esparto
noun
es·par·to i-ˈspär-(ˌ)tō 
plural espartos
1
: either of two Spanish and Algerian grasses (Stipa tenacissima and Lygeum spartum) used especially to make cordage, shoes, and paper
called also esparto grass
2
: the fiber of esparto
Word History
Etymology
Spanish, from Latin spartum, from Greek sparton — more at spire
First Known Use
1845, in the meaning defined at sense 1