Smooth Jointtail Grass: A Pacific Island Native Worth Knowing
If you’re looking for native grasses that celebrate the unique flora of the Pacific Basin, smooth jointtail grass (Mnesithea laevis var. laevis) might just pique your interest. This perennial grass represents the diverse and often overlooked native plant communities of Pacific islands, though it remains one of those best kept secrets in the native gardening world.
What Is Smooth Jointtail Grass?
Smooth jointtail grass is a perennial grass native to the Pacific Basin, excluding Hawaii. Like many island natives, it’s adapted to the unique growing conditions of its home range. The plant belongs to the grass family (Poaceae) and shares characteristics with other grasses, sedges, and grass-like plants that form the backbone of many native ecosystems.
You might also encounter this plant listed under its botanical synonyms, including Heteropholis cochinchinensis, though the current accepted name is Mnesithea laevis var. laevis.
Where Does It Grow Naturally?
This grass calls the Pacific Basin home, with documented populations in Guam and Palau. As a true island native, it has evolved alongside other Pacific flora to create the unique plant communities that make these islands so botanically fascinating.
Should You Plant Smooth Jointtail Grass?
Here’s where things get a bit tricky – and honest. While smooth jointtail grass has the appeal of being a true Pacific native, there’s limited information available about its garden performance, specific growing requirements, or ornamental characteristics. This makes it somewhat of a mystery plant for most gardeners.
If you’re gardening in or near its native range (particularly in Guam or Palau), supporting native species like this one could contribute to preserving local biodiversity. However, the lack of readily available information about cultivation makes it a challenging choice for most home gardeners.
Growing Conditions and Care
Unfortunately, specific growing requirements for smooth jointtail grass aren’t well documented in available horticultural literature. As a Pacific Basin native, we can make some educated guesses that it likely prefers:
- Warm, tropical to subtropical conditions
- Well-draining soils typical of island environments
- Conditions that mimic its natural Pacific island habitat
Without specific cultural information, attempting to grow this grass would require some trial and error, making it better suited for experienced native plant gardeners or botanical enthusiasts.
The Bottom Line
Smooth jointtail grass represents the fascinating but often under-documented native flora of Pacific islands. While its rarity in cultivation and limited available growing information make it challenging for most gardeners, it serves as a reminder of the incredible plant diversity that exists in island ecosystems.
If you’re passionate about Pacific native plants and have access to this species through legitimate sources, it could be an interesting addition to a specialized native collection. However, most gardeners might be better served by choosing better-documented native grasses with known cultivation requirements and proven garden performance.
For those interested in supporting Pacific Basin flora, consider researching other native plants from the region with more established cultivation practices, or connect with local botanical gardens and native plant societies in the Pacific for guidance on growing regional natives successfully.
