Eragrostis paupera
Genus
Eragrostis
Species
paupera
Common Names
- Dwarf bunchgrass
- Dwarf eragrostis
- Dwarf lovegrass
- Lovegrass
- Oʻahu lovegrass
Synonyms
- Eragrostis falcata [misapplied, sensu Hawaiian botanist]
- Eragrotis whitneyi
Distribution Status
Indigenous
Endangered Species Status
No Status
Plant Form / Growth Habit
- Non-Woody, Clumping
Mature Size, Height (in feet)
- Grass-like, Short, Less than 1
Mature Size, Width
Less than a foot with most plants.
Life Span
Short lived (Less than 5 years)
Landscape Uses
- Accent
- Container
Plant Produces Flowers
Yes
Flower Type
Not Showy
Flower Colors
- Cream
- White
Plant texture
- Fine
Leaf Colors
- Light Green
- Medium Green
Fertilizer
Use small amounts of a balanced slow release fertilize with minor elements every six months. Foliar feed monthly with kelp or fish emulsion, or a commercial fertilizer with a weak dilution of one half to one third of recommended strength. Do not over fertilize these plants. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
It may seem strange, but this species appears to benefit from an occasional spray of sea water. [David Eickhoff, Native Plants Hawaiʻi]
Water Requirements
- Dry
Soil must be well drained
Yes
Light Conditions
- Full sun
Tolerances
- Drought
- Wind
- Salt Spray
- Heat
Soils
- Sand
- Cinder
- Coral
Natural Range
- Oʻahu
- Northwest Islands
Natural Zones (Elevation in feet, Rainfall in inches)
- Less than 150, 0 to 50 (Dry)
Habitat
- Terrestrial
Additional Habitat Information
It is currently found in the Hawaiian Island Archipelago in the northwest potion of the chain at Kure Atoll, Midway Atoll, Pearl & Hermes Atoll, and French Frigate Shoals. The only main island it was found on was Oʻahu at Barber's Point, but now unfortunately extinct there now.
Special Features and Information
General Information
The lovegrasses (Eragrostis spp.) comprise some 300 species in the Grass family (Poaceae). The featured species is the only indigenous lovegrass of nine species, the other eight are endemic. Of these, the Pacific lovegrass (Eragrostis deflexa) is rare, Fosberg's lovegrass (E. fosbergii) is endangered, and Maui lovegrass (E. mauiensis) is considered extinct.
There are also thirteen introduced and naturalized species.
Etymology
The Latin name Eragrostis comes from the Greek eros, meaning loving (in an erotic sense), and Agrostis, a genus of fodder grasses.
The specific epithet paupera is from the Latin pauperare, dwarfed, in reference to this species small size.
Background Information
The Dwarf eragrostis is the smallest of the native lovegrasses. It is rare in some locations such as Kure Atoll. [1]
Additional References
[1] "Botanical Inventory fo Kure," by Forest Starr, Kim Martz & Lloyd Loope for the Dept. of Land and Natural Resources, page 3.
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