Satintail Grass - Imperata cylindrica Seeds - Ornamental Grass - New

Imperata is a small genus of grasses placed in the Poaceae family. They are commonly known as satintails. Satintail grass species are perennial rhizomatous grasses native to the tropics and warm temperate regions worldwide. They bear solid, erect stems and silky inflorescences. The best known species is Imperata cylindrica, which is cultivated as an ornamental plant. Imperata cylindrica, commonly known as blady grass is a perennial rhizomatous grass native to east and Southeast Asia, India, Micronesia, Melanesia, Australia, and eastern and southern Africa. It grows from 0.6–3m tall.

The leaves are about 2 cm wide near the base of the plant and narrow to a sharp point at the top. The upper surface is hairy near the base of the plant while the underside is usually hairless. Roots are up to 1.2 meters deep, but 0.4 m is typical in sandy soil. It is used for thatching the roofs of traditional homes throughout south-east Asia.

It is planted extensively for ground cover and soil stabilization near beach areas and other areas subject to erosion. Other uses include paper-making, thatching and weaving into mats and bags. It is used in traditional Chinese medicine.