Paspalum: A Deep Dive with Ferb Vu
The world of grasses is vast and varied, a testament to nature’s ingenuity. Among these verdant wonders, the genus Paspalum holds a special place in my heart. As a passionate botanist, I, Ferb Vu, am thrilled to share my insights into this fascinating group of plants. Join me as we explore the unique characteristics, diverse species, and ecological significance of Paspalum.
What is Paspalum?
Paspalum is a large genus of grasses belonging to the family Poaceae. These plants are typically found in warm temperate and tropical regions around the globe. They exhibit a remarkable diversity in form, ranging from delicate creeping species to robust, upright perennials. The defining characteristic of Paspalum lies in its unique inflorescence, which typically consists of two or more spike-like racemes bearing tiny, paired spikelets.
A Diverse Genus
The genus Paspalum boasts a staggering number of species, estimated 356. This incredible diversity is a testament to the adaptability of these grasses, which have successfully colonized a wide range of habitats. From the lush pastures of South America to the sandy shores of coastal regions, Paspalum species can be found thriving in various environments.
- Paspalum aberrans (Döll) Morrone & Zuloaga
- Paspalum achlysophilum (Soderstr.) S.Denham
- Paspalum acuminatum Raddi
- Paspalum acutifolium León
- Paspalum acutum Chase
- Paspalum adoperiens (E.Fourn.) Chase
- Paspalum affine Steud.
- Paspalum albidulum Henrard
- Paspalum alcalinum Mez
- Paspalum almum Chase
- Paspalum alterniflorum A.Rich.
- Paspalum altsonii Chase
- Paspalum ammodes Trin.
- Paspalum amphicarpum Ekman
- Paspalum anderssonii Mez
- Paspalum apiculatum Döll
- Paspalum approximatum Döll
- Paspalum arenarium Schrad.
- Paspalum arsenei Chase
- Paspalum arundinaceum Poir.
- Paspalum arundinellum Mez
- Paspalum aspidiotes Trin.
- Paspalum atabapense Davidse & Zuloaga
- Paspalum atratum Swallen
- Paspalum auricomum (A.G.Burm.) S.Denham
- Paspalum axillare Swallen
- Paspalum azuayense Sohns
- Paspalum bakeri Hack.
- Paspalum barbinode Hack.
- Paspalum barclayi Chase
- Paspalum batianoffii B.K.Simon
- Paspalum bertonii Hack.
- Paspalum biaristatum Filg. & Davidse
- Paspalum bifidifolium Soderstr.
- Paspalum bifidum (Bertol.) Nash
- Paspalum blodgettii Chapm.
- Paspalum bonairense Henrard
- Paspalum bonplandianum Flüggé
- Paspalum botterii (E.Fourn.) Chase
- Paspalum brachytrichum Hack.
- Paspalum breve Chase
- Paspalum buchtienii Hack.
- Paspalum burchellii Munro ex Oliv.
- Paspalum burmanii Filg., Morrone & Zuloaga
- Paspalum cachimboense Davidse, Morrone, Zuloaga
- Paspalum caespitosum Flüggé
- Paspalum campinarum Filg. & Davidse
- Paspalum campylostachyum (Hack.) S.Denham
- Paspalum canarae (Steud.) Veldkamp
- Paspalum candidum (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Flüggé) Kunth
- Paspalum cangarum C.O.Moura, P.L.Viana & R.C.Oliveira
- Paspalum capillifolium Nash
- Paspalum carajasense S.Denham
- Paspalum carinatum Flüggé
- Paspalum centrale Chase
- Paspalum ceresia (Kuntze) Chase
- Paspalum cerradoense R.C.Oliveira & Valls
- Paspalum chacoense Parodi
- Paspalum chaffanjonii Maury
- Paspalum chaseanum Parodi
- Paspalum chiapense Sánchez-Ken
- Paspalum chilense Catanzaro & G.H.Rua
- Paspalum cinerascens (Döll) A.G.Burm. & M.Bastos
- Paspalum clandestinum Swallen
- Paspalum clavuliferum C.Wright
- Paspalum clipeum G.H.Rua, Valls, Graciano-Ribeiro & R.C.Oliveira
- Paspalum comasii Catasús
- Paspalum commune Lillo
- Paspalum compressifolium Swallen
- Paspalum conduplicatum Canto-Dorow, Valls & Longhi-Wagner
- Paspalum conjugatum P.J.Bergius
- Paspalum conspersum Schrad.
