Categories: Poaceae

Chilean needlegrass (Nassella neesiana, Taxon 39: 611 (1990))

Family: Poaceae

Author: (Trin. & Rupr.) Barkworth

Bibliography: Taxon 39: 611 (1990)

Year: 1990

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Nassella

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. South America, SE. & S. Brazil to S. South America

Description

Chilean needlegrass, scientifically known as Nassella neesiana, is a significant member of the Poaceae family. This grass species holds a well-established presence predominantly across the southern regions of South America. Notably, it extends its habitat across Western South America and further stretches from Southeastern and Southern Brazil down to the southernmost reaches of the continent.

The genus, Nassella, is widely appreciated within the scientific community, and Nassella neesiana is no exception. First described in a pivotal study published in 1990 within the renowned botanical journal, Taxon 39, this species owes its formal classification to the expertise of scientists Trin. and Rupr., later refined by Barkworth.

Chilean needlegrass plays a crucial role within its native ecosystems, contributing to the biodiversity and functioning of the habitats it thrives in. Its ability to adapt and flourish in varied South American climates showcases its resilience and ecological importance. Whether you encounter it in the sweeping grasslands of Brazil or the cooler, temperate regions further south, Nassella neesiana stands as a testament to the diverse and dynamic flora of South America.

Common Names

Eng: chilean needlegrass, chilean spear grass, uruguayan needlegrass, american needle-grass, chilean needle grass
Cym: plufwellt america
En: Chilean needlegrass, Chilean spear grass, Uruguayan tussockgrass, Chilean Neddle Grass, Uruguayan needlegrass, American Needle-grass, Chilean Needle Grass, Chilean Needle-grass
Fr: Stipe de Nees
De: Nees’ Pfriemengras
Pt-br: Capim-flecha, Flechilha, Flechilha-violeta
Es: Burru pastu
Cy: Plufwellt America

Synonyms

Stipa contracta (Phil.)
Nassella ligularis ((Griseb.) Barkworth & Torres)
Stipa eminens var. micrantha (Kuntze)
Stipa fernandeziana ((Trin. & Rupr.) Steud.)
Stipa hispida (Phil.)
Stipa sublaevis (Speg.)
Urachne longiflora (Steud.)
Stipa neesiana var. chilensis (Trin. & Rupr.)
Stipa setigera var. glabrata ((Arechav.) Speg.)
Stipa neesiana var. formicarioides (Burkart)
Stipa neesiana var. ligularis (Griseb.)
Stipa setigera var. longiaristata ((Arechav.) Roseng.)
Stipa ligularis ((Griseb.) Speg.)
Stipa setigera var. hispidula (Speg.)
Stipa neesiana var. hispidula ((Speg.) Hack.)
Stipa setigera f. purpurascens (Speg.)
Stipa setigera f. pallida (Speg.)
Stipa neesiana var. glabrata (Arechav.)
Stipa neesiana var. gracilior (Burkart)
Stipa neesiana var. hirsuta (Arechav.)
Stipa neesiana var. longiaristata (Arechav.)
Stipa longiflora (Steud.)
Stipa neesiana (Trin. & Rupr.)
Stipa neesiana var. fernandeziana (Trin. & Rupr.)
Stipa neesiana f. depauperata (Hack.)
Stipa neesiana f. contorta (Hack.)
Stipa neesiana var. sublaevis ((Speg.) Speg.)
Stipa intricata (Godr.)
Stipa setigera f. versicolor (Speg.)
Stipa trachysperma (Phil.)
Stipa skottsbergii (Pilg.)

Distribution

Argentina Northeast (native)
Argentina Northwest (native)
Bolivia (native)
Brazil South (native)
Brazil Southeast (native)
Chile Central (native)
Chile North (native)
Chile South (native)
Colombia (native)
Ecuador (native)
Juan Fernández Is. (native)
Paraguay (native)
Peru (native)
Uruguay (native)
Alabama (introduced)
Canary Is. (introduced)
Cape Provinces (introduced)
Free State (introduced)
Greece (introduced)
Madeira (introduced)
New South Wales (introduced)
New Zealand North (introduced)
New Zealand South (introduced)
Queensland (introduced)
South Australia (introduced)
Spain (introduced)
St.Helena (introduced)
Tasmania (introduced)
Victoria (introduced)