Pelos del Diablo: A Critically Endangered Puerto Rican Native Grass Worth Protecting
If you’re passionate about native plants and conservation, you’ve probably never heard of pelos del diablo (Aristida portoricensis) – and there’s a very good reason for that. This remarkable little grass is one of Puerto Rico’s most endangered plant species, making it more of a conservation priority than a typical garden addition.
What is Pelos del Diablo?
Pelos del diablo, which translates roughly to devil’s hair in English, is a perennial grass native exclusively to Puerto Rico. As part of the Aristida genus, it’s what botanists call a bunch grass – forming small clumps rather than spreading runners like lawn grasses. Don’t let the dramatic common name fool you; this isn’t some menacing plant, but rather a delicate species that’s fighting for survival.
Where Does It Grow?
This endemic grass calls Puerto Rico home and nowhere else on Earth. Historically, it grew in the island’s dry coastal areas and limestone hill regions, perfectly adapted to the Caribbean’s challenging growing conditions.
Why You Should Care (But Probably Shouldn’t Plant It)
Here’s where things get serious: Aristida portoricensis has a Global Conservation Status of S1, meaning it’s critically imperiled. In the United States, it’s listed as Endangered. With typically five or fewer known occurrences and fewer than 1,000 remaining individuals in the wild, this grass is hanging on by a thread.
So should you plant it in your garden? The short answer is probably not – unless you’re involved in professional restoration work. Here’s why:
- Extremely limited availability of seeds or plants
- Requires specific growing conditions that are difficult to replicate
- Any cultivation should use responsibly sourced, genetically appropriate material
- Better suited for conservation efforts than home gardens
Growing Conditions and Care
If you’re working with conservation organizations or restoration projects, pelos del diablo likely prefers:
- Full sun exposure
- Well-draining, rocky or sandy soils
- USDA hardiness zones 10-11 (tropical and subtropical regions)
- Minimal water once established (drought-tolerant)
As a wind-pollinated grass, it doesn’t offer the flashy flowers that attract butterflies and bees, but it plays an important role in its native ecosystem by providing habitat structure and preventing soil erosion.
What You Can Do Instead
Rather than attempting to grow this endangered species, consider these conservation-friendly alternatives:
- Support organizations working to protect Puerto Rico’s native habitats
- Plant other native Puerto Rican grasses that are more readily available
- Create habitat for native wildlife using locally appropriate plants
- Learn about and advocate for endangered plant conservation
The Bottom Line
Pelos del diablo represents something precious: a unique piece of Puerto Rico’s natural heritage that’s teetering on the edge of extinction. While it’s not a plant for the typical home garden, it’s a powerful reminder of why native plant conservation matters. Every endemic species like this one represents millions of years of evolution and adaptation – irreplaceable pieces of our planet’s biodiversity puzzle.
If you encounter this grass in the wild during visits to Puerto Rico, consider yourself incredibly lucky. Take photos, but leave only footprints. Sometimes the best way to love a plant is to let it be wild and work to protect the places it calls home.