- Paspalum convexum Flüggé
- Paspalum corcovadense Raddi
- Paspalum cordaense Swallen
- Paspalum cordatum Hack.
- Paspalum coryphaeum Trin.
- Paspalum costaricense Mez
- Paspalum costellatum Swallen
- Paspalum crassum Chase ex Hitchc.
- Paspalum crinitum Chase ex Hitchc.
- Paspalum crispatum Hack.
- Paspalum crispulum Swallen
- Paspalum cromyorhizon Trin. ex Döll
- Paspalum crucense (Killeen) S.Denham
- Paspalum crustarium Swallen
- Paspalum culiacanum Vasey
- Paspalum cultratum (Trin.) S.Denham
- Paspalum curassavicum Chase
- Paspalum cymbiforme E.Fourn.
- Paspalum dasypleurum Kunze ex É.Desv.
- Paspalum dasytrichum Dusén ex Swallen
- Paspalum decumbens Sw.
- Paspalum dedeccae QuarÃn
- Paspalum delavayi Henrard
- Paspalum delicatum Swallen
- Paspalum densum Poir.
- Paspalum denticulatum Trin.
- Paspalum dilatatum Poir.
- Paspalum dispar Chase
- Paspalum dissectum (L.) L.
- Paspalum distachyon Poir. ex Trin.
- Paspalum distichum L.
- Paspalum distortum Chase
- Paspalum divergens Döll
- Paspalum durifolium Mez
- Paspalum edmondii León
- Paspalum eglume Morrone & Zuloaga
- Paspalum ekmanianum Henrard
- Paspalum ellipticum Döll
- Paspalum equitans Mez
- Paspalum erectum Chase
- Paspalum erianthoides Lindm.
- Paspalum erianthum Nees ex Trin.
- Paspalum eucomum Nees ex Trin.
- Paspalum exaltatum J.Presl
- Paspalum expansum Döll
- Paspalum falcatum Nees ex Steud.
- Paspalum fasciculatum Willd. ex Flüggé
- Paspalum filgueirasii Morrone & Zuloaga
- Paspalum filifolium Nees ex Steud.
- Paspalum filiforme Sw.
- Paspalum fimbriatum Kunth
- Paspalum flaccidum Nees
- Paspalum flavescens (Roseng., B.R.Arrill. & Izag.) P.R.Speranza & G.H.Rua
- Paspalum flavum J.Presl
- Paspalum floridanum Michx.
- Paspalum foliiforme S.Denham
- Paspalum forsterianum Flüggé
- Paspalum galapageium Chase
- Paspalum gardnerianum Nees
- Paspalum geminiflorum Steud.
- Paspalum giuliettiae Pimenta, G.H.Rua & R.C.Oliveira
- Paspalum glabrinode (Hack.) Morrone & Zuloaga
- Paspalum glaucescens Hack.
- Paspalum glaziovii (A.G.Burm.) S.Denham
- Paspalum glumaceum Clayton
- Paspalum goyanum Swallen
- Paspalum goyasense Davidse, Morrone, Zuloaga
- Paspalum gracielae Sulekic
- Paspalum graniticum (A.G.Burm.) S.Denham
- Paspalum guaricense Swallen
- Paspalum guayanerum Beetle
- Paspalum guenoarum Arechav.
- Paspalum guttatum Trin.
