Lithachne humilis (Bambusoid Grass)

Lithachne humilis (Bambusoid Grass) green plant in small nursery containers on a wooden surface
Lithachne humilis (Bambusoid Grass) growing in black plastic nursery pots on a wooden surface

Botanical name: Lithachne humilis

Common names: Bambusoid Grass, Mother of Bamboo

Family: Poaceae

Origin: Honduras

USDA Plant Hardiness Map

USDA Zone: 9-10

Groundcover and low-growing 2ft plantPlant form: Groundcover or low-growing
Full sunSemi-shadeShadeSun exposure: Full sun or bright light indoor; semi-shade; shade
Cold toleranceCold tolerance: Frost sensitive. Protect from freezing.
Watering: Regular. Let topsoil dry slightlyWatering: Regular
Suitable forSuitable for: Outdoors in the suitable USDA zone; small gardens, containers, and indoor growing
Ornamental foliageFoliage color: Ornamental foliage

A wonderful little plant, unusual among grasses. It folds leaves sharply downwards at night. One of the rarest plants in existance. It is technically a Bamboosoid grass which genetic studies have shown to be the original mother of all modern bamboo species!

It is easy to grow given bright light or even deep shade.

Characteristically tiny nutty seeds are easy to grow. The plant remains very rare since the new species was described by Tom Soderstrom from an obscure locality deep in the forests of Honduras.

See article about Bambusoid Grass.


Image gallery: 9 images
Lithachne humilis (Bambusoid Grass) green stem with tiny white fuzzy flower, close up shot
Lithachne humilis (Bambusoid Grass) tiny white flower emerging from a slender green stem.
Lithachne humilis (Bambusoid Grass) lime green plant leaves with white flowers and small seeds
Lithachne humilis (Bambusoid Grass) with pointed green leaves, small white male flowers, and tiny seeds.
Lithachne humilis (Bambusoid Grass) green plant leaves with small white flower structures close up
Lithachne humilis (Bambusoid Grass) plant with slender green leaves and small white flower buds nearby
Lithachne humilis (Bambusoid Grass) plant with thin lime green pointed leaves against blue background.
Lithachne humilis (Bambusoid Grass) lime green pointed leaves spreading from a dark nursery container.
Lithachne humilis (Bambusoid Grass) green plant in black pot held in palm close up
Lithachne humilis (Bambusoid Grass) with narrow lance-shaped green leaves growing in a black container.
Lithachne humilis (Bambusoid Grass) green plant with slender leaves growing inside a black plastic pot.
Lithachne humilis (Bambusoid Grass) with multiple slender green leaves growing within a simple black pot.
Lithachne humilis (Bambusoid Grass) lime green plant growing in a small black pot.
Lithachne humilis (Bambusoid Grass) held by hand, showing numerous pointed lime green leaves.
Lithachne humilis (Bambusoid Grass) lime green plant with multiple pointed leaves in a container.
Lithachne humilis (Bambusoid Grass) with lime green pointed leaves growing in a small brown container.
Lithachne humilis (Bambusoid Grass) is a small green plant in a dark plastic pot.
Lithachne humilis (Bambusoid Grass) with narrow lance-shaped green leaves held in a small black pot.


Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/lithachne_humilis.htm
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