Zoysia pacifica (Goudswaard) Hotta & Kuroki

Zoysia japonica Steud.

Zoysia matrella (L.) Merr.

Key to Zoysia species modified from Flora of North America

1. Leaf blades < 0.5 mm wide (or in diameter if convolute).  Spikelets 3-12.  Peduncles included or exposed for < 1 cm...Z. pacifica (This species may not be encountered uncultivated in our area but is, according to FNA,  probably a parent of the lawn cultivar 'Cashmere'.)

1. Leaf blades > 0.5 mm wide.  Spikelets 10-50.  Peduncles exposed for > (0.3) 1 cm...2

2. Pedicels 1.6-3.5 cm long.  Spikelets ovate, > 1 mm wide; blades ascending.  Internodes 2-10 mm.....Z. japonica (a long-standing turfgrass used in Florida, best known as 'Meyer' but generally used to the north of our area; may be encountered growing uncultivated, but this unlikely in South Florida)

2.  Pedicels < 1.6 cm.  Spikelets lanceolate, 0.6- 1 mm wide.  Leaf blades patent.  Some internodes > 14 mm...Z. matrella (this the Zoysia, or its hybrids and derivatives,  most likley encountered escaped from cultivation; highly salt tolerant and often near the sea.)

Zoysia matrella

Natural range:  Asia

Recognition:  The entire grass to 10 cm tall. Narrow-bladed turf species with stiff needlelike leaf blades borne almost horizontally.  Spikelet 1, vertical like the flame on a torch, 2.1-3.2 mm long.

Florida status:  This and other Zoysia species (see above) used as turf grasses.  Zoysia matrella and its hybrids and cultivars used especially in South Florida, and sometimes escaped from cultivation.