Alfa \Al"fa\or Alfa grass \Al"fa grass"\, n. A plant (Macrochloa tenacissima) of North Africa; also, its fiber, used in paper making.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)