Family: Poaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Syst. Nat. ed. 10, 2: 1269 (1759)
Year: 1759
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Pharus
Vegetable: False
Observations: S. Mexico to Trop. America
Description
Broad stalkgrass, known scientifically as Pharus latifolius, is a lush and enduring species within the Poaceae family, often celebrated for its broad, elegant leaves and significant presence across diverse geographical locations. First described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his monumental work “Systema Naturae” (10th edition, 2: 1269, published in 1759), this plant has since drawn considerable attention for both its ecological roles and its distinctive botanical characteristics.
Native to regions extending from southern Mexico through to tropical areas of the Americas, Broad stalkgrass thrives in warm, humid climates where it often forms a vital part of the understory vegetation. Its ability to adapt to various microclimates within these broad regions makes it a fascinating subject of study for botanists and ecologists alike.
The structural attributes of Pharus latifolius are particularly noteworthy. The plant possesses broad, flat leaves that can capture sunlight efficiently, an adaptation that supports its growth in the dappled light environments typically found in tropical forests. These leaves, coupled with a sturdy stalk, enable the plant to maintain its structure and thrive amidst dense vegetation.
Broad stalkgrass plays a dynamic role in its habitat. By contributing to the undergrowth layer of tropical forests, it provides shelter and food for numerous insects and other small organisms, thereby fostering a lively and balanced ecosystem. Furthermore, its extensive root systems help prevent soil erosion, which is crucial in maintaining the health and stability of forest floors.
Overall, Pharus latifolius exemplifies the intricate and vital plant life that forms the backbone of tropical ecosystems. Its broad distribution and resilient nature underline the important roles plant species play in ecological health and biodiversity. As such, Broad stalkgrass continues to be an important species for scientific research, conservation efforts, and the broader understanding of tropical flora.
Common Names
Por: capim-bambu, capim-pintado
En: Broad stalkgrass, Broad Stalk Grass
Pt: Capim-bambu, Capim-pintado
Es: Barba de Tigre, Yerba de Hierro
Synonyms
- Pharus scaber (Kunth)
- Pharus scaber var. pictus (Döll)
- Pharus latifolius var. elegantissimus (Raspail)
- Pharus ovalifolius (Ham.)
- Pharus glochidiatus (J.Presl)
Distribution
- Belize (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Central American Pac (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- French Guiana (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Guyana (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Peru (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Venezuelan Antilles (native)
- Windward Is. (native)
Additional Images
© 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.
Leaf
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – R. Aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – R. Aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Nov 3, 2019 by GA Gustavo (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 20, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – R. Aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 20, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Fruit
Taken Dec 13, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Dec 13, 2017 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 20, 2010 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – R. Aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)
Habit
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – R. Aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – R. Aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – R. Aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – R. Aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)
Bark
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – R. Aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2703641)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:316520-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pharus latifolius L.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Graminoid
