Tussac Grass Poa flabellata

Growing up to 3 m high, bogs of Tussac grow higher as new growth rises out of a bog of dead leaves and is perhaps the best natural shelter the Falklands has to offer. The long narrow green leaves themselves may grow up to 2 m long forming a dense plume of leaves above the bog pedestal which may be hundreds of years old. 

Tussac grass is an important for habitat for small birds, insects, owls and seals. Originally tussac fringed the Falklands' coasts but as the islands populated, sealers burned it to flush out sea lions, and domestic livestock arrived, the tussac bogs were destroyed and is now it is mainly reduced to the smaller uninhabited islands. Most domestic 'hen runs' will have a few tussac bogs for shelter. Tussac is being replanted by Falkland Conservation in some areas.