Phyllospadix torreyi
S. Watson
Sea grass, Torrey's Surf-grass
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Summary
Source: WikipediaPhyllospadix torreyi, Torrey's surfgrass, is a plant species found along the Pacific Coasts of British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, California and Baja California (including Guadalupe Island). It grows in salt marshes in the intertidal zones. Phyllospadix torreyi is a grass-like plant with toothless leaves up to 60 cm long. Phyllospadix torreyi is the obligate host to the epiphytes, Melobesia mediocris and Smithora naiadum.
Description
Phyllospadix torreyi is a perennial growing to 2 m tall. The species is dioecious, requiring both male and female plants for seed production. It grows in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with mildly acid to basic pH, tolerating saline conditions. It requires full sun and prefers wet soil or water habitats.
Edible Uses
Some native North American Indian tribes formed the entire plant — including the long, salty-tasting leaves — into square cakes that were dried for use as a winter food. The roots can also be eaten raw or cooked.
Traditional Uses
The leaves with herring eggs of them are dried and used as food. The rhizomes are chewed or eaten raw.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
None known.
Distribution
It is mostly in temperate waters. It is occasionally in the subtropics. It grows in the intertidal zone.
Where It Grows
Canada, Mexico, North America, USA,
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it is hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of the country. The main problem with this plant is that it is likely to require maritime conditions and possibly also periodic inundation in salt water, so it might not be possible to cultivate the plant under normal garden conditions.
Propagation
No specific information is available for this species. It is suggested to sow seed as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse, possibly with some salt added to the growing medium. Prick seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle and grow on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter before planting out into permanent positions in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts.
Other Uses
The bleached leaves have been used to make baskets.
References (5)
- Felger, R.S., Ancient Crops for the Twenty first century, in Rickie, G.A., (ed), 1979, New Agricultural Crops, AAAS Selected Symposium 38. Westview Press, Colarado. p 11
- Moerman, D. F., 2010, Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press. p 395
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
- Smith, N., Mori, S.A., et al, 2004, Flowering Plants of the Neotropics. Princeton. p 496
- Turner, N., 1995, Food Plants of Coastal First Peoples. Royal BC Museum Handbook p 53
