Carrycillo (Olyra): A Native Caribbean Grass Worth Considering
If you’re looking to add authentic Caribbean flair to your tropical garden, you might want to get acquainted with carrycillo, scientifically known as Olyra. This native grass brings a slice of island authenticity to landscapes in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, though it remains something of a hidden gem in the gardening world.
What Exactly is Carrycillo?
Carrycillo belongs to the grass family (Poaceae) and falls into that broad category of grasses and grass-like plants that includes everything from lawn grass to ornamental sedges. As a perennial, this plant comes back year after year once established, making it a potentially valuable long-term addition to your landscape.
Where Does Carrycillo Call Home?
This grass is a true Caribbean native, naturally occurring in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. If you’re gardening in these tropical paradises, you’re working with a plant that has evolved specifically for your local conditions – always a good sign for gardening success!
Why Consider Planting Carrycillo?
There are several compelling reasons to give this native grass a try:
- Native authenticity: Supporting local ecosystems by choosing plants that naturally belong in your area
- Climate adaptation: Already perfectly suited to Caribbean growing conditions
- Perennial reliability: Returns each year without replanting
- Low-maintenance potential: Native plants typically require less intervention once established
The Reality Check
Here’s where we need to be honest – carrycillo is somewhat of a mystery plant in horticultural circles. While we know it’s a legitimate native grass, specific information about its appearance, exact growing requirements, and garden performance isn’t widely documented in standard gardening references. This could mean it’s either underutilized in landscaping or primarily exists in natural settings rather than cultivated gardens.
Growing Carrycillo: What We Know
Given its native status in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, we can make some educated assumptions about carrycillo’s preferences:
- Climate: Thrives in tropical conditions with warm temperatures year-round
- Hardiness: Likely suited to USDA zones 10-11, matching its native Caribbean range
- Maintenance: As a native perennial grass, probably relatively low-maintenance once established
Should You Plant Carrycillo?
If you’re gardening in Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands and can source carrycillo from a reputable native plant nursery, it could be an interesting addition to a native plant garden or naturalistic landscape. However, the limited availability of specific growing information means you’d be somewhat pioneering its use in home landscapes.
For those seeking well-documented native grasses with proven garden performance, you might want to explore other Caribbean native grasses that have more established horticultural track records.
The Bottom Line
Carrycillo represents the fascinating world of lesser-known native plants that could potentially enrich our gardens if given more attention. While it may not be the easiest plant to find or grow due to limited horticultural information, it offers the appeal of true native authenticity for Caribbean gardeners willing to experiment with something a bit off the beaten path.
If you do decide to try carrycillo, consider it an adventure in native plant gardening – and don’t forget to document your experience for fellow gardeners who might be curious about this intriguing Caribbean native!
