African bur grass (Tragus berteronianus, Mant. 2: 205 (1824))

Family: Poaceae

Author: Schult.

Bibliography: Mant. 2: 205 (1824)

Year: 1824

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Tragus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Africa, Arabian Pen. to China

Description

African bur grass, scientifically known as Tragus berteronianus, is a hardy and resilient species belonging to the Poaceae family. First documented by the esteemed botanist Schult. in 1824 in the Mantissa, this plant has since made its mark across a diverse range of ecosystems.

Originating from the African continent, African bur grass has expanded its presence from the Arabian Peninsula all the way to China. It has adapted well to various climates and soil conditions, demonstrating a remarkable ability to thrive in less than ideal environments. This adaptability has made it a common sight in many arid and semi-arid regions across its distribution range.

The plant itself is characterized by its distinctive bur-like seeds which facilitate its spread by sticking to passing animals and humans. This reproductive strategy enables it to colonize new areas efficiently. Its grass-like appearance makes it relatively easy to recognize among other flora within its habitat.

African bur grass plays a crucial role in its ecosystem. It provides ground cover that can prevent soil erosion and support a range of wildlife, including grazing animals. Despite its benefits, it can sometimes be regarded as a weed due to its proliferative nature, which can occasionally outcompete native plant species.

In the broader scope of botanical research and ecological studies, Tragus berteronianus stands out as a species of interest due to its expansive range and adaptability. Understanding its growth patterns and interactions with other species continues to be a subject of scientific inquiry, shedding light on the complexities of plant ecology and the dynamics of plant distribution.

Overall, African bur grass is a fascinating example of plant resilience and adaptability, illustrating the subtle yet profound ways in which flora can shape and interact with their environments.

Common Names

Eng: african bur-grass, african bur grass, spiked bur grass, small carrot-seed grass, spike bur grass, carrot seed grass
Swe: litet piprensargräs
Cym: glaswellt pigog affrica
En: African bur grass, Small carrot-seed grass, Spike bur grass, Spiked bur grass, African Bur-grass, Carrot Seed Grass, Spike Burgrass, Spiked burr grass, Spiked burrgrass
Ar: هروى (هَروى)
Sv: Litet piprensargräs
Cy: Glaswellt Pigog Affrica

Synonyms

• Lappago racemosa var. erecta (Kunth)
• Tragus occidentalis (Nees)
• Lappago occidentalis ((Nees) Hook.f.)
• Tragus tcheliensis (Debeaux)
• Lappago phleoides (Fig. & De Not.)
• Tragus racemosus var. berteronianus ((Schult.) Hack.)
• Nazia occidentalis ((Nees) Scribn.)
• Lappago berteroniana (Schult. ex Steud.)
• Tragus alienus var. brevispinus (Henrard)
• Tragus racemosus var. brevispiculus (Döll)
• Tragus ciliatus (Lepr. ex Kunth)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Angola (native)
• Botswana (native)
• Burkina (native)
• Burundi (native)
• Cape Provinces (native)
• Chad (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Djibouti (native)
• Egypt (native)
• Eritrea (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• Free State (native)
• Gulf States (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Iran (native)
• Kenya (native)
• KwaZulu-Natal (native)
• Madagascar (native)
• Malawi (native)
• Mali (native)
• Mauritania (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Namibia (native)
• Niger (native)
• Northern Provinces (native)
• Oman (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Rwanda (native)
• Saudi Arabia (native)
• Senegal (native)
• Socotra (native)
• Somalia (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Swaziland (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Yemen (native)
• Zambia (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• Zimbabwe (native)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• Argentina Northwest (introduced)
• Arizona (introduced)
• Aruba (introduced)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• Brazil Northeast (introduced)
• Brazil Southeast (introduced)
• Colombia (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)
• Dominican Republic (introduced)
• Ecuador (introduced)
• Haiti (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Honduras (introduced)
• Jamaica (introduced)
• Leeward Is. (introduced)
• Maine (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Mexico Central (introduced)
• Mexico Northeast (introduced)
• Mexico Northwest (introduced)
• Mexico Southwest (introduced)
• Netherlands Antilles (introduced)
• New Mexico (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Peru (introduced)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)
• South Carolina (introduced)
• St.Helena (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
• Turks-Caicos Is. (introduced)
• Venezuela (introduced)
• Venezuelan Antilles (introduced)
• Virginia (introduced)
• Windward Is. (introduced)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Petra Ballings (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bart Wursten (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bart Wursten (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Forest & Kim Starr (cc-by)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Forest & Kim Starr (cc-by)

Flower

Taken Dec 8, 2019 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 8, 2019 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 8, 2019 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 8, 2019 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bart Wursten (cc-by-nc)

Leaf

Taken Dec 11, 2019 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 8, 2019 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 8, 2019 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 8, 2019 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Nov 12, 2019 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 12, 2019 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Mar 25, 2022 by Sarah Hart (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bart Wursten (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bart Wursten (cc-by-nc)

© 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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5290129)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:256481-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Tragus berteronianus Schult.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Graminoid

Growth