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  | |
| 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
| |
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]