Stipa capensis, the Mediterranean needle-grass, cape rice grass, Mediterranean steppegrass or twisted-awned speargrass, is an annual grass from family Poaceae.It is normally found in the Persian Gulf desert ad semi-desert biome. In Persian it is called bahman and is probably the same plant which was used in the Persian festivity of bahmanagān.
Mediterranean needle-grass demonstrates strong resistance to disease and is generally not susceptible to illnesses. With respect to care, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only minimal watering, and larger specimens typically do not require pruning. Smaller specimens, however, should be pruned after they finish blooming. Mediterranean needle-grass is well suited for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not call for extensive gardening experience.
How to keep Stipa Capensis.
Light
Mediterranean needle-grass is a sun-loving perennial herbaceous species native to open habitats, commonly thriving in meadows and grasslands. It prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial sun.
Temperature
Mediterranean needle-grass can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but its range may still be constrained by particular combinations of moisture and heat. It does best in warm summer climates with sufficient rainfall or irrigation. Extended periods of cloudy, rainy weather, as well as prolonged high temperatures, can raise the risk of Mediterranean needle-grass dying. During winter, sheltering it from cold can increase its chances of survival.
Fertilizer
Mediterranean needle-grass needs extra nutrients to encourage healthy new growth. In spring, adding compost around the plant’s base will effectively supply the required nutrition. Fertilizing supports vigorous growth and helps the plant withstand diseases and pests.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Grass
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Stipa
- Family
- Poaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-11
- Mature Height
- 10 cm to 30 cm
- Mature Spread
- 5 cm to 15 cm
- Leaf Color
- Light Green
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Size
- 0.20 cm to 0.51 cm
- Planting Time
- Spring, Autumn
- Native Area
- Libya, Egypt, Turkey, India, United Arab Emirates, Montenegro, Pakistan, Croatia, Morocco, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, Portugal, France, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Mauritania, Cyprus, Greece, Lebanon, Serbia, Afghanistan, Syria, Italy, Spain, Israel, Iran, Albania, Azerbaijan, Algeria, Kuwait, Turkmenistan
Other names.
