Basionym Distichlis palmeri is an obligate emergent (it has aerenchyma) perennial rhizomatous dioecious halophytic C4 grass in the Poaceae (Gramineae) family.

It does withstand surface drying between supra tidal events because roots extend downward to more than 1 meter (3 feet) where coastal substrata is still moist.

Kernels of Distichlis palmeri have an indigenous history as a wild harvest grain (Nipa) consumed by the Cocopah.

[3][4][5][11][10][12][13][14] In addition to research studies working to domesticate D. palmeri, the species has been used to manage farm drainage and has been proposed as a constructive use plant in remediation of saline and biosaline wastewaters and land.

[15][16][17] Distichlis palmeri can grow in open hot full sun on saline irrigation in subtropic zones; hence, it can be cropped along warming and rising coastlines[3][4][11] and is an active candidate for (bio)saline agriculture and cash crop development of Nipa grain.