Biome Grassland Plants

Gum Arabic

• The savanna grassland plant gum arabic (Senegal gum acacia) is a small or medium tree that grows to about 65 feet tall, according to Blue Planet Biomes. Its numerous branches form a flat, rounded top containing thorns. This tree has gray-green leaves and yellow or cream-colored flowers. It can endure long droughts and usually grows in sandy areas receiving only 12 to 15 inches of rain annually. Gum arabics also furnish shelter and shade for savanna animals.

Buffalo Grass

• The temperate grasslands plant buffalo grass (Buchloe dactyloides) can survive extended droughts and extreme temperatures. It is a perennial that originated in the Great Plains. When buffalo grass isn't blooming, it can be recognized by its smooth nodes and extremely short internodes that are less than 3 inches long. It's a low-growing grass that is only about 8 to 10 inches tall. This grass usually looks short because its grass blades bend over, notes Texas Cooperative Extension.

Blue Grama Grass

• Temperate grassland plant blue grama (Bouteloua gracillis) grows throughout the Great Plains and has an exceptional resistance to drought and cold temperatures. It grows at elevations up to 7,000 feet, although it also grows in lower elevations, according to Colorado State University. This plant is often planted on golf courses or in yards that won't be mowed. Uncut blue grama grows from 10 to 20 inches high, according to American Lawns.

Elephant Grass

• Savanna grassland plant elephant grass (Pennistum purpureum) is a tall, purple or yellow grass with thick clumps that grow up to 10 feet tall, according to Blue Plant Biomes. It's a native plant of Africa, where it grows alongside lake beds and rivers and has coarse, hairy stems. The plant's razor-sharp leaf edges make it almost impenetrable. Its thick seed heads are generally purple or tawny and its seeds are extremely small and don't sprout well.