Family: Poaceae
Author: (Benth.) Henrard
Bibliography: Blumea 1: 99 (1934)
Year: 1934
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Digitaria
Vegetable: False
Observations: Colorado to Subtrop. America
Description
Arizona cottontop, known scientifically as Digitaria californica, is a notable species within the Poaceae family. First described by George Bentham and later revised by Henrard in the biological journal “Blumea” in 1934 (Volume 1, Page 99), this grass species has captured the interest of botanists and ecologists alike due to its unique characteristics and widespread distribution.
Morphologically, Arizona cottontop is recognized for its tufted perennial growth habit. The plant displays slender, erect stems that can reach considerable heights, topped with distinctive cotton-like inflorescences that lend to its common name. These fluffy seed heads not only contribute to its ornamental appeal but also play a crucial role in seed dispersal and ecological interactions.
Ecologically, Digitaria californica thrives in a variety of environments, showcasing an impressive adaptability from the semi-arid regions of Colorado to the more diverse landscapes of subtropical America. This adaptability is a testament to the plant’s resilience and its ability to compete and coexist within different ecological systems.
In terms of usage, Arizona cottontop serves multiple purposes. For wildlife, it provides a valuable food source and habitat, supporting biodiversity. For humans, it has potential applications in soil conservation efforts due to its robust root system that helps prevent erosion, making it a vital component in sustainable land management practices.
Overall, Arizona cottontop, Digitaria californica, is a distinguished member of the grass family, esteemed for both its ecological benefits and its contribution to botanical studies. Through further research and conservation, this versatile grass can continue to thrive and support the ecosystems it inhabits.
Common Names
Eng: arizona cottontop, cottontop
Spa: punta blanca
En: Arizona cottontop, Cottontop
Es: Punta blanca
Synonyms
- Panicum californicum (Benth.)
- Trichachne saccharata ((Buckley) Nash)
- Trichachne californica var. villosissima ((Henrard) Wipff & Shaw)
- Panicum friesii (Hack. ex R.E.Fr.)
- Panicum insulare var. lachnanthum (Kuntze)
- Valota saccharata ((Buckley) Chase)
- Digitaria californica var. villosissima (Henrard)
- Trichachne californica ((Benth.) Chase ex Hitchc.)
- Eriachne rigida (Phil.)
- Panicum saccharatum (Buckley)
Distribution
- Argentina Northeast (native)
- Argentina Northwest (native)
- Argentina South (native)
- Arizona (native)
- Aruba (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Netherlands Antilles (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Peru (native)
- Texas (native)
- Uruguay (native)
- Venezuela (native)
Additional Images
Fruit
Taken Dec 13, 2012 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Dec 13, 2012 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Dec 13, 2012 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
© 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/5289937)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:80220-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Digitaria californica (Benth.) Henrard)
Specifications
Growth form>: Bunch
Growth habit>: Graminoid
Growth rate>: Rapid
Growth
Ph maximum: 8.3
Ph minimum: 7.5
