Paspalum repens

Paspalum repens, known as horsetail paspalum or water paspalum, is a species of grass native to South America, Central America, and North America.[1][2][3] It is often called Paspalum fluitans,[2] though this name is treated as a synonym of P. repens in Kew's Plants of the World Online database and the Flora of North America project.[3] It is an obligate wetland species, often found submersed or floating in shallow water bodies or on the edges of rivers. It grows to be about a foot tall, with lance shaped leaves, spongy air-filled stems, and often a reddish tint. Inflorescence takes the form of spikelets.[4][5]

Paspalum repens
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Subfamily: Panicoideae
Genus: Paspalum
Species:
P. repens
Binomial name
Paspalum repens
P.J.Bergius
Synonyms[1]
Synonyms list
  • Ceresia fluitans Elliott
  • Cymatochloa fluitans (Elliott) Schltdl.
  • Cymatochloa repens (P.J.Bergius) Schltdl.
  • Paspalum bistipulatum Hochst. ex Steud.
  • Paspalum fluctuans Larrañaga
  • Paspalum fluitans (Elliott) Kunth
  • Paspalum frankii Steud.
  • Paspalum gracile Rudge
  • Paspalum mucronatum Muhl.
  • Paspalum natans Leconte
  • Paspalum paniculatum Walter
  • Paspalum pyramidale Nees
  • Paspalum repens var. fluitans (Elliott) Wipff & S.D.Jones

Wildlife Value

P. repens has a medium protein content; it is highly palatable for both browsing and grazing animals[6] and is a favored food of Manatees. [7]

References
  1. "Paspalum repens P.J.Bergius". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanical Gardens Kew. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
  2. USDA, NRCS (n.d.). "Paspalum fluitans". The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov). Greensboro, North Carolina: National Plant Data Team. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
  3. Allen, C. M.; Hall, D. W. "Paspalum repens". beta.floranorthamerica.org. Retrieved 25 July 2020.
  4. "Paspalum repens - Species Details". Atlas of Florida Plants. Retrieved 2023-09-27.
  5. "| Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants | University of Florida, IFAS". plants.ifas.ufl.edu. Retrieved 2023-09-27.
  6. "USDA Plants Database". plants.usda.gov. Retrieved 2023-09-27.
  7. "Manatees Expand Their Habitat in Costa Rica". Costa Rica Star News. 2014-01-14. Retrieved 2023-09-27.


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