Water couch (Paspalum virgatum, Syst. Nat. ed. 10, 2: 855 (1759))

Family: Poaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Syst. Nat. ed. 10, 2: 855 (1759)

Year: 1759

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Paspalum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America

Description

Water couch, scientifically known as Paspalum virgatum, is a notable member of the Poaceae family, which encompasses a vast array of grass species. First described by the eminent botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1759, this species has since captured the interest of botanists and ecologists alike, thanks to its distinct characteristics and adaptability.

Predominantly found in tropical and subtropical regions across the Americas, Water couch thrives in environments ranging from coastal zones to inland areas. Its robust growth pattern enables it to play a crucial role in the ecosystem, particularly in stabilizing soils and providing a habitat for various wildlife.

This grass species is characterized by its lush, spreading habit, which can form dense mats. The leaves are typically long, slender, and elegantly arching, presenting a verdant hue that enhances the charm of natural landscapes. Paspalum virgatum has a unique adaptation mechanism that allows it to endure fluctuating water levels, making it a resilient plant capable of withstanding both flooding and drought conditions.

The ecological benefits of Water couch extend beyond its aesthetic appeal. It is instrumental in preventing soil erosion due to its extensive rooting system. Furthermore, it offers fodder for grazing animals and serves as a shelter for numerous smaller creatures, thus contributing to the biodiversity of its habitat.

Understanding the role and dynamics of Paspalum virgatum within its native environment is crucial for conservation efforts and sustainable land management practices. As habitat destruction and climate change pose increasing threats to many plant species, the resilience and adaptability of Water couch underscore its importance in maintaining ecological balance in the regions it inhabits.

Common Names

Eng: clyde road grass, talquezal, upright paspalum, water couch
Spa: caguazo, camalote blanco, marciega, talquezal
Por: capim-navalha
En: Water couch, Clyde Road grass, Upright paspalum, Talquezal
Pt: Capim navalha, Capim-navalha
Es: Camalote blanco, Talquezal, Caguazo, Marciega

Synonyms

• Paspalum lagascae var. virgatum ((L.) Kuntze)
• Paspalum virgatum var. ciliatum (Döll)
• Paspalum latifolium (Spreng.)
• Paspalum wettsteinii (Hack.)
• Paspalum virgatum var. linnaeanum (Flüggé)
• Panicum lagascae var. virgatum ((L.) Kuntze)
• Paspalum virgatum var. jacquinianum (Flüggé)
• Paspalum virgatum var. willdenowianum (Flüggé)
• Paspalum virgatum var. stramineum (Griseb.)
• Paspalum leucocheilum (C.Wright)
• Paspalum platyphyllum (Schult. & Schult.f.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Central American Pac (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Texas (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• Azores (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Gabon (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Jawa (introduced)
• Madagascar (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)
• Malaya (introduced)
• Mauritius (introduced)
• Rodrigues (introduced)
• Réunion (introduced)
• Taiwan (introduced)

Additional Images

© 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.

Fruit

Taken Jul 26, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 26, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Daniel H. Janzen (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Más & Lugo-Torres (cc-by-nc-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 26, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 26, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Más & Lugo-Torres (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Daniel H. Janzen (cc-by-nc-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 26, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 26, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 7, 2021 by emmanuela mbangale (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 26, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 14, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Feb 14, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Feb 14, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Feb 14, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Más & Lugo-Torres (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Daniel H. Janzen (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2705620)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:414854-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Paspalum virgatum L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Graminoid

Growth