Australian fingergrass (Chloris truncata, Prodr. Fl. Nov. Holland.: 186 (1810))

Family: Poaceae

Author: R.Br.

Bibliography: Prodr. Fl. Nov. Holland.: 186 (1810)

Year: 1810

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Chloris

Vegetable: False

Observations: Lesser Sunda Is. to Australia

Description

Australian fingergrass, scientifically named Chloris truncata, is a distinctive member of the Poaceae family. First described in 1810 by the notable botanist Robert Brown, it was featured in his work, “Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae et Insulae Van-Diemen,” which laid the groundwork for subsequent botanical studies in the region.

This grass species spans a geographical range stretching from the Lesser Sunda Islands to Australia, thriving in varied climates and terrains. Its ability to adapt to different environments has made it a subject of interest for botanists and ecologists alike.

Chloris truncata, or Australian fingergrass, is characterized by its slender, finger-like seed heads, which contribute to its common name. These seed heads radiate from a central point, resembling the spread fingers of a hand, and they play a crucial role in both the plant’s reproductive cycle and its dispersal strategy.

In addition to its unique morphology, Australian fingergrass holds ecological significance. It provides habitat and forage for various wildlife species and contributes to the overall biodiversity of the ecosystems it inhabits. Due to its presence across a broad geographical area, this grass also holds potential for use in land rehabilitation and erosion control projects in similar climates.

Understanding the characteristics and ecological roles of Chloris truncata is essential for both conservation efforts and the sustainable management of natural landscapes where this grass is a native component. Its resilience and adaptability highlight the remarkable diversity within the Poaceae family and underscore the intricate relationships between plant species and their environments.

Common Names

Eng: australian fingergrass, windmill-grass, black windmill grass, creeping windmill grass, early chloris, star grass, windmill grass
Fra: chloris
Deu: gestutztes fingergras
Swe: kvastgräs
Cym: glaswellt melinau gwynt
En: Australian fingergrass, Windmill-grass, Black windmill grass, Creeping windmill grass, Early chloris, Star grass, Windmill grass
Fr: Chloris
De: Gestutztes Fingergras
Sv: Kvastgräs
Cy: Glaswellt Melinau Gwynt

Synonyms

• Chloris truncata f. abbreviata (Thell.)
• Chloris megastachya (Schrad.)
• Chloris elongata (Poir.)

Distribution

• Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
• New South Wales (native)
• Queensland (native)
• South Australia (native)
• Victoria (native)
• Western Australia (native)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Canary Is. (introduced)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• Cape Verde (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Fiji (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Japan (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)
• Niue (introduced)
• Norfolk Is. (introduced)
• South Carolina (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Tonga (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 15, 2001 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Habit

Taken Aug 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

© 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/5289620)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:396056-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Chloris truncata R.Br.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Graminoid

Growth