Eleocharis montevidensis
| Eleocharis montevidensis | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Monocots |
| (unranked): | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Cyperaceae |
| Genus: | Eleocharis |
| Species: | E. montevidensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Eleocharis montevidensis Kunth | |
Eleocharis montevidensis is a species of spikesedge known by the common name sand spikerush. It is a widespread coastal plant native to the Americas, ranging from North Carolina (USA) south to Argentina, where it grows in moist, sandy spots in many habitat types, including lakes, riverbanks, wet meadows, and springs.
Description
This is a rhizomatous perennial herb forming tufts or mats of erect, firm stems up to half a meter tall. The narrow grasslike leaves are dark purplish or reddish brown at the bases, becoming lighter in color toward the tips, and drying to a thin, papery texture. The inflorescence is an oval-shaped spikelet appearing at the tip of the stem. It is under a centimeter long and made up of several flowers covered in brownish bracts.
Cultivation
It is sometimes cultivated as an aquatic plant for water gardens.