Tussock
(noun)
A small, roundish clump or tuft of grass or other vegetation, often growing in marshy or wet areas.
Origin:
From the old norse word túsk, which means 'tuft, bunch'.
Examples:
- Tussocks provide important habitat for many species of wildlife, such as birds and small mammals.
- Tussocks can be difficult to walk on, as they are often unstable and can give way underfoot.
- Tussocks are a characteristic feature of many types of grassland and moorland landscapes.
- The term 'tussock' can also be used to describe a clump or tuft of hair or fur on an animal.
- Tussocks can play a role in reducing soil erosion and improving water quality in wetland ecosystems.