Biscuit grass (Paspalum vaginatum, Prodr. Veg. Ind. Occ.: 21 (1788))

Family: Poaceae

Author: Sw.

Bibliography: Prodr. Veg. Ind. Occ.: 21 (1788)

Year: 1788

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Paspalum

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America

Description

Biscuit grass, scientifically known as Paspalum vaginatum, is a notable species within the Poaceae family. This resilient grass is distinguished by its extensive presence in tropical and subtropical regions of America, where it thrives remarkably well. First described by Sw. in “Prodr. Veg. Ind. Occ.” in 1788, Biscuit grass has garnered attention due to its adaptability and robustness.

Biscuit grass is highly valued for its versatility and endurance in various climates, particularly those characterized by warm temperatures. It is commonly found in areas that experience regular moisture, such as coastal regions and wetlands, leveraging its ability to tolerate saline conditions better than many other grass species. This makes it an ideal choice for soil stabilization in erosion-prone areas and for creating lush, green carpets in parks and lawns.

The structure of Paspalum vaginatum is quite distinctive. It exhibits a creeping growth habit, forming dense mats that help in effectively covering the ground. The leaves are generally smooth and linear, providing a soft and appealing texture to the touch. This grass also produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are less prominent compared to its extensive, verdant foliage.

Due to its hardiness and low maintenance requirements, Biscuit grass is increasingly popular as a ground cover in both natural and landscaped environments. It can withstand heavy foot traffic, making it an excellent choice for recreational areas. Additionally, its tolerance of various soil types and moisture levels allows it to be used in numerous environmental rehabilitation projects.

In summary, Biscuit grass (Paspalum vaginatum) is a vital and versatile grass species celebrated for its adaptability and resilience in tropical and subtropical climates. Its ability to thrive in saline conditions and form dense, ground-covering mats makes it an invaluable plant for both aesthetic and environmental purposes.

Common Names

Fra: paspale
Eng: seashore paspalum, biscuit grass, saltwater couch, silt grass, sheathed paspalum
Spa: grama de agua, grama de costa, grama de rio
Por: gramão
En: Biscuit grass, Saltwater couch, Silt grass, Seashore paspalum, Seashore Crown Grass, Sheathed paspalum
Zh: 海雀稗
Fr: Paspale, Paspale à deux épis, Paspalum vaginé
Pt: Gramão
Pt-br: Capim-paturá, Grama-rasteira
Es: Grama de costa, Grama de agua, Grama de rio
Zh-tw: 海雀稗
Th: หญ้านมหนอน

