Paspalum bertonii: The Mystery Grass That’s Got Gardeners Scratching Their Heads
Ever stumbled across a plant name that made you do a double-take? Meet Paspalum bertonii, a grass species that’s about as elusive as a gardening unicorn. If you’ve been searching for information about this particular member of the Paspalum family, you’re probably discovering what many native plant enthusiasts have learned the hard way: sometimes even the experts are left wondering.
What We Do Know
Paspalum bertonii belongs to the vast Paspalum genus, which includes hundreds of grass species found throughout the Americas. Like its better-known cousins, this is a graminoid – that’s fancy talk for grass or grass-like plant. Think of it as part of the extended family that includes true grasses, sedges, and rushes.
The Paspalum genus is known for producing some fantastic native grasses that wildlife absolutely love. Many species in this group are important food sources for birds and provide excellent habitat for small creatures. They’re also typically well-adapted to their native regions, making them potentially valuable additions to native plant gardens.
The Challenge with Paspalum bertonii
Here’s where things get tricky. Despite its legitimate place in botanical literature, Paspalum bertonii remains something of a mystery plant. Information about its native range, growing requirements, and garden potential is surprisingly scarce. This could mean several things:
- It might be a regional endemic with a very limited natural distribution
- It could be a recently described species that hasn’t made its way into common cultivation
- The species might have very specific habitat requirements that make it challenging to grow
- It’s possible this name represents a taxonomic puzzle that botanists are still sorting out
Should You Try to Grow It?
The honest answer? Probably not – at least not until more information becomes available. Without knowing its native range, growing requirements, or even basic characteristics like size and appearance, attempting to cultivate Paspalum bertonii would be like trying to bake a cake without a recipe.
Better Alternatives to Consider
If you’re drawn to the idea of growing native Paspalum species, consider these better-documented alternatives:
- Paspalum dilatatum (Dallis grass) – though this one can be weedy in some areas
- Paspalum setaceum (Thin paspalum) – a delicate native grass perfect for naturalized areas
- Paspalum laeve (Field paspalum) – excellent for wet meadows and pond edges
- Paspalum floridanum (Florida paspalum) – great for southeastern gardens
The Takeaway
Paspalum bertonii serves as a perfect reminder that the plant world still holds plenty of mysteries. While we can’t recommend growing this particular species due to lack of information, it highlights the incredible diversity within native grass families. Sometimes the best approach is to appreciate these botanical puzzles from afar while focusing our gardening energy on well-understood native species that we know will thrive.
If you’re passionate about native grasses, stick with species that have proven track records in cultivation. Your local native plant society or extension office can point you toward Paspalum species and other native grasses that are perfect for your specific region and growing conditions.
