Family: Poaceae
Author: (R.Br.) A.Camus
Bibliography: Bull. Mus. Natl. Hist. Nat. 27: 549 (1921)
Year: 1921
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Dichanthium
Vegetable: False
Observations: Indo-China to Australia
Description
Silky Bluestem, scientifically known as Dichanthium sericeum, is a graceful and hardy grass species that belongs to the Poaceae family, a large family commonly referred to as the grass family. This perennial grass has a wide distribution, extending from Indo-China to Australia, illustrating its adaptability to various climates and terrains.
Dichanthium sericeum is distinguished by its fine, silky texture, a characteristic that gives the plant its common name, Silky Bluestem. The leaves are typically soft and covered with fine hairs, giving them a silvery appearance that adds an attractive element to the landscape where it grows.
Ecologically, Silky Bluestem plays a significant role in its native habitats. It provides essential ground cover, contributing to soil stability and preventing erosion. As a forage plant, it is also valuable to livestock, offering a nutrient-rich food source that supports grazing animals.
The scientific community first described this species in 1921 in the Bulletin of the Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle, where it was cataloged under the authority of A. Camus, based on the original classification by R. Brown. The historical documentation underscores the importance of Dichanthium sericeum not only in its natural ecology but also in botanical studies and taxonomy.
In summary, Silky Bluestem, or Dichanthium sericeum, is a notable species within the Poaceae family, treasured for its ecological benefits and its adaptability across a range of environments from Indo-China to Australia. Its soft, silky aesthetic alongside its practical uses in erosion control and as livestock forage, makes it a valuable plant both in nature and for agricultural purposes.
Common Names
Eng: silky bluestem
En: Silky bluestem
Synonyms
- Andropogon sericeus (R.Br.)
- Sorghum sericeum ((R.Br.) Kuntze)
Distribution
- Cambodia (native)
- Laos (native)
- Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
- New Caledonia (native)
- New Guinea (native)
- New South Wales (native)
- Northern Territory (native)
- Philippines (native)
- Queensland (native)
- Solomon Is. (native)
- South Australia (native)
- Tasmania (native)
- Victoria (native)
- Vietnam (native)
- Western Australia (native)
- Czechoslovakia (introduced)
- Florida (introduced)
- Hawaii (introduced)
- Japan (introduced)
- Marquesas (introduced)
- Mexico Northeast (introduced)
- Mexico Northwest (introduced)
- Mexico Southeast (introduced)
- Mississippi (introduced)
- Pakistan (introduced)
- Texas (introduced)
- Zimbabwe (introduced)
Additional Images
Other
Taken Dec 21, 2021 by aria salan (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Dec 21, 2021 by aria salan (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2702451)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:398571-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Dichanthium sericeum (R.Br.) A.Camus)
Specifications
Growth habit: Graminoid