Family: Poaceae
Author: (Kunth) Hitchc.
Bibliography: Contr. U.S. Natl. Herb. 22: 135 (1920)
Year: 1920
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Echinochloa
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America
Description
Creeping river grass, known scientifically as Echinochloa polystachya, is a versatile and robust plant that is found predominantly in the tropical and subtropical regions of America. This species belongs to the Poaceae family, often referred to as the grass family, which includes some of the most significant and widespread plant species across the globe.
The plant was first described by Kunth and later reviewed by Hitchcock in the publication “Contributions from the United States National Herbarium” in 1920. This detailed account has contributed significantly to the understanding and classification of this species within its native habitat.
Creeping river grass thrives in wet and marshy environments, often forming dense mats along riverbanks and moist areas, hence its common name. This adaptability allows it to play a crucial role in preventing soil erosion and maintaining the integrity of riparian ecosystems. The growth habit of Echinochloa polystachya often includes long, arching stems and leaves that are adapted to withstand periodic flooding and waterlogged conditions.
In addition to its ecological benefits, creeping river grass can also support local wildlife by providing habitat and food resources. It acts as a shelter for small organisms and supports the food web in its native environments. This plant’s ability to spread rapidly and cover large areas makes it an essential component in the preservation of aquatic habitats.
Despite its many uses, the aggressive nature of Echinochloa polystachya can sometimes pose a challenge in areas outside its native range, where it may outcompete local vegetation. Effective management requires an understanding of its growth patterns and the conditions that favor its proliferation.
Overall, creeping river grass is a notable species within the Poaceae family, both for its ecological importance and its adaptability to various environmental conditions in tropical and subtropical America.
Common Names
Eng: aleman grass, creeping river grass
Por: african-wonder-grass, canarana-verdadeira, capim-da-praia, capim-de-angola, capim-de-feixe
Spa: paja pelua, pasto chiguirera
En: Creeping river grass, Aleman grass
Pt: African-wonder-grass, Canarana-verdadeira, Capim-da-praia, Capim-de-angola, Capim-de-feixe
Es: Paja pelua, Pasto chiguirera, Pasto de Alemán
Synonyms
- Oplismenus spectabilis ((Nees ex Trin.) Kunth)
- Panicum bonplandianum (Steud.)
- Oplismenus polystachyus (Kunth)
- Panicum spectabile (Nees ex Trin.)
- Pseudechinolaena spectabilis ((Nees ex Trin.) Herter)
- Panicum phyllanthum (Steud.)
- Orthopogon hirsutus (Spreng. ex Steud.)
- Echinochloa polystachya var. spectabilis ((Nees ex Trin.) Mart.Crov.)
- Echinochloa spectabilis ((Nees ex Trin.) Link)
Distribution
- Argentina Northeast (native)
- Belize (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Brazil West-Central (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- Florida (native)
- French Guiana (native)
- Guyana (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Leeward Is. (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Peru (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Texas (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (native)
- Uruguay (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Windward Is. (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.
Flower
Taken Jul 4, 2014 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Leaf
Taken Jul 4, 2014 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2702800)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:88097-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Echinochloa polystachya (Kunth) Hitchc.)