Creeping leafstalk grass (Pharus lappulaceus, Hist. Pl. Guiane: 859 (1775))

Family: Poaceae

Author: Aubl.

Bibliography: Hist. Pl. Guiane: 859 (1775)

Year: 1775

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Pharus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America

Description

Creeping leafstalk grass, scientifically known as Pharus lappulaceus, is a remarkable species within the Poaceae family. Documented in 1775 in the historical plant records of Guiana by the author Aubl., this grass has established itself across the diverse ecological regions of Tropical and Subtropical America.

Pharus lappulaceus is notably valued for its adaptability and its unique creeping growth habit. This characteristic makes it an essential component within its natural habitats, often observed carpeting forest floors and thriving in a variety of environmental conditions. Its robust yet flexible leaf stalks contribute significantly to soil stabilization and prevent erosion, making it an ecologically beneficial species.

The versatility of creeping leafstalk grass extends to its role in providing ground cover and forming lush, green layers that support a wide range of terrestrial ecosystems. This grass not only enriches biodiversity but also offers habitats for numerous small organisms, thus enhancing the ecological tapestry of the regions in which it is found.

Its propensity to flourish in tropical and subtropical climates underscores its importance in these regions’ flora. The natural spread and prevalence of Pharus lappulaceus reinforce its status as a resilient and significant species within its native ranges.

Through historical records and botanical studies, Pharus lappulaceus continues to be acknowledged for its environmental contributions, demonstrating the intricate connections between plant species and their ecosystems. Whether aiding in soil conservation, supporting biodiversity, or simply adding to the verdant beauty of its surroundings, creeping leafstalk grass is a testament to the complexity and interdependence of natural plant communities.

Common Names

Por: arroz-de-cachorro, arroz-de-cotia, capim-bambu, esparto-da-terra, jaguá-arroz, yaguá-arroz
Eng: creeping leafstalk grass, cape francais stalk grass
Spa: guizazo de perro, pega perro
En: Creeping leafstalk grass, Cape Francais stalkgrass, Cape Francais Stalk Grass
Pt: Arroz-de-cachorro, Arroz-de-cotia, Capim-bambu, Esparto-da-terra, Jaguá-arroz, Yaguá-arroz
Es: Guizazo de perro, Pega perro
: Cape francais stalkgrass

Synonyms

• Pharus micranthus var. discolor (Döll)
• Pharus glaber var. parvifolius (Döll)
• Pharus micranthus var. concolor (Döll)
• Pharus brasiliensis var. mexicanus (Rupr. ex Galeotti)
• Pharus brasiliensis var. angustifolius (Nees)
• Pharus lappulaceus subsp. glaber ((Kunth) Judz. ex Berendsohn & Araniva)
• Pharus micranthus (Schrad. ex Nees)
• Pharus latifolius var. parvifolius (Prodoehl)
• Pharus brasiliensis var. latifolius (Nees)
• Pharus latifolius var. angustifolius ((Nees) Prodoehl)
• Pharus glaber (Kunth)
• Pharus glaber var. pubescens ((Spreng.) Döll)
• Pharus lancifolius (Ham.)
• Pharus angustifolius ((Nees) Döll)
• Pharus pubescens (Spreng.)
• Pharus brasiliensis (Raddi)
• Pharus brasiliensis var. parvifolius (Döll)
• Pharus kunthii (Döll)
• Abildgaardia polystachya (Biehler)

Distribution

• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Florida (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Southwest Caribbean (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Uruguay (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Windward Is. (native)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Aug 12, 2014 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Flower

Taken Aug 12, 2014 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 12, 2014 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Habit

Taken Aug 12, 2014 