Thick Ditch Crowngrass: A Puerto Rican Native Worth Knowing
If you’re gardening in Puerto Rico and looking to support local ecosystems with native plants, you might want to get acquainted with thick ditch crowngrass (Paspalum arundinaceum). This perennial grass species is a true Puerto Rican native, making it a potentially valuable addition to island gardens focused on supporting local biodiversity.
What Is Thick Ditch Crowngrass?
Thick ditch crowngrass belongs to the graminoid family, which simply means it’s a grass or grass-like plant. As a perennial, this species returns year after year once established, potentially providing long-term benefits to your landscape. The name thick ditch crowngrass gives us a hint about where this plant might naturally thrive – likely in areas with consistent moisture.
Where Does It Grow?
This grass species is endemic to Puerto Rico, meaning it evolved specifically on the island and calls it home. For Puerto Rican gardeners, this makes thick ditch crowngrass an excellent choice for creating authentic, locally-adapted landscapes that support the island’s natural heritage.
Should You Plant Thick Ditch Crowngrass?
Here’s where things get interesting – and a bit challenging. While thick ditch crowngrass is undoubtedly a native species worthy of consideration, detailed information about its cultivation requirements, appearance, and specific garden applications is surprisingly scarce. This doesn’t mean it’s not a valuable plant; it might simply mean it’s an underappreciated native that deserves more attention.
The Challenge of Growing Lesser-Known Natives
If you’re intrigued by the idea of growing this Puerto Rican native, you’ll likely need to do some detective work. Here are some approaches to consider:
- Connect with local native plant societies or botanical gardens in Puerto Rico
- Consult with local extension services or university botany departments
- Look for the plant growing wild to observe its natural habitat preferences
- Network with other native plant enthusiasts who might have experience with this species
Supporting Puerto Rican Native Plants
Even if thick ditch crowngrass proves challenging to source or grow, your interest in this species highlights an important point: Puerto Rico has many unique native plants that could benefit from more attention in home landscapes. While you’re researching this particular grass, consider exploring other well-documented Puerto Rican natives that might fill similar roles in your garden.
The Bottom Line
Thick ditch crowngrass represents both an opportunity and a challenge for native plant gardeners in Puerto Rico. As a true island endemic, it deserves consideration for authentic native landscapes. However, the limited available cultivation information means growing it successfully will require patience, research, and possibly some experimentation.
If you do manage to locate and grow this native grass, consider documenting your experience and sharing it with the broader gardening community. Your efforts could help preserve knowledge about this lesser-known Puerto Rican native for future generations of gardeners.
