Mascarene Grass

Zoysia matrella

Native to:
Australia, Bangladesh, Borneo, Caroline Is., China, Cocos (Keeling) Is., Federated States of Micronesia, Hainan, India, Jawa, Korea, Laos, Lesser Sunda Is., Malaya, Maluku, Marianas, Marshall Is., Marshall Islands, Myanmar, New Guinea, Nicobar Is., Northern Mariana Islands, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Solomon Is., South China Sea, Sri Lanka, Sulawesi, Sumatera, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Poaceae
Genus:
Zoysia
Species:
Zoysia matrella
USDA Symbol:
ZOTE

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
20 cm
Drought Tolerance:
High
Ground Cover:
Yes
Lawn Substitute:
Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Butterflies & Moths:
★★★★☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Deer Resistant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from stolons and rhizomes following fire; tolerates prescribed burning in managed turf settings.

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
14–21 days
Notes:
Typically established vegetatively via plugs, sprigs, or sod rather than seed. Seed germination requires warm soil temperatures above 70°F.