Ampelodesmos mauritanicus - hand cutter, stramma (Pot 18 cm)

Genus of a single species of tufted, evergreen, perennial herb found in arid, rocky, usually coastal areas. Ampelodesmos mauritanicus is a perennial herbaceous plant, densely tufted, with a short rhizome; up to 2 m high. Linear leaves, up to 1 m long, tenacious, very rough and sharp on the margin, 4-7 mm wide. Flowers gathered in panicle inflorescences 1.5-2.5 m high. It is cultivated for the beauty of the tufts of arched leaves and the tall inflorescences, produced at the end of spring.

Pedoclimatic needs

It grows from sea level up to 900 meters. Typical component of the Mediterranean scrub, often in association with other xerophilous essences such as broom, mastic, phillyrea, myrtle, or in associations also called ampelodesmeta. It adapts to all types of soil, thriving even in garrigues and degraded soils. This also has a high ecological value as it creates the habitat for the burrows of many small mammals, reptiles and birds.

Botanical Information

Botanical Name: Ampelodesmos mauritanicus

Family: Graminaceae