- Paspalum haenkeanum J.Presl
- Paspalum hallasanense Y.N.Lee
- Paspalum hartwegianum E.Fourn.
- Paspalum hatschbachii Zuloaga & Morrone
- Paspalum haumanii Parodi
- Paspalum heterotrichon Trin.
- Paspalum hintonii Chase
- Paspalum hirsutum Retz.
- Paspalum hirtum Kunth
- Paspalum hispidum Swallen
- Paspalum hitchcockii Chase
- Paspalum huberi S.Denham
- Paspalum humboldtianum Flüggé
- Paspalum hyalinum Nees ex Trin.
- Paspalum imbricatum Filg.
- Paspalum inaequivalve Raddi
- Paspalum inconstans Chase
- Paspalum indecorum Mez
- Paspalum insulare Ekman
- Paspalum intermedium Munro ex Morong
- Paspalum ionanthum Chase
- Paspalum itaboense Catasús
- Paspalum jaliscanum Chase ex Hitchc.
- Paspalum jesuiticum Parodi
- Paspalum jimenezii Chase
- Paspalum juergensii Hack.
- Paspalum killipii (Hitchc.) Zuloaga & Soderstr.
- Paspalum lachneum Nees ex Steud.
- Paspalum lacustre Chase ex Swallen
- Paspalum laeve Michx.
- Paspalum lamprocaryon K.Schum.
- Paspalum lanciflorum Trin.
- Paspalum langei (E.Fourn.) Nash
- Paspalum latipes Swallen
- Paspalum laurentii R.C.Oliveira & Valls
- Paspalum laxum Lam.
- Paspalum lentiginosum J.Presl
- Paspalum leptachne Chase
- Paspalum lepton Schult.
- Paspalum ligulare Nees
- Paspalum lilloi Hack.
- Paspalum limbatum Henrard
- Paspalum lindenianum A.Rich.
- Paspalum lineare Trin.
- Paspalum loefgrenii Ekman
- Paspalum longiaristatum Davidse & Filg.
- Paspalum longicuspe Nash
- Paspalum longipedicellatum R.C.Oliveira & Valls
- Paspalum longum Chase
- Paspalum luxurians R.Guzmán & L.Rico
- Paspalum macranthecium Parodi
- Paspalum macrophyllum Kunth
- Paspalum maculosum Trin.
- Paspalum madorense Renvoize
- Paspalum malacophyllum Trin.
- Paspalum malmeanum Ekman
- Paspalum mandiocanum Trin.
- Paspalum maritimum Trin.
- Paspalum marmoratum Kuhlm.
- Paspalum mayanum Chase
- Paspalum melanospermum Desv. ex Poir.
- Paspalum microstachyum J.Presl
- Paspalum millegranum Schrad.
- Paspalum minarum Hack.
- Paspalum minus E.Fourn.
- Paspalum minutispiculatum P.A.Reis, R.C.Oliveira & Valls
- Paspalum modestum Mez
- Paspalum molle Poir.
- Paspalum monostachyum Vasey ex Chapm.
- Paspalum morichalense Davidse, Zuloaga & Filg.
- Paspalum mosquitiense (Davidse & A.G.Burm.) S.Denham
- Paspalum motembense León
- Paspalum multicaule Poir.
- Paspalum multinodum B.K.Simon
- Paspalum mutabile Chase
- Paspalum nanum C.Wright ex Griseb.
- Paspalum nelsonii Chase
- Paspalum nesiotes Chase
- Paspalum niquelandiae Filg.
- Paspalum notatum Flüggé
- Paspalum nudatum Luces
- Paspalum nummularium Chase ex Send.& A.G.Burm.
- Paspalum nutans Lam.
- Paspalum oligostachyum Salzm. ex Steud.
- Paspalum orbiculare G.Forst.
- Paspalum orbiculatum Poir.
- Paspalum oreophilum (A.G.Burm.) S.Denham
- Paspalum oteroi Swallen
- Paspalum ovale Nees ex Steud.
