30 



Fig. 24. PASPALXJM COMPRESSTJM (Sw.) Nees in Trin. Gram. Panic. 96. 

 1826. (Milium comprcssuvi Sw. Prod. Veg. Ind. Occ. 24. 1788; P. platycaule Poir.) 

 LOUISIANA or CARPET-GRASS.— A slender, erect, or more frequently prostrate 

 and extensively creepiner perennial, rooting at the nodes and sending up 

 numerous leafy or flower-bearing branches 1.5-6 dm. (6'-24') high, with 2 to 6 

 subdigitate slender, approximate spikes 7-10 cm. (2i'^') long. Spikelets (a, b) 

 small, ovate, about 2 mm. (1") long, acute; the outer glumes slightly exceeding 

 the flowering glume (d). A portion of the spike is shown at a.— Low ground 

 and moist pastures, abundant near the coast from Virginia to Texas. (Mexico, 

 Central and South America, and West Indies.) April-October. 



The prostrate creeping stems spread rapidly and .soon form a dense carpet- 

 like growth, crowding out all other vegetation. It is regarded as one of the 

 most valuable native pasture grasses of the States bordering the Gulf, and under 

 some circumstances makes a good lawn grass. It is readily propagated either 

 bv sets or seeds. 



