Woodland Tribisee: A Caribbean Native Grass Worth Knowing
If you’re gardening in the tropical paradise of Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, you might want to get acquainted with woodland tribisee (Lasiacis sorghoidea). This native perennial grass brings a distinctly Caribbean flair to gardens, though it’s definitely not your average lawn grass!
What is Woodland Tribisee?
Woodland tribisee is a graminoid – that’s botanist-speak for grass or grass-like plant. As a member of the grass family, it shares company with familiar lawn grasses, but this tropical beauty has its own unique personality. It’s a perennial, meaning it comes back year after year, making it a reliable addition to suitable gardens.
Where Does It Call Home?
This grass is a true Caribbean native, naturally occurring in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. If you’re gardening anywhere else, this probably isn’t the plant for you – woodland tribisee needs those warm, tropical conditions to thrive.
Why Consider Planting Woodland Tribisee?
If you’re lucky enough to live in its native range, here’s why woodland tribisee might deserve a spot in your landscape:
- Native advantage: As a local native, it’s naturally adapted to Caribbean conditions and supports the local ecosystem
- Tropical appeal: It brings that lush, authentic Caribbean look to your garden
- Low maintenance: Once established, native plants typically require less fussing than non-native alternatives
- Perennial reliability: It returns each year, giving you consistent garden structure
Growing Woodland Tribisee Successfully
Since this is a tropical native, woodland tribisee has some specific needs:
Climate Requirements
This grass is strictly for USDA hardiness zones 10-11. If you experience any frost or freezing temperatures, woodland tribisee won’t survive outdoors year-round.
Light and Location
Woodland tribisee adapts to various light conditions, from partial shade to full sun. In its native habitat, it often grows in woodland edges, so it’s quite flexible about lighting.
Soil and Water
Like many tropical plants, woodland tribisee prefers:
- Moist, well-draining soil
- Consistent moisture (but not waterlogged conditions)
- Protection from strong winds that might damage its foliage
Garden Design Ideas
Woodland tribisee works beautifully in:
- Native plant gardens: Perfect for authentic Caribbean landscaping
- Tropical-themed gardens: Adds authentic grass texture to lush plantings
- Naturalized areas: Great for creating low-maintenance, natural-looking spaces
- Backdrop plantings: Provides structure and greenery behind showier flowering plants
A Word of Caution for Mainland Gardeners
If you’re gardening outside of Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, woodland tribisee simply won’t work for you climate-wise. Instead, look for native grass species in your own region – every area has beautiful native grasses that provide similar benefits while being perfectly suited to local conditions.
The Bottom Line
Woodland tribisee is a lovely choice for gardeners in its native Caribbean range who want to embrace local flora. It offers the reliability of a native perennial with the lush appeal of tropical grasses. Just remember – this is definitely a location, location, location kind of plant. If you can grow it, it’s worth considering. If you can’t, there are plenty of wonderful native grasses in your own region waiting to be discovered!
