Family: Poaceae
Author: (Kunth) Nees
Bibliography: C.F.P.von Martius, Fl. Bras. Enum. Pl. 2: 333 (1829)
Year: 1829
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Schizachyrium
Vegetable: False
Observations: Mexico, S. Trop. America
Description
Colombian bluestem, scientifically recognized as Schizachyrium condensatum, is a noteworthy member of the Poaceae family. Originally described by Karl Sigismund Kunth and later refined by Christian Gottfried Daniel Nees von Esenbeck, this robust grass species is predominantly observed in regions spanning from Mexico to South Tropical America.
First documented in Carl Friedrich Philipp von Martius’s “Flora Brasiliensis” in 1829, Colombian bluestem has since garnered attention for its adaptability and prominence in tropical ecosystems. This grass thrives in diverse climatic conditions, aiding in soil stabilization and offering habitat for numerous local species.
Schizachyrium condensatum is distinguished by its striking blue-green stems and resilient nature, making it a valuable component in natural landscapes. While its common name highlights its geographical association and characteristic hue, the grass’s scientific nomenclature pays homage to its dense, compact growth pattern.
Colombian bluestem plays a crucial role in its native habitats, contributing to the ecological balance and supporting agricultural practices in the regions where it is found. Its presence from Mexico through South Tropical America underlines its ecological versatility and the significant benefits it provides to both natural and cultivated environments.
Common Names
Eng: bush beardgrass
En: Colombian bluestem, Bush beardgrass
Synonyms
- Andropogon condensatus var. genuinus (Hack.)
- Schizachyrium bimucronatum (Roseng., B.R.Arrill. & Izag.)
- Andropogon condensatus subvar. latens (Hack.)
- Schizachyrium lactiflorum ((Hack.) Herter)
- Andropogon condensatus subvar. exserens (Hack.)
- Sorghum condensatum var. lactiflorum ((Hack.) Hack. ex Kuntze)
- Schizachyrium mucronatum (Roseng., B.R.Arrill. & Izag.)
- Sorghum condensatum ((Kunth) Kuntze)
- Andropogon rectirhachis (E.Fourn.)
- Andropogon condensatus subsp. corymbosus (Hack.)
- Cymbopogon condensatus ((Kunth) Spreng.)
- Schizachyrium condensatum var. lactiflorum ((Hack.) Kuntze)
- Anatherum pedunculosum (Desv.)
- Andropogon condensatus var. typicus (Hack.)
- Andropogon condensatus (Kunth)
- Andropogon condensatus f. lactiflorus (Hack.)
- Andropogon condensatus subvar. lactiflorus (Hack.)
- Andropogon condensatus subvar. typicus (Hack.)
Distribution
- Argentina Northeast (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Brazil West-Central (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Peru (native)
- Uruguay (native)
- Chagos Archipelago (introduced)
- Hawaii (introduced)
- Queensland (introduced)
Additional Images
Habit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Forest & Kim Starr (cc-by)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Forest & Kim Starr (cc-by)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Forest & Kim Starr (cc-by)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Forest & Kim Starr (cc-by)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − D. H. Lorence (cc-by-nc-sa)
Bark
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − W. L. Wagner (cc-by-nc-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)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2704451)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:420877-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Schizachyrium condensatum (Kunth) Nees)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Graminoid
