Poaceae

Amelichloa caudata

Common Names: Espartillo

Plant Form: Perennial tussock-forming grass. Size: 55-100 cm tall. Stem: Upright. Leaves: Blades 25-70 cm long, straight or slightly curved, may be inwardly or outwardly curled. Rough, hairless surface with small hairs along edges. Flowers: Elongated clusters 15-25 cm long of widely-spaced cylindrical florets. Fruit and Seeds: Yellowish-brown and somewhat rounded 2-3 mm across, and with a partial covering of hair. Habitat: Grassland, open forests, pastures, disturbed areas, waterways. Distinguishing Features: Very similar appearance to Narrow kernel espartillo (Amelichloa brachychaeta) but may be distinguished by more rounded and less hairy seeds.