Family: Poaceae
Author: E.Fourn.
Bibliography: Bull. Soc. Bot. France 13: 119 (an mileaceum, Coss. ?). 1866
Year: 1866
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Piptatherum
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Unknown
Description
Smilo, scientifically known as Piptatherum miliaceum, is an intriguing and lesser-known species within the Poaceae family, commonly referred to as grasses. This perennial grass has been a subject of scientific interest since its description by E. Fourn. in 1866, as documented in the Bulletin de la Société Botanique de France.
Piptatherum miliaceum is characterized by its hardy growth and adaptability to a variety of environmental conditions. Its robust nature makes it a resilient component in diverse ecosystems, where it can often be seen thriving in regions that may be challenging for other plant species. Among its distinguishing features, Smilo exhibits a clumping growth habit with long, slender leaves and tall flowering stems that produce small, grain-like seeds. These seeds are encased in spikelets, which contribute to the plant’s aesthetic and functional value in both natural settings and designed landscapes.
Despite its resilience and adaptability, there remains much to learn about Smilo, as detailed scientific observations and research into its specific ecological roles, growth patterns, and broader uses are limited or currently unknown. Nonetheless, its inclusion in botanical records underscores its importance and potential within the vast world of Poaceae.
The species holds promise for those interested in sustainable gardening, revegetation projects, and ecological conservation, given its ability to withstand tough conditions and presumably low maintenance requirements. While the detailed aspects of Smilo’s botanical and ecological contributions continue to be a field ripe for exploration, its inherent benefits are implicitly acknowledged through its persistence and adaptability within nature’s diverse tapestry.
Common Names
En: Smilo, Smilo grass, Rice millet, Smilograss, Smilo-grass
Ca: Ripoll
Da: Rishirse
Nl: Smilogras
Fr: Faux Millet, Piptathère faux millet
De: Südliche Grannenhirse
He: נשרן הדוחן
Hu: Sokvirágú bajuszoskásafű
It: Erba smilo, Miglio multifloro
Sv: Risven
Synonyms
Distribution
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jan 9, 2020 by Tela Botanica − Christian Meyer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 4, 2020 by Tela Botanica − Christian Meyer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 16, 2021 by Oliveira Vander (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 10, 2021 by Oliveira Vander (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 16, 2021 by Oliveira Vander (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Mar 8, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 30, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 27, 2020 by steven55 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 21, 2022 by NICOLAS Leconte (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 2, 2022 by Kathelijne (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jun 18, 2022 by Luc Atger (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 21, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Marcel ETIENNE (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 16, 2021 by Oliveira Vander (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 27, 2020 by Galí Joan (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 16, 2021 by Oliveira Vander (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 3, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Patrick Leboulenger (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 5, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Florian SAYAGH (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 21, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Marcel ETIENNE (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 21, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Marcel ETIENNE (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 4, 2020 by Tela Botanica − Christian Meyer (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Oct 21, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Marcel ETIENNE (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 21, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Marcel ETIENNE (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 21, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Marcel ETIENNE (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 21, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Marcel ETIENNE (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 21, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Marcel ETIENNE (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8149531)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Piptatherum miliaceum (L.) Coss.)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2705793)