Grasslands

The species composition of the grasslands is very variable, depending on the topographic characteristics.

Grasslands on higher grounds

On those areas that do not suffer from flooding we can find species such as:

  • paja colorada (Andropogon lateralis)
  • espartillo dulce (Elionurus muticus)
  • cola de zorro (Schizachiryum spicatum)
  • pega-pega o taha taha (Desmodium cuneatum)
  • carquejas (Baccharis spp.)

Sometimes woody species appear, turning this unit into a savannah.

Natural grasslands often suffer from natural or man made fires, favouring species such as:

  • Aspilia pascalioides
  • Calea cymosa
  • Acmella decumbens
  • Zexmenia arnottii
  • Cienfuegosia drummondii 
  • Turnera grandiflora

Grasslands on lower grounds

These develop in areas that remain flooded for several months. The species are distributed according to the gradient of flooding.

Common species are:

Solanum sisymbrifolium

Sticky nightshade, Solanum sisymbrifolium © M. Peña Chocarro.

  • paja amarilla (Sorghastrum setosum)
  • Cyperus spp.
  • Fimbristylis ssp.
  • Rhynchospora scutellata
  • Paspalum intermedium
  • Panicum prionitis
  • Eupatorium spp.
  • Vernonia incana
  • Aeschynomene spp.
  • Chamaecrista nictitans
  • Xylosma venosa
  • Desmanthus spp.
  • Nicotiana longiflora
  • Solanum spp.