Biological Flora of Coastal Dunes and Wetlands: Uniola paniculata L

Abstract

Uniola paniculata C. Linnaeus is a New World, tropical-, subtropical-, and temperate-zone, rhizomatous grass that is often a dominant species on foredunes and on the primary dune complex. Uniola paniculata L. has low freshwater-moisture requirements, tolerates aerosol salt spray, has low nutrient level requirements, tolerates high sand temperatures, and provides extensive sand coverage. Also known as sea oats, this grass inhabits mobile and semistable dune systems and plays a significant role in trapping sand and building primary dunes. Caryopsis production is low. However, germination is enhanced by cutting into the endosperm and leaching the caryopses. Northern populations require cold treatment before germination, but southern populations are not dependent on cold treatment before exposure to a germination protocol with a 35/25°C thermoperiod.