Confused canary grass (Phalaris brachystachys, Neues J. Bot. 1(3): 134 (1806))

Family: Poaceae

Author: Link

Bibliography: Neues J. Bot. 1(3): 134 (1806)

Year: 1806

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Phalaris

Vegetable: False

Observations: Macaronesia, Medit. to Iran

Description

Confused canary grass, scientifically known as Phalaris brachystachys, is a notable species within the Poaceae family. Described by the botanist Link in 1806 in Neues J. Bot. 1(3): 134, this grass exhibits a wide geographical distribution, prominently thriving in regions spanning from Macaronesia, across the Mediterranean, and extending to Iran.

Characteristically, Phalaris brachystachys demonstrates the versatility and hardy nature typical of the Poaceae family, adapting to a variety of climates and terrains found within its range. The species is distinguished by its morphological features, which contribute to its common name—Confused canary grass—reflecting its intricate and varied growth patterns.

Ecologically, this grass plays an essential role in both natural and cultivated landscapes. Its presence across diverse areas highlights its adaptability and ecological significance, contributing to the biological diversity of the regions it inhabits. It supports the surrounding flora and fauna, often forming an integral part of the local ecosystem.

Given its widespread distribution and adaptability, Phalaris brachystachys is of particular interest to botanists and ecologists studying the dynamics of grassland ecosystems and plant succession. Its resilience and ecological importance underscore the need for further research and observation to understand better its role within varying environmental contexts. This continued investigation enhances our knowledge of grass species and their implications for biodiversity and habitat management.

Common Names

Eng: confused canary-grass, shortspike canarygrass, confused canary grass, short-spike canary grass
Dan: kortakset kanariegræs
Deu: kurzähren-glanzgras, kurzähriges glanzgras
Swe: klotflen
Cym: pefrwellt dyrys
En: Confused Canary grass, Short-spike Canary grass, Shortspike canarygrass, Confused Canary-grass, Short-spiked Canary-grass
Ar: خرفار قصير السنابل
Da: Kortakset kanariegræs
Fi: Töpöhelpi
Fr: Alpiste à épi court
De: Kurzähren-Glanzgras, Kurzähriges Glanzgras
He: חפורית מצויה
It: Scagliola cangiante, Falaride a spiga corta
Lt: Trumpaspyglis strypainis
Fa: فلاریس برچیستاچیس
Pl: Mozga krótkokłosa
Es: Alpiste
Sv: Klotflen
Cy: Pefrwellt dyrys

Synonyms

• Phalaris quadrivalvis (Lag.)
• Phalaris nitida (C.Presl)
• Phalaris brachystachys var. typica (Paunero)
• Phalaris canariensis var. brachystachys ((Link) B.Fedtsch.)
• Phalaris brachystachys var. robusta (Thell.)
• Phalaris canariensis subsp. brachystachys ((Link) Maire)
• Phalaris vivipara (Paolucci)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Azores (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Morocco (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Austria (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Louisiana (introduced)
• Missouri (introduced)
• New Caledonia (introduced)
• New Guinea (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Apr 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken May 14, 2007 by EOL − Luigi Rignanese (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 14, 2007 by EOL − Luigi Rignanese (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 14, 2007 by EOL − Luigi Rignanese (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.

Bark

Taken May 14, 2007 by EOL − Luigi Rignanese (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5289745)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:415578-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Phalaris brachystachys Link)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Graminoid

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’]

Soil nutriments: 6