Macrochloa tenacissima (L.) Kunth

Spice Detail Spike detail Spikes In the field In the field 2

Family: GRAMINEAE (POACEAE)

Genus: Macrochloa

Sinònims: Stipa tenacissima L.

Province distribution: Balearic Islands.

Distribution in the islands: Menorca. Ibiza.

General distribution (Phytogeography): South Mediterranean

IUCN Category: LCLeast concern

Flowering time: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Life-forms: Hemicryptophyte.

Habitats: Rocky coastlines. Pine wood and shrubland with rosemary and thyme garigue. Garriques and coastal areas.

Characteristics: Stipa tenacissima or bunch grass is a perennial Gramineae that forms dense and compact bunches, which from the outside resemble those of sedge, although the leaves are tough, leathery, curled and much shorter than this plant. The spikelets have a large awn, a way to distinguish it without a doubt from Lygos spartium, another species with a similar physiognomy found in Eivissa, the only islands where you can find these two species, which additionally are found in the same habitat. Stipa tenacissima grass was priory used for the extraction of fibres for ropes, shoes, baskets and many other uses. Flowers in April and May.