The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Sparterie \Spar"ter*ie\, n. [F., from Sp. esparto esparto, L.
   spartum, Gr. ?.]
   Articles made of the blades or fiber of the Lygeum Spartum
   and Stipa tenacissima (syn. Macrochloa tenacissima),
   kinds of grass used in Spain and other countries for making
   ropes, mats, baskets, nets, and mattresses. --Loudon.
   [1913 Webster]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Alfa \Al"fa\or Alfa grass \Al"fa grass"\, n.
   A plant (Macrochloa tenacissima) of North Africa; also, its
   fiber, used in paper making.
   [1913 Webster]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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.
   [1913 Webster]