Esparto Grass

Esparto Grass, perennial fiber plant of the grass family, native to southern Spain and northern Africa. Esparto grass grows abundantly in dry, sunny locations along the seacoast. It bears gray-green leaves up to 1 m (3 ft) long and, when young, provides food for cattle. Once esparto grass is mature, it becomes very tough. It has long been used in the making of ropes, baskets, and mats, and in the manufacture of paper.

Scientific classification: Esparto grass is a member of the family Poaceae (formerly Gramineae). It is classified as Stipa tenacissima.