Lygeum

Lygeum spartum is a rhizomatous hermaphroditic, perennial grass growing up to tall. The rhizome and the base of the stem are scaly. The leaves are threadlike but stiff and tough, measuring up to long. The inflorescence is made up of a few long-haired spikelets each up to long. They are wrapped in a lance-shaped bract called a spatheole. This sheath is long and can have a sharp point. ==Distribution==

Lygeum spartinum is native to southern Europe and North Africa, where its distribution includes Crete, Italy, Spain, Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia. It may have been introduced to Kashmir. ==Habitat==

Rocky sea shores, or on dry sandy or clay and often calcareous soil. ==Uses==

Lygeum spartum fibres have high tensile strength and flexibility, and is used for making ropes, sandals, baskets, mats and other durable articles. They have also used in the manufacture of high quality paper. It can also be used locally as a fodder for livestock and to stabilise sand dunes and rehabilitate salt soils, due to its tolerance of saline conditions. ==References==