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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Macrochloa tenacissima is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is not frost tender. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Macrochloa tenacissima. (L.)Kunth.

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

None known

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

None known

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

A fibre from the leaves and stems is used in making paper, mats, ropes etc[46, 57, 61, 103, 171]. It is very strong[1] and is particularly used in making high quality paper[171]. The leaves and stems are harvested in the summer, cut into usable pieces and soaked in clear water for 24 hours[189]. They are then cooked in lye for 2 hours and beaten in a bell mill. The plant is a source of a vegetable wax[57]. No further details.

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Easily grown in an ordinary well-drained garden soil in full sun[1, 200]. Succeeds in dry soils. Plants are fairly wind resistant[K]. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[200]. The leaves of wild plants are often harvested and exported for their use in paper making[46].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow March in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Germination should take place within 2 weeks, but make sure that the compost does not dry out. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in early summer. The seed can also be sown outdoors in April. Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

EUROPE: Pakistan (north) Italy (c. & s.), Spain (incl. Baleares), Portugal (south) AFRICA: Spain (Canarias (Fuerteventura)), Algeria (north), Libya (northwest), Morocco (central & north), Tunisia

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Macrochloa tenacissima - Loefl. ex L.