Cord Grass

Name

Cord Grass

Latin Name

Spartina maritima

Habitat

Cord Grass I common in North and South America, parts of Europe and on the coast of West Africa but is thought to be an alien in Southern Africa species due to its secluded status on the west coast. It is well established in most estuaries on the SW and SE coasts where it forms dense stands just below the high-tide mark.

Description

Forms tufts of narrow, spiky, rough, inrolled leaves; flower head consists of two branches that are pressed together. Size 40 cm.

Notes

A series of hybridizations around the world have occurred where the grass has been introduced. How Cord Grass came to be in Southern Africa is unknown but may have been carried on passing ships from West Africa.

Kruger National Park - South African Safari