From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
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]