Mauritanian grass
Ampelodesmos mauritanicus

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae

What it is like

Ampelodesmos mauritanicus is a PERENNIAL growing to 3 m (9ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 3

Where it is found

Dry places, mainly near the coast.

Europe - Mediterranean.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

The leaves are used to make a rope and are also used in papermaking.

Fibre: Used for making cloth, rope, paper etc.

Paper: Related to the entry for Fibre, these plants have been specifically mentioned for paper making.

How it is grown

Requires a fertile well-drained but moist soil in a sheltered sunny position. Plants are not very hardy in Britain, they only succeed outdoors in the milder parts of the country tolerating temperatures down to between -5 to -10°c.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no details for this species but suggest surface sowing the seed in a greenhouse in spring. Do not allow the compost to dry out. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on for at least the first winter in a greenhouse, planting them out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring as the plant comes into growth. The divisions can be planted out straight into their permanent positions, though it might be safer to get them established and growing well in pots first.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. tenax. Arundo ampeldesmos. Arundo bicolor. Arundo festucoides. Arundo mauritanica. Arundo te