Broom brome (Bromus scoparius, Cent. Pl. I: 6 (1755))

Family: Poaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Cent. Pl. I: 6 (1755)

Year: 1755

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Bromus

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Medit. to Xinjiang and NW. India

Description

Broom brome, scientifically known as Bromus scoparius, is a species of grass belonging to the family Poaceae. This versatile grass is native to a vast geographical range spanning from the Mediterranean region to Xinjiang and northwest India. Due to its adaptive nature, Bromus scoparius has established itself in diverse climatic and environmental conditions throughout these regions.

Broom brome is notable for its slender, broom-like appearance, which likely inspired its common name. The plant features narrow, linear leaves and a characteristic inflorescence that resembles a broom. This morphology not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also plays a crucial role in its adaptability and survival in various environments.

First described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, with its earliest bibliographic reference found in “Cent. Pl. I: 6” dating back to 1755, Bromus scoparius has since become an important species for study within the botanical community. Its extensive range and adaptability make it a subject of interest for understanding plant responses to different climatic conditions and habitats.

As a member of the Poaceae family, Broom brome shares many characteristics with other grasses, including its fundamental role in ecosystems. Like many grasses, it can contribute to soil stability and prevent erosion, supporting the landscape integrity. Furthermore, its presence in varied habitats suggests its potential utility in restoration projects and sustainable land management practices.

Through centuries, Bromus scoparius has demonstrated resilience and versatility. Whether growing in the Mediterranean’s temperate climates or the more arid regions of northwestern India and Xinjiang, the broom brome has proven its ability to adapt and thrive. Hence, this species continues to be valued not only for its ecological contributions but also for its role in expanding our understanding of plant biology and adaptation.

Common Names

Deu: besen-trespe
Eng: broom brome
Est: luudjas luste
Swe: kvastlosta
En: Broom brome
Et: Luudjas luste
Fr: Brome à balais
De: Besen-Trespe
He: ברומית המטאטא
It: Forasacco scopa
Sv: Kvastlosta

Synonyms

• Bromus confertus (M.Bieb.)
• Bromus erectus (Moris)
• Bromus scoparius var. multiflorus (Oppenh.)
• Bromus cavanillesii (Willk.)
• Bromus squarrosus var. confertus ((M.Bieb.) Kuntze)
• Bromus degenii (Pénzes)
• Bromus scoparius var. glaber (Regel)
• Bromus scoparius var. psilostachys (Halácsy)
• Anisantha rigens ((L.) Nevski)
• Bromus confertus var. lasianthus (Trautv.)
• Serrafalcus cavanillesii (Willk.)
• Bromus rigens (L.)
• Bromus scoparius var. villiglumis (Maire & Weiller)
• Bromus scoparius var. hirtulus (Regel)
• Bromus molliformis subsp. humilis ((Cav.) Nyman)
• Serrafalcus scoparius ((L.) Parl.)
• Bromus scoparius var. leianthus ((Trautv.) B.Fedtsch.)
• Bromus humilis (Cav.)
• Bromus scoparius var. lasianthus ((Trautv.) B.Fedtsch.)
• Bromus confertus var. leianthus (Trautv.)
• Bromus scoparius var. confertus ((M.Bieb.) Kuntze)
• Bromus scoparius f. cylindricus (Kozuharov, Stoeva & Kuzmanov)
• Bromus scoparius f. pauciflorus (Kozuharov, Stoeva & Kuzmanov)
• Bromus squarrosus var. scoparius ((L.) Kuntze)
• Bromus scoparius var. humilis ((Cav.) Lange)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Egypt (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Gulf States (native)
• India (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Morocco (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Saudi Arabia (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Sinai (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• California (introduced)
• Chile Central (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Michigan (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Norfolk Is. (introduced)
• Virginia (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Apr 24, 2022 by lior gaber (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 9, 2022 by Raffaello 2 Garofalo (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 9, 2022 by Raffaello 2 Garofalo (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 3, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-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)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:394091-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2703720)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Bromus scoparius L.)

Specifications

Growth