Cortaderia
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Cortaderia is a genus of 20-25 species of grasses, native to South America (15-20 species), New Zealand (four sppecies) and New Guinea (one species).
- Species
- Cortaderia fulvida (Toetoe). New Zealand.
- Cortaderia jubata (syn. C. quila). Northwestern South America (Andes). A large South American grass that produces copious seed asexually. Looks very similar to C. selloana.
- Cortaderia selloana (Pampas Grass). Southern South America.
- Cortaderia richardii (Toetoe). New Zealand.
- Cortaderia rudiuscula. South America (central Andes). A relative of C. jubata, also reproducing asexually.
Cultivation
The species of Cortaderia are imposing tall grasses growing 1.5-3 m tall, with graceful white inflorescence plumes. They are in widespread use as ornamental plants in horticultural use. The common name Pampas Grass, though strictly referring to C. sellowana, is frequently applied to all species in the genus (and sometimes also, incorrectly, to Erianthus and Saccharum ravennae).
Some species, notably C. selloana, C. jubata and C. rudiuscula, have become invasive species in a number of areas, including New Zealand, coastal California, Hawaii, and some other areas. In these areas, planting of any non-native species of Cortaderia should be avoided.