- Paspalum pallens Swallen
- Paspalum pallidum Kunth
- Paspalum palmeri Chase
- Paspalum palustre Mez
- Paspalum paniculatum L.
- Paspalum parviflorum Rhode ex Flüggé
- Paspalum parvulum (A.G.Burm.) S.Denham
- Paspalum pauciciliatum (Parodi) Herter
- Paspalum paucifolium Swallen
- Paspalum peckii F.T.Hubb.
- Paspalum pectinatum Nees
- Paspalum penicillatum Hook.f.
- Paspalum petilum Chase
- Paspalum petrense A.G.Burm.
- Paspalum petrosum Swallen
- Paspalum phaeotrichum Valls, G.H.Rua, Graciano-Ribeiro & R.C.Oliveira
- Paspalum phyllorhachis Hack.
- Paspalum pictum Ekman
- Paspalum pilgerianum Chase
- Paspalum pilosum Lam.
- Paspalum pisinnum Swallen
- Paspalum planum Hack.
- Paspalum plenum Chase
- Paspalum plicatulum Michx.
- Paspalum plowmanii Morrone & Zuloaga
- Paspalum plurinerve QuarÃn, Valls & V.C.Rosso
- Paspalum polyphyllum Nees ex Trin.
- Paspalum praecox Walter
- Paspalum procerum S.Denham
- Paspalum procurrens QuarÃn
- Paspalum prodigiosum Sánchez-Ken
- Paspalum prostratum Scribn. & Merr.
- Paspalum pubiflorum Rupr. ex E.Fourn.
- Paspalum pulchellum Kunth
- Paspalum pumilum Nees
- Paspalum pygmaeum Hack.
- Paspalum quadrifarium Lam.
- Paspalum quarinii Morrone & Zuloaga
- Paspalum racemosum Lam.
- Paspalum ramboi I.L.Barreto
- Paspalum rawitscheri (Parodi) Chase ex G.H.Rua & Valls
- Paspalum reclinatum Chase
- Paspalum rectum Nees
- Paspalum redondense Swallen
- Paspalum reduncum Nees ex Steud.
- Paspalum regnellii Mez
- Paspalum remotum Remy
- Paspalum repandum (Nees) G.H.Rua & Valls
- Paspalum repens P.J.Bergius
- Paspalum reptatum Hitchc. & Chase
- Paspalum restingense Renvoize
- Paspalum reticulinerve Renvoize
- Paspalum riedelii Mez
- Paspalum riparium Nees
- Paspalum robustum (Hitchc. & Chase) S.Denham
- Paspalum rocanum León
- Paspalum rostratum D.M.Ramos, Valls & R.C.Oliveira
- Paspalum rottboellioides C.Wright
- Paspalum rufum Nees ex Steud.
- Paspalum rugulosum Morrone & Zuloaga
- Paspalum rupestre Trin.
- Paspalum rupium Renvoize
- Paspalum saccharoides Nees ex Trin.
- Paspalum saugetii Chase
- Paspalum saurae (Parodi) Parodi
- Paspalum scalare Trin.
- Paspalum scandens Tutin
- Paspalum schesslii Bonasora & G.H.Rua
- Paspalum schultesii Swallen
- Paspalum schumannii (Pilg.) S.Denham
- Paspalum scrobiculatum L.
- Paspalum scutatum Nees ex Trin.
- Paspalum seminudum (A.G.Burm.) S.Denham
- Paspalum serpentinum Hochst. ex Steud.
- Paspalum setaceum Michx.
- Paspalum setosum (Swallen) S.Denham
- Paspalum simplex Morong
- Paspalum sodiroanum Hack.
- Paspalum soukupii E.Carbono
- Paspalum sparsum Chase
- Paspalum squamulatum E.Fourn.
