STENOTAPHRUM

genus of about six species of low, mat-forming perennial grasses of the family Poaceae, native to tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world. St. Augustine grass (S. secundatum), also known as buffalo grass, is native to the American South and to Central America but has become naturalized along many seacoasts of the world. It is cultivated as a coarse lawn grass in some areas of Australia and North America. A variety with white-striped leaves is grown as an ornamental.