Synonyms

• Paspalum vaginatum var. nanum (Döll)
• Paspalum furcatum var. fissum (Döll)
• Paspalum moandaense (Vanderyst)
• Paspalum vaginatum subsp. nanum ((Döll) Loxton)
• Paspalum vaginatum f. longipes (Lange)
• Paspalum didactylum (Salzm. ex Steud.)
• Paspalum distichum subsp. vaginatum ((Sw.) P.Fourn.)
• Paspalum distichum var. tristachyum ((Schult.) Alph.Wood)
• Paspalum vaginatum var. longipes (Lange)
• Paspalum brachiatum (Trin. ex Nees)
• Paspalum distichum var. nanum ((Döll) Stapf)
• Paspalum squamatum (Steud.)
• Paspalum boryanum (J.Presl)
• Paspalum distichum var. longerepens (Domin)
• Paspalum littorale (R.Br.)
• Paspalum vaginatum var. reimarioides (Chapm.)
• Paspalum distichum var. vaginatum ((Sw.) Griseb.)
• Paspalum distichum var. ampinense (Hayata)
• Paspalum distichum var. littorale ((R.Br.) F.M.Bailey)
• Digitaria paspalodes var. longipes ((Lange) Willk. & Lange)
• Paspalum reptans (Poir. ex Döll)
• Digitaria vaginata var. longipes ((Lange) Sennen)
• Sanguinaria vaginata ((Sw.) Bubani)
• Paspalum distichum var. anpinense (Hayata)
• Paspalum inflatum (A.Rich.)
• Paspalum kleinianum (J.Presl)
• Digitaria vaginata ((Sw.) Philippe)
• Paspalum vaginatum var. littorale ((R.Br.) Trin.)
• Paspalum jaguaense (León)
• Paspalum gayanum (É.Desv.)
• Paspalum tristachyum (Leconte)
• Paspalum fissifolium (Nees ex Döll)
• Digitaria tristachya (Schult.)
• Digitaria foliosa (Lag.)
• Paspalum reimarioides (Chapm.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Argentina South (native)
• Bahamas (native)
• Belize (native)
• Bermuda (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Cayman Is. (native)
• Chile Central (native)
• Chile North (native)
• Chile South (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Florida (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Galápagos (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Texas (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Uruguay (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• Aldabra (introduced)
• Algeria (introduced)
• Andaman Is. (introduced)
• Angola (introduced)
• Bangladesh (introduced)
• Benin (introduced)
• Burkina (introduced)
• Cambodia (introduced)
• Cameroon (introduced)
• Canary Is. (introduced)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• Cape Verde (introduced)
• Caroline Is. (introduced)
• Chagos Archipelago (introduced)
• China South-Central (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Cocos (Keeling) Is. (introduced)
• Congo (introduced)
• Cook Is. (introduced)
• Djibouti (introduced)
• Egypt (introduced)
• Fiji (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Free State (introduced)
• Gabon (introduced)
• Gambia (introduced)
• Ghana (introduced)
• Guinea (introduced)
• Guinea-Bissau (introduced)
• Gulf of Guinea Is. (introduced)
• Gulf States (introduced)
• Hainan (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Ivory Coast (introduced)
• Japan (introduced)
• Jawa (introduced)
• Kenya (introduced)
• KwaZulu-Natal (introduced)
• Laccadive Is. (introduced)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (introduced)
• Madagascar (introduced)
• Malaya (introduced)
• Maluku (introduced)
• Marquesas (introduced)
• Mauritania (introduced)
• Mauritius (introduced)
• Morocco (introduced)
• Mozambique (introduced)
• Myanmar (introduced)
• Namibia (introduced)
• Nansei-shoto (introduced)
• New Caledonia (introduced)
• New Guinea (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• Nicobar Is. (introduced)
• Nigeria (introduced)
• Niue (introduced)
• Norfolk Is. (introduced)
• Oman (introduced)
• Philippines (introduced)
• Portugal (introduced)
• Réunion (introduced)
• Samoa (introduced)
• Sardegna (introduced)
• Saudi Arabia (introduced)
• Senegal (introduced)
• Seychelles (introduced)
• Sicilia (introduced)
• Sierra Leone (introduced)
• Society Is. (introduced)
• Socotra (introduced)
• Somalia (introduced)
• South China Sea (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Sri Lanka (introduced)
• St.Helena (introduced)
• Sudan (introduced)
• Sulawesi (introduced)
• Sumatera (introduced)
• Taiwan (introduced)
• Tanzania (introduced)
• Thailand (introduced)
• Tokelau-Manihiki (introduced)
• Tonga (introduced)
• Tuamotu (introduced)
• Tubuai Is. (introduced)
• Vietnam (introduced)
• Wallis-Futuna Is. (introduced)
• Yemen (introduced)
• Zaïre (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken May 13, 2022 by Bizniss Joosmoques (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 13, 2022 by Bizniss Joosmoques (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 25, 2020 by William Gustave (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 25, 2020 by William Gustave (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2019 by Peay Jay (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 16, 2013 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 16, 2013 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2012 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2012 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 16, 2013 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 15, 2000 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 31, 1875 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Aug 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Sep 9, 2018 by kosak83 (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8100050)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:184742-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Paspalum vaginatum Sw.)

Specifications

Growth