Sporobolus virginicus is a low-growing, vigorous, evergreen perennial grass that spreads freely by rhizomes and can form large, dense colonies. The erect culms are 10 - 40cm tall, the roots can grow down to 45cm deep.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is used in soil stabilization programmes, especially along wind-eroded shorelines.

Known Hazards

None known

Habitat

Sandy or muddy seashores and saline marshes, sometimes forming extensive colonies.
Commonly found in coastal dune habitats, where it does best if the sea water level fluctuates from 5cm above soil surface to 15cm below.

Cultivation Status

Wild

Cultivation Details

Sporobolus virginicus is widely spread through the warm temperate to tropical regions of the world, growing mainly in coastal areas and adapted to low rainfall and high salinity.
Often found wild in sand dunes, the plant also does well in a variety of different soils from clays to sands.
The plant is well adapted for growing in low-fertility soils.
Established plants are very drought tolerant.
Although Sporobolus virginicus does produce seed, very little of it is viable. The only practical way to propagate it is by vegetative rhizomatous slips.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The plant (part not specified) is used to relieve urinary irritation and throat irritation.

Agroforestry Uses

Sporobolus virginicus does very well as a dune stabilizer on wind-eroded shorelines. It has potential for stream bank stabilization and also roadside slope stabilization.

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - the plants often produce very little viable seed. If seed is available, sow in situ and only just cover the seed. Germination should take place within 2 weeks.
Division of the rhizomes. Actively growing rhizomes should be selected for propagation - cutting back the top growth a few weeks prior to division can increase rhizome growth. Cut the rhizomes into sections 7 - 10cm long and plant in a sterile, well drained medium in a greenhouse. Keep in 50% shade until the divisions are rooting well and then place in a sunny position and grow on until large enough to plant out.