Perennial saltgrass, Seashore saltgrass
Distichlis spicata

Family: Poaceae

What it is like

A grass. It keeps growing from year to year. It has robust rhizomes. It grows 60 cm tall.

Where it is found

It is a temperate or Mediterranean plant. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 3,600 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Belize, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, Hawaii, Mexico, North America, Peru, South America (country/location of origin), Uruguay, USA, West Indies

How it is used for food

A spice probably salt was used as flavouring.

Edible parts

Leaves - spice

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Chepica, Grama brava, Grama salada, Gramilla del salitral, Pas-pasto puna, Pasto salado, Pelo de chancho

Synonyms

Briza spicata (L.) Lam.; Uniola spicata L.; and others