Climbing tribisee (Lasiacis ruscifolia, Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington 24: 145 (1911))

Family: Poaceae

Author: (Kunth) Hitchc. ex Chase

Bibliography: Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington 24: 145 (1911)

Year: 1911

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Lasiacis

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mexico to Venezuela and Bolivia, Caribbean

Description

Climbing tribisee, scientifically known as Lasiacis ruscifolia, is a unique and intriguing member of the Poaceae family. Traditionally documented in the prestigious scientific publication, Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington (Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington 24: 145, 1911), this species was formally described by the renowned botanists Kunth and later by Hitchcock and Chase.

A native to a broad geographical range, Climbing tribisee finds its home in diverse ecosystems stretching from Mexico through Central America, reaching into Venezuela and Bolivia, and spreading across the Caribbean. This expansive distribution highlights the plant’s adaptability and resilience in various climatic conditions and habitats.

As a representative of the grass family, Climbing tribisee exhibits the characteristic structural features that define the Poaceae. Its climbing or trailing growth habit allows it to thrive in both forested environments and more open landscapes, where it often scrambles over other vegetation to reach sunlight.

The botanical significance of Climbing tribisee is underscored by its role in the local flora of the regions it inhabits. Ecologically, it contributes to the plant diversity and structural complexity of these ecosystems. For botanists and plant enthusiasts, Lasiacis ruscifolia serves as an intriguing subject due to its widespread presence and ecological interactions within its native range.

In summary, Lasiacis ruscifolia or Climbing tribisee stands as a testament to botanical adaptability and ecological importance. Described over a century ago, its presence from Mexico to Bolivia and throughout the Caribbean underscores its significant role in the regional flora. The collaborative efforts of botanists Kunth, Hitchcock, and Chase in documenting this species have enriched our understanding of the wonderful diversity within the Poaceae family.

Common Names

En: Climbing tribisee
Es: Carrizon

Synonyms

• Panicum ruscifolium (Kunth)

Distribution

• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Netherlands Antilles (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Florida (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jul 4, 2014 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 4, 2014 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Fruit

Taken Jul 4, 2014 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

© 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/2702855)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:406853-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lasiacis ruscifolia (Kunth) Hitchc. ex Chase)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Shrub, Vine, Graminoid

Growth