Zoysia
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 likely encountered escaped from cultivation; highly salt tolerant and often near the sea.)
Zoysia matrella
Natural range: Asia
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.
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.