Tough perennial bunch-grass of Mediterranean North Africa and Iberia, with wiry blue-green leaves. The leaves are the principal source of high-quality book and Bible paper, and traditional matting fibre.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 8–11 | −12.2 °C to 10 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| RHS hardiness rating | H4 | −10 °C to −5 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 9 | −1 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 3–7 | −5 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
Growing notes
- Leaf fibre — leaves are wild-harvested in summer (the harvest is itself called esparto), bundled, then converted to fibre by retting or chemical processing
- Source of premium fine paper pulp — historically used for thin Bible and dictionary paper, where its long fine fibres give strength without bulk
- Traditional fibre for woven mats, ropes, baskets, and sandals across North Africa and southern Spain
- Drought tolerant — natural on dry stony slopes in Mediterranean steppe climates
Categories
Related plants
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