In the "CRC World Dictionary of Grasses," Umberto Quattrocchi describes Poa as either annual or perennial, usually flat, and often small and delicate. Michael A. Mares, author of "Encyclopedia of Deserts," lists Poa gymnantha as a type of grass particularly common to the Andean steppe.
According to Quattrocchi, Festuceae are tufted perennial grasses. Mares describes Festuca as common in both the high Andes, where species such as Festuca sublimis have adapted to arid conditions, and on the steppes, where species like Festuca gracillina may be found.
Calamagrostis, more commonly known as "Pampas grass," is described as a reedy, tufted grass. Calamagrostis jubata is one such species, a robust plant that, according to Quattrocchi, produces many seeds and grows easily on bare, rocky soil such as one might find on a mountain slope. The growth of C. jubata helps control soil erosion. Another species, particular to the high Andes, is Calamagrostis lingulata.
