Sparterie \Spar"ter*ie\, n. [F., from Sp. esparto esparto, L. spartum, Gr. ?.] Articles made of the blades or fiber of the {Lygeum Spartum} and {Stipa tenacissima} (syn. {Macrochloa tenacissima}), kinds of grass used in Spain and other countries for making ropes, mats, baskets, nets, and mattresses. --Loudon. [1913 Webster]
Alfa \Al"fa\or Alfa grass \Al"fa grass"\, n. A plant ({Macrochloa tenacissima}) of North Africa; also, its fiber, used in paper making. [1913 Webster]
Esparto \Es*par"to\, n. [Sp.; cf. L. spartum Spanish broom, Gr. ?.] (Bot.) A species of Spanish grass ({Macrochloa tenacissima}), of which cordage, shoes, baskets, etc., are made. It is also used for making paper. [1913 Webster]