Lewis & Short

† spartum (-ton), i, n., = σπάρτον,

  1. I. a plant originally growing in Spain, of which ropes, mats, nets, etc., were made (still called in Spain esparto), Spanish broom: Stipa tenacissima, Linn.; Plin. 19, 2, 7, § 26; 24, 9, 40, § 65; Varr. ap. Gell. 17, 3, 4; id. R. R. 1, 23, 6; Liv. 22, 20.
  2. II. Transf., a rope made of broom, Plin. 28, 4, 11, § 46; 35, 11, 40, § 137.