Family: Poaceae
Author: (C.C.Gmel.) Spenn.
Bibliography: Fl. Friburg. 3: 1050 (1829)
Year: 1829
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Festuca
Vegetable: False
Observations: Madeira, C. Europe to Medit.
Description
Gravel Fescue: Festuca lachenalii
Gravel fescue, known scientifically as Festuca lachenalii, is a notable species within the Poaceae family. This grass has a storied history and has been thoroughly documented in the botanical literature, with a significant mention in Fl. Friburg. 3: 1050 (1829). Initially classified by C.C.Gmel., the species was later accurately described and named by Spenn.
Habitat and Distribution
Gravel fescue showcases a wide geographical distribution. It is notably present in Madeira and extends its presence from central Europe across to the Mediterranean region. This adaptability to varied climates and soils underscores its resilience and ecological importance.
* Botanical Characteristics*
Like many other species within the Poaceae family, gravel fescue exhibits the key characteristics of grass. With a robust structure, it thrives in rocky and well-drained soils, often forming dense tufts. Its slender, erect blades and the fine texture of its leaves are distinctive features that contribute to its identification in the field.
Ecological Importance
Gravel fescue plays a crucial role in its native habitats. It offers ground cover that helps prevent soil erosion, especially in its typical gravel-strewn environments. This species also serves as a forage resource for local fauna, contributing to the biodiversity and health of the ecosystems it inhabits.
Conservation and Observational Insights
Conserving gravel fescue is pivotal due to its ecological roles and adaptability. Observational reports highlight its distribution from Madeira through central Europe to the Mediterranean, indicating its ability to thrive in diverse climates. Studies encourage the protection of its natural habitats to ensure that the species continues to thrive amid changing environmental conditions.
Gravel fescue, Festuca lachenalii, is more than just a resilient grass. It is a species with historical significance and ecological importance, adapted across varied landscapes from Madeira to the Mediterranean.
Common Names
En: Gravel fescue
Nl: Grindstijfgras
Fr: Catapode des graviers, Petit Nard de Haller, Petit Nard délicat, Micropyrum délicat
De: Dünnschwingel, Kies Steifgras, Kies-Dünnschwingel, Kies-Dünnschwanz, Kies-Steifgras
It: Festuca annuale
Synonyms
- Triticum lolioides (Pers.)
- Brachypodium tenellum ((L.) P.Beauv.)
- Triticum halleri (Viv.)
- Triticum tenuiculum (Loisel.)
- Triticum nardus var. molle (Gaudin)
- Festuca poa var. triticiformis (N.H.F.Desp.)
- Festuca maritima var. nardus ((Raspail) Mutel)
- Micropyrum tenellum f. muticum ((Tausch) O.Bolòs & Vigo)
- Micropyrum tenellum ((L.) Link)
- Nardurus lachenalii var. tenuiculum ((Loisel.) Nyman)
- Festuca tenella var. tenuicula ((Loisel.) Chaub.)
- Festuca lachenalii subsp. tenuicula ((Loisel.) K.Richt.)
- Nardurus lachenalii ((C.C.Gmel.) Godr.)
- Catapodium halleri ((Viv.) Rchb.)
- Triticum nardus var. pubescens (Loisel. ex Lej.)
- Catapodium tenellum var. tenuiculum ((Loisel.) Breistr.)
- Brachypodium poa (Roem. & Schult.)
- Nardurus tenuiculmis (Fourr.)
- Agropyron tenuiculum ((Loisel.) Steud.)
- Triticum nardus (DC.)
- Nardurus halleri ((Viv.) Rchb.)
- Catapodium halleri var. tenuiculum ((Loisel.) Griseb.)
- Micropyrum tenellum var. barbatum ((Desv.) D.Rivera & M.A.Carreras)
- Festuca poa ((Lam. & DC.) Kunth)
- Catapodium halleri var. ramosum ((W.D.J.Koch) Rouy)
- Brachypodium nardus (P.Beauv.)
- Vulpia lachenalii ((C.C.Gmel.) Heynh.)
- Festuca poa var. elatior (Martrin-Donos)
- Triticum lolioides var. elongatum (Tausch)
- Triticum tenellum var. barbatum (Desv.)
- Nardurus lachenalii var. longipes (F.Gérard)
- Prosphysis tenella ((L.) Dulac)
- Triticum festuca (DC.)
- Festuca lachenalii var. pauciflora (Asch. & Graebn.)
- Festuca nardus (Raspail)
- Nardurus lachenalii subsp. halleri ((Viv.) Arcang.)
- Triticum lachenalii (C.C.Gmel.)
- Triticum tenellum (L.)
- Catapodium tenellum var. barbatum ((Desv.) Breistr. ex Kerguélen)
- Triticum lolioides var. muticum (Tausch)
- Agropyron poa ((Lam. & DC.) Chevall.)
- Festuca racemifera (Trin. ex Steud.)
- Catapodium tenellum ((L.) Trab.)
- Triticum tenellum var. muticum (Desv.)
- Agropyron halleri ((Viv.) Rchb.)
- Brachypodium halleri ((Viv.) P.Beauv.)
- Festuca lachenalii var. mutica (Tourlet)
- Nardurus lachenalii var. maximus (Lange)
- Catapodium tenellum var. muticum ((Tausch) Maire)
- Nardurus tenellus ((L.) Rchb. ex Godr.)
- Festucaria tenuicula ((Loisel.) Link)
- Catapodium halleri var. elongatum ((Tausch) Rouy)
- Festuca poa var. tenuicula ((Loisel.) Delastre)
- Festuca festucoides ((Bertol.) Bech.)
- Nardurus morisonii (Lojac.)
- Brachypodium tenuiculum ((Loisel.) Roem. & Schult.)
- Nardurus poa ((Lam. & DC.) Boiss.)
- Catapodium halleri var. pauciflorum ((Asch. & Graebn.) Rouy)
- Triticum festucoides (Bertol.)
- Festuca poa var. mutica (Coss. & Germ.)
- Festuca lachenalii var. ramosa (W.D.J.Koch)
- Triticum poa (Lam. & DC.)
- Festuca poa var. ramosa (Boreau)
Distribution
- Algeria (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Corse (native)
- Cyprus (native)
- East Aegean Is. (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Greece (native)
- Italy (native)
- Libya (native)
- Madeira (native)
- Morocco (native)
- Portugal (native)
- Sardegna (native)
- Sicilia (native)
- Spain (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Turkey-in-Europe (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Flower
Taken May 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Aug 23, 2021 by Amirreza Kordafshari (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 16, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 16, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 16, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jun 10, 2019 by Heilmann Claudia (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 11, 2019 by Eva Maria (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 11, 2019 by Eva Maria (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 25, 2021 by Mathieu Cermak (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 23, 2021 by Amirreza Kordafshari (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jun 20, 2020 by Bastien Boussau (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 19, 2022 by Aurélie G. (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 13, 2018 by Xnarga (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Habit
Taken May 16, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 16, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 16, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 16, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 16, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Mar 19, 2022 by Aurélie G. (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Other
Taken May 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Apr 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Taken Apr 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Apr 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/4121799)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:402959-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Micropyrum tenellum (L.) Link)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/4118792)