florida". United States Environmental Protection Agency.
- ^ "Inland Saltgrass".
- ^ "Distichlis spicata (Saltgrass)". Minnesota Wildflowers.
- ^ "Plant Fact Sheet" (PDF). United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service.