Classification
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Sporobolus alterniflorus (Loisel.) P.M.Peterson & Saarela in Peterson et al., Taxon 63: 1236 (2014)
Synonymy:
  • Spartina alterniflora Loisel. (1807)
 Description

Robust perennials, (20)–50–100–(200) cm, with thick fleshy far-creeping rhizomes, forming rather open clumps. Leaf-sheath ± glabrous; cross-veinlets scattered, minute; margins often minutely ciliate below ligule. Ligule 1–2 mm, densely ciliate. Leaf-blade 8–45 cm × 6–15 mm, persistent, coriaceous, flat, glabrous, adaxially ribbed, much narrowed to fine hard tip. Culm erect, 8–30 mm diam. near base including closely ensheathing leaves. Panicles in N.Z. usually not developed, this description is from the two floriferous specimens seen: panicle c. 25 cm, erect, contracted; spikes 7–14, 5–7 cm; rachis of each spike glabrous, tipped by bristle 10–12 mm. Spikelets 14–17 mm, lanceolate, 1-flowered. Glumes very unequal, lanceolate, glabrous, subacute; lower slightly > ½ length of upper and much narrower, 1–3-nerved, upper = spikelet, 5–9-nerved. Lemma ≤ upper glume, 3–5-nerved, lanceolate, glabrous. Palea ≥ lemma, hyaline, glabrous. Anthers 3.5–6 mm. Caryopsis not seen.

[From: Edgar and Connor (2000) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 5 (second printing). as Spartina alterniflora Loisel.]

 Biostatus
Exotic
 Bibliography
Biosecurity New Zealand 2012: Regional Pest Management Strategies Database. http://www.biosecurityperformance.maf.govt.nz/ [as Spartina alterniflora Loisel.]
Howell, C. 2008: Consolidated list of environmental weeds in New Zealand. DOC Research & Development Series 292: 42. [as Spartina alterniflora Loisel.]
Partridge, T. R. 1987: Spartina in New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Botany 25: 567–575. [as Spartina alterniflora Loisel.]
Peterson, P.M.; Romaschenko, K.; Arrieta, Y.H.; Saarela, J.M. 2014: A molecular phylogeny and new subgeneric classification of Sporobolus (Poaceae: Chloridoideae: Sporobolinae). Taxon 63(6): 1212–1243.