|
COMMON NAME: Sand Grass
OTHER COMMON NAME(S):
Purple Sand Grass
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Triplasis purpurea
FAMILY: Poaceae
COMMUNITY: Secondary Dunes
STATUS: Native
LIFESPAN: Annual
HEIGHT: 4 inches to 4 feet
FLOWERING TIME: Early August to late September
FRUITING TIME: Early August to late September
DISTRIBUTION: Locally throughout coastal plain within tidal influence
and rare inland in New Jersey
IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS:
Grows in small clumps, lower part of stem sometimes sprawls ~ Stem stiff,
conspicuously jointed, alternating section of light and dark ~ Flower
branched, clusters, often tucked inside leaves, notably purple ~ leaves
short stiff, tufts of white hair at bottom of leaf sheaths
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Sand Grass can be found in dry, coastal sands, beaches and tidewater shores.
Sand Grass is similar to Poverty Grass (Sporobolus vaginiflorus).
The Poverty Grass does not have a purple flower clusters.
The genus Triplasis was
named from the Greek “triplasios” and refers to part of the leaf.
In ancient times and continuing to today this plant family (Poaceae), commonly
known as grasses, have stood between mankind and starvation. For thousands of years grasses have provided
food we eat (wheat, rice, corn, sugar cane, and more) and food for our
domestic livestock. In earlier
times grasses were used to make thatched roofs, mats for floors, bedding,
and kitchen utensils. Indeed, some
made an entire house of a grass species--bamboo--including water-piping,
ladders and furniture. In
early man’s culture, selected grasses were used as writing tools and reeds
provided flutes and similar musical instruments.
Dyed grasses played an ornamental role as part of costumes worn
for ceremonial occasions. Incense was made from grasses. Children
made toy boats, dolls, and other toys with plants in this family.
A good whistle can be made by placing a blade of grass between
the thumbs and blowing across it. On
the darker side, early man made war using grasses for shafts of arrows,
spears, and darts. Swords and knives could be fashioned from bamboo.
Grain that has molded or have a fungus can be toxic.
|