Ornatec InternationalSpecies reference sheet ยท ornatecinternational.com
Sporobolus spicatus
Salt Couch Grass
The Sporobolus spicatus, commonly known as the Salt Couch Grass, is a low, creeping perennial grass of saline flats, sabkha and lake margins across Africa and Arabia. It spreads by surface runners into a fine, dense, low turf with narrow grey-green leaves and slim spike-like flowerheads.
It is one of the very few grasses that will form a continuous sward on salt-crusted ground and under saline irrigation. It is used for low-input turf on saline sites, sabkha edge treatment and surface stabilisation.
Specifications
- Height0.1 to 0.3 metres
- WidthIndefinite, spreading by surface runners
- Native toNorth and east Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, on saline flats and lake margins
- FoliageFine, narrow, grey-green leaves on low creeping stems; evergreen where moisture allows
- Growth rateFast
Conditions
- SoilAccepts strongly saline, alkaline and sandy soils; tolerates salt crusting and periodic inundation
- LightFull sun
- WaterLow to moderate; tolerates saline irrigation water and is drought-tolerant once the runner mat has closed
- ClimateThrives in hot arid, semi-arid and coastal regions with saline groundwater
Additional Features
- FormFine, low, creeping sward that closes into a continuous mat
- UsesLow-input turf and amenity grass on saline sites, sabkha and lagoon edge treatment, surface and dust stabilisation
- SpacingPlant 0.3 to 0.4 metres apart, or establish from runners for a closed sward in one season
- Low MaintenanceTolerates low mowing frequency and low fertility; no specialist inputs required
- Pest ResistanceFree of significant pest and disease problems
- Salt ToleranceVery high, forming a sward under saline irrigation where conventional turf species fail
- Drought ToleranceGood once the mat is closed, browning off and recovering rather than dying
- Erosion ControlThe runner mat binds saline surface soils and reduces dust generation
The Salt Couch Grass gives a usable green surface on saline ground and saline water, which is a rare combination.
Availability by project review. Sizes, quantities, origin and export readiness are confirmed after your plant schedule is reviewed against destination, timing and quarantine requirements. MEWA certified for supply into Saudi Arabia; Australian Export Registered Establishment.
Enquiries: sales@ornatecinternational.com
310 Donkin Rd, Utchee Creek QLD 4871, Australia
Prepared 12 September 2026