Paspalum repens | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Clade: | Commelinids |
Order: | Poales |
Family: | Poaceae |
Subfamily: | Panicoideae |
Genus: | Paspalum |
Species: | P. repens
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Binomial name | |
Paspalum repens P.J.Bergius
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Synonyms[1] | |
Synonyms list
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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]
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]