- Paspalum stagnophilum Morrone & Zuloaga
- Paspalum standleyi Chase
- Paspalum stellatum Flüggé
- Paspalum strigosum Döll ex Chase
- Paspalum subciliatum Chase
- Paspalum subfalcatum (Döll) Tutin
- Paspalum subsesquiglume Döll
- Paspalum sumatrense Roth
- Paspalum telmatum Swallen
- Paspalum tenellum Willd.
- Paspalum thrasyoides (Trin.) S.Denham
- Paspalum thunbergii Kunth
- Paspalum tillettii Davidse & Zuloaga
- Paspalum tinctum Chase
- Paspalum tolucense R.Guzmán
- Paspalum torrense I.L.Barreto ex Valls & V.C.Rosso
- Paspalum trachycoleon Steud.
- Paspalum trianae Pilg.
- Paspalum trichophyllum Henrard
- Paspalum trichostomum Hack.
- Paspalum trinii Swallen
- Paspalum trinitense (Mez) S.Denham
- Paspalum tuberosum Mez
- Paspalum turriforme R.W.Pohl
- Paspalum umbrosum Trin.
- Paspalum unispicatum (Scribn. & Merr.) Nash
- Paspalum urbanianum Ekman
- Paspalum urvillei Steud.
- Paspalum usterii Hack.
- Paspalum uyucense R.W.Pohl
- Paspalum vacarianum Valls & V.C.Rosso
- Paspalum vaginatum Sw.
- Paspalum variabile (E.Fourn.) Nash
- Paspalum veredense G.H.Rua, R.C.Oliveira, Valls & Graciano-Ribeiro
- Paspalum vexillarium G.H.Rua, Valls, Graciano-Ribeiro & R.C.Oliveira
- Paspalum virgatum L.
- Paspalum virletii E.Fourn.
- Paspalum volcanense Zuloaga, Morrone & S.Denham
- Paspalum wrightii Hitchc. & Chase
- Paspalum yecorae Sánchez-Ken
- Paspalum zuloagae Davidse & Filg.
Ecological Importance
Paspalum grasses play a vital role in their respective ecosystems. They serve as a valuable food source for a variety of animals, including grazing mammals, birds, and insects. Their extensive root systems help to stabilize soils, prevent erosion, and improve water infiltration. In some cases, Paspalum species even contribute to the formation of unique habitats, such as coastal grasslands and wetland communities.
Economic Significance
Several Paspalum species have significant economic value. As mentioned earlier, Paspalum scrobiculatum is cultivated as a cereal crop in some regions. Other species, such as Paspalum dilatatum and Paspalum notatum, are widely used as forage grasses for livestock. The latter is also a popular choice for lawns and turfs due to its hardiness and aesthetic appeal.
Challenges and Concerns
While Paspalum grasses offer numerous benefits, they can also pose challenges in certain contexts. Some species are considered invasive weeds, spreading aggressively and outcompeting native vegetation. This can disrupt ecosystems and reduce biodiversity. Additionally, certain Paspalum species can harbor fungal pathogens that produce toxins harmful to livestock.
Conservation and Future Directions
Despite the challenges, the future of Paspalum remains promising. Ongoing research focuses on developing improved cultivars with enhanced agronomic traits, such as increased yield, disease resistance, and nutritional value. Scientists are also exploring the potential of Paspalum species for phytoremediation, a process that uses plants to remove pollutants from the environment.
As we continue to learn more about this fascinating genus, it is crucial to prioritize conservation efforts to preserve the genetic diversity of Paspalum and ensure its continued contribution to our planet’s ecosystems and economies.
In Conclusion
The genus Paspalum stands as a testament to the remarkable diversity and adaptability of grasses. From their unique inflorescences to their ecological and economic significance, these plants have captured the attention of botanists, ecologists, and agriculturalists alike. As we move forward, it is essential to embrace sustainable practices that promote the conservation and responsible use of Paspalum species, ensuring that these grasses continue to thrive for generations to come.