Paspalum plicatulum

Paspalum plicatulum is a species of grass known by the common name brownseed paspalum. In Brazil its names include capim coquerinho, felpudo and pasto-negro. It is called zong zi que bai in Chinese and herbe à cheval in French. In South America its names include camalote, gamelotillo, and hierba de cepa.[1] It is native to the Americas, where it occurs in the southeastern United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, and parts of South America.[2][1]

Paspalum plicatulum

Secure  (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Subfamily: Panicoideae
Genus: Paspalum
Species:
P. plicatulum
Binomial name
Paspalum plicatulum
Michx.

This rhizomatous perennial grass has thick stems which can exceed 1 metre (3 ft) in height. The leaf blades are up to 35 centimetres (14 in) long. The inflorescence is a panicle with up to 7 branches. The paired spikelets are generally oval in shape and are brown in color.[2]

In its native range this grass grows in disturbed areas as well as prairies and forests.[2] It is planted in many areas of the world to feed livestock.[1]

The seeds provide food for birds.[3] It is used as a pasture grass and it can be made into hay. It can be grown on low-fertility soils. Cultivars include 'Bryan', 'Hartley', and 'Rodd's Bay'.[1]

References
  1. Paspalum plicatulum. Tropical Forages.
  2. Paspalum plicatulum. Archived 2016-03-04 at the Wayback Machine Grass Manual Treatment.
  3. Paspalum plicatulum. USDA NRCS Plant Fact Sheet.
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