Ixophorus

Ixophorus is a genus of Latin American plants in the grass family. The only recognized species is Ixophorus unisetus.[2][3][4] Some authors have included one or two other species in the genus, such as I. pringlei, but these have more recently been reduced to synonymy.[4] Common names for I. unisetus include crane grass, turkey grass,[5] Honduras grass, Mexican grass,[6] Central America grass, hático (Colombia), zacate blanco (El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico), and zacate chompipe (Nicaragua).[7]

This grass is native to Mexico, Central America, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Colombia.[2][5] It is an introduced species in Hawaii.[2][8]

The grass is variable. It can be annual or perennial, growing up to 1.5 meters tall or remaining much shorter. The stem can be up to a centimeter wide and dry to nearly succulent. The inflorescence is an open panicle with up to 50 branches.[3]

This grass is grown for grazing and hay in some places, such as Costa Rica.[6]

formerly included[2]

several taxa once regarded as members of Ixophorus but now regarded as better suited to other genera: Pennisetum Setaria

• Ixophorus glaucus – Pennisetum glaucum
• Ixophorus glaucus var. laevigatus – Setaria parviflora
• Ixophorus italicus – Setaria italica
• Ixophorus verticillatus – Setaria verticillata
• Ixophorus viridis – Setaria viridis