Esparto grass (Stipa tenacissima) is a tall-growing grass formerly grown in Spain and other Mediterranean countries, and used initially by the Romans for making whip-thongs, and later for weaving and plaiting into mats and light baskets. It was later still used for making paper. Esparto grass is a species of grass about one metre high, covering large tracts in its native regions, and also cultivated, especially in Spain. Formerly the supply of esparto was almost wholly obtained from Spain, but it was later obtained in still, larger quantity from Algeria (where it is called a1fa), and from Tripoli and Tunis. The paper made from it is excellent; it was also reduced to a fibrous state and used for stuffing mattresses, etc. Research Esparto Grass
 
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