Paspalum distichum is a species of grass. Common names include knotgrass,[1] water finger-grass,[2] couch paspalum, eternity grass, gingergrass, and Thompson grass.[3] Its native range is obscure because it has long been present on most continents, and in most areas it is certainly an introduced species. Its native range probably includes parts of the tropical Americas.

Paspalum distichum
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. distichum
Binomial name
Paspalum distichum

This is a perennial grass forming clumps and spreading via rhizomes and stolons. It grows decumbent or erect to a maximum height near 60 centimeters. The inflorescence is usually divided into two branches lined with spikelets.

Paspalum distichum is a food source for several avian species, including the long-tailed widowbird.

References

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  1. ^ NRCS. "Paspalum distichum". PLANTS Database. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Retrieved 31 January 2016.
  2. ^ BSBI List 2007 (xls). Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland. Archived from the original (xls) on 2015-06-26. Retrieved 2014-10-17.
  3. ^ "Paspalum distichum". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 12 January 2018.
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