Status:
valid
Authors:
Chase
Source:
wcs
Year:
1929
Citation Micro:
Contr. U.S. Natl. Herb. 28: 142 (1929)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000887600
Common Names
- Paspalum distortum
- Twisted Paspalum
- Bentgrass Paspalum
Description
Paspalum distortum (also called Water Couch, among many other common names) is a perennial grass native to South America. It has long, narrow leaves that grow in tufts and can reach up to 1 m in height. It is found in wetland habitats, such as marshes, swamps, and along the banks of streams and rivers.
Uses & Benefits
Paspalum distortum is used as a forage grass for livestock, as a soil stabilizer, and as an ornamental grass in landscaping.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Paspalum distortum has small, white flowers that are arranged in spikes. The seeds are small and dark brown in color. The seedlings have a rosette-like growth habit and are light green in color.
Cultivation and Propagation
Paspalum distortum can be propagated by seed or vegetative means. It can be grown from seed, but it is slow to establish and may take several years to reach maturity. It can also be propagated vegetatively by dividing the clumps or by stem cuttings. It is best grown in full sun and prefers moist soils. It is drought tolerant once established.
Where to Find Paspalum distortum
Paspalum distortum is native to South America and can be found in grasslands, open woodlands, and disturbed areas such as roadsides and trails.
Paspalum distortum FAQ
What is the scientific name of Paspalum distortum?
Paspalum distortum
What is the common name of Paspalum distortum?
Paspalum
What is the family of Paspalum distortum?
Poaceae
Species in the Paspalum genus
Paspalum acuminatum,
Paspalum acutifolium,
Paspalum acutum,
Paspalum adoperiens,
Paspalum affine,
Paspalum albidulum,
Paspalum alcalinum,
Paspalum almum,
Paspalum alterniflorum,
Paspalum altsonii,
Paspalum ammodes,
Paspalum amphicarpum,
Paspalum anderssonii,
Paspalum apiculatum,
Paspalum approximatum,
Paspalum arenarium,
Paspalum arsenei,
Paspalum arundinaceum,
Paspalum arundinellum,
Paspalum aspidiotes,
Paspalum atabapense,
Paspalum atratum,
Paspalum axillare,
Paspalum azuayense,
Paspalum bakeri,
Paspalum barbinode,
Paspalum barclayi,
Paspalum batianoffii,
Paspalum bertonii,
Paspalum biaristatum,
Paspalum bifidifolium,
Paspalum bifidum,
Paspalum blodgettii,
Paspalum bonairense,
Paspalum bonplandianum,
Paspalum botterii,
Paspalum brachytrichum,
Paspalum breve,
Paspalum buchtienii,
Paspalum burchellii,
Paspalum burmanii,
Paspalum cachimboense,
Paspalum caespitosum,
Paspalum campinarum,
Paspalum canarae,
Paspalum candidum,
Paspalum capillifolium,
Paspalum carinatum,
Paspalum centrale,
Paspalum ceresia,
Species in the Poaceae family
Achnatherum pekinense,
Achnatherum pubicalyx,
Achnatherum sibiricum,
Achnatherum turcomanicum,
Achnatherum brandisii,
Achnatherum bromoides,
Achnatherum calamagrostis,
Achnatherum confusum,
Achnatherum inebrians,
Achnatherum jacquemontii,
Achnatherum virescens,
Achnatherum paradoxum,
Achnatherum nakaii,
Achnatherum pelliotii,
Achnatherum haussknechtii,
Achnatherum mandavillei,
Achnatherum pilosum,
Achnatherum parviflorum,
Achnatherum staintonii,
Aciachne acicularis,
Aciachne flagellifera,
Aciachne pulvinata,
Acidosasa breviclavata,
Acidosasa brilletii,
Acidosasa chinensis,
Acidosasa edulis,
Acidosasa glauca,
Acidosasa guangxiensis,
Acidosasa lingchuanensis,
Acidosasa nanunica,
Acidosasa notata,
Acidosasa purpurea,
Acidosasa venusta,
Acidosasa carinata,
Acostia gracilis,
Acrachne henrardiana,
Acrachne perrieri,
Acrachne racemosa,
Acritochaete volkensii,
Acroceras amplectens,
Acroceras attenuatum,
Acroceras boivinii,
Acroceras bosseri,
Acroceras calcicola,
Acroceras chaseae,
Acroceras diffusum,
Acroceras elegans,
Acroceras excavatum,
Acroceras fluminense,
Acroceras gabunense,
References
POWO record for urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:184281-2: Govaerts R (ed.). 2023. WCVP: World Checklist of Vascular Plants [Version 11]. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. [WWW document] URL http://sftp.kew.org/pub/data-repositories/WCVP/ [accessed 20 April 2023].