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(Machaerina mariscoides)
Tropical Twigrush (Machaerina mariscoides)
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Kevin Faccenda
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Kevin Faccenda
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Kevin Faccenda | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Kevin Faccenda | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-08-29T09:29:25-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Machaerina mariscoides, commonly known as Tropical Twigrush, is a deciduous perennial grass native to wetlands and riparian zones in the Pacific Islands, including New Guinea to Hawaii. It typically grows to a height and width of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters), forming dense clumps of narrow, upright foliage. The plant produces small, brownish spikelets that may not be particularly showy, but add a fine-textured element to the landscape. The foliage of Tropical Twigrush can provide a lush, grassy appearance throughout the growing season.
Tropical Twigrush is valued for its ability to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, particularly along stream banks and water features. It is used in water gardens, as a ground cover, and in naturalized plantings where its adaptability to wet conditions is beneficial. This species thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers consistently moist to wet soils with medium drainage. It is relatively low maintenance, but may require division every few years to manage its spread. While not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can be sensitive to drought and may require additional watering during dry periods.CC BY-SA 4.0
Tropical Twigrush is valued for its ability to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, particularly along stream banks and water features. It is used in water gardens, as a ground cover, and in naturalized plantings where its adaptability to wet conditions is beneficial. This species thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers consistently moist to wet soils with medium drainage. It is relatively low maintenance, but may require division every few years to manage its spread. While not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can be sensitive to drought and may require additional watering during dry periods.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
native to wetlands and riparian zones in the Pacific Islands, including New Guinea to Hawaii
Other Names
Common Names: Smooth Sawgrass
Scientific Names: , Machaerina mariscoides, Machaerina mariscoides subsp. meyenii, Baumea meyenii, Cladium meyenii, Baumea mariscoides, Machaerina meyenii, Cladium gaudichaudii, Mariscus societensis, Mariscus meyenii
GBIF Accepted Name: Machaerina mariscoides (Gaudich.) J.Kern