Family: Poaceae
Author: (Kunth) Dandy
Bibliography: J. Bot. 69: 54 (1931)
Year: 1931
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Acroceras
Vegetable: False
Observations: Tropics
Description
Oat grass, scientifically known as Acroceras zizanioides, is a notable perennial species within the Poaceae family. This resilient plant is well-adapted to thrive in tropical climates, where it typically flourishes in a variety of wetland environments such as swamps, riverbanks, and other areas with abundant moisture.
Characterized by its lush, green foliage, oat grass is often recognized for its utility in stabilizing soil and preventing erosion, making it a valuable component in ecological conservation efforts. The grass features a robust, clumping growth habit, with stems that can reach considerable heights under optimal conditions. The leaves of oat grass are linear and grass-like, contributing to its aesthetic appeal in natural landscapes.
Oat grass plays a crucial role in the ecosystems where it is native, providing habitat and food for numerous wildlife species. Its ability to grow in waterlogged soils makes it an excellent candidate for planting in challenging environments where other species might struggle to survive. Additionally, this plant can improve water quality by filtering out pollutants and absorbing excess nutrients from the water.
The grass’s versatile nature extends to its uses in agriculture, particularly in forage systems where it serves as a nutritious feed for livestock. Its high tolerance for wet conditions ensures a reliable forage source even during periods of heavy rainfall, thus supporting sustained agricultural productivity.
First documented in 1931 by the botanist Dandy in the “Journal of Botany,” oat grass has been the subject of numerous botanical studies due to its ecological significance and adaptability. Researchers continue to explore its potential applications in sustainable farming and environmental management.
In summary, Acroceras zizanioides or oat grass is a vital species within the tropical regions, contributing to both environmental stability and agricultural sustainability. With its distinctive characteristics and wide range of uses, this member of the Poaceae family remains an important focus for botanists and ecologists alike.
Common Names
Spa: arrocillo
Eng: oat grass
En: Oat Grass, Arrocillo
Fr: Panic faux-riz, Échinochloé faux Riz
Es: Arrocillo
: Oat grass
Synonyms
- Panicum subspicatum (Desv.)
- Panicum balbisianum (Schult.)
- Panicum lutetense (K.Schum.)
- Panicum dioecum (Spreng.)
- Panicum pseudoryzoides (Steud.)
- Panicum guluense (Vanderyst)
- Panicum melicoides (Poir.)
- Acroceras oryzoides (Stapf)
- Panicum oryzoides (Sw.)
- Echinochloa zizanioides ((Kunth) Roberty)
- Panicum zizanioides var. microphyllum (Döll)
- Panicum grandiflorum (Trin. ex Nees)
- Panicum ogowense (Franch.)
- Panicum zizanioides (Kunth)
- Panicum poiforme (Poir.)
Distribution
- Argentina Northeast (native)
- Assam (native)
- Bangladesh (native)
- Belize (native)
- Benin (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Brazil West-Central (native)
- Burkina (native)
- Burundi (native)
- Cameroon (native)
- Central African Repu (native)
- Chad (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Congo (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- East Himalaya (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- Equatorial Guinea (native)
- Ethiopia (native)
- French Guiana (native)
- Gabon (native)
- Ghana (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Guinea (native)
- Guinea-Bissau (native)
- Gulf of Guinea Is. (native)
- Guyana (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Honduras (native)
- India (native)
- Ivory Coast (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Liberia (native)
- Mali (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Mozambique (native)
- Myanmar (native)
- New Guinea (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Nigeria (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Peru (native)
- Senegal (native)
- Sierra Leone (native)
- Sudan (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Tanzania (native)
- Thailand (native)
- Togo (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (native)
- Uganda (native)
- Uruguay (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Vietnam (native)
- Zaïre (native)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Bark
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)
Fruit
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 24, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 24, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 24, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/4139637)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:3538-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Acroceras zizanioides (Kunth) Dandy)