esparto

Either of two species of gray-green needlegrasses ( and ), native to southern Spain and northern Africa, or the fibre produced by esparto. grows in rocky soil on the high plains. flourishes in sandy, iron-rich soils in dry, sunny locations on the seacoast. Esparto fibre has great strength and flexibility; it is used for making ropes, sandals, baskets, mats, and other durable articles. Esparto leaves are used in the manufacture of paper.

Find more information on esparto. Upgrade to Britannica Online for more on esparto.