"Manila grass" is spelled with five letters in English, but the pronunciation of the word requires several more sounds. In IPA phonetic transcription, "manila" is pronounced as /məˈnilə/, with the stress on the second syllable. The "a" in "manila" is pronounced as a short vowel /ə/, while "grass" is pronounced as /ɡræs/, with the stress on the first syllable. "Manila grass" refers to a type of grass that originated in Southeast Asia and is commonly used for landscaping and erosion control.
Manila grass, scientifically known as Zoysia matrella, is a warm-season perennial turfgrass species that belongs to the Poaceae family. Native to Southeast Asia, specifically Manila in the Philippines, it is widely cultivated and valued for its ability to provide an attractive and resilient lawn.
This grass has a dark green color and a fine-textured appearance that gives lawns a luxurious look. It forms a dense turf with a low-growing and spreading growth habit, making it highly desirable for landscaping purposes. Manila grass has an optimal growth temperature range of 70 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 35 degrees Celsius) and thrives in tropical and subtropical regions with full sun exposure.
One of the key characteristics of Manila grass is its excellent salt tolerance, making it a suitable choice for coastal areas or regions with saline soils. It also possesses good drought resistance and can withstand extended periods without irrigation, relying on underground rhizomes and stolons to conserve moisture.
Furthermore, this grass variety is known for its durability and ability to tolerate heavy foot traffic. It recovers quickly from damage and is relatively low-maintenance, requiring less frequent mowing compared to other turfgrass species. However, it may require regular fertilization and occasional dethatching to maintain its health and vigor.
Overall, Manila grass is a popular choice for lawns, golf courses, parks, and sports fields due to its aesthetic qualities, adaptability to various soil types, and ability to withstand challenging environmental conditions.
The word "manila grass" does not have a specific etymology, as it is a term used to describe a certain type of grass. However, "manila" is likely derived from the Spanish word "manila", which refers to the capital city of the Philippines. It is possible that the grass was named "manila" due to its association with the country or its origin.