Stipa tenacissima

Stipa tenacissima (esparto, esparto grass, halfah grass or needles grass) is a perennial grass of northwestern Africa and the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula. Stipa tenacissima is an endemic species of the Western Mediterranean countries. It grows in Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya. It grows in poor soils and in dry conditions, forming a steppe-like grassland. It has been managed by people for centuries. Stipa tenacissima produces a fiber product called esparto which is used for crafts, such as cords, basketry, and espadrilles as well as for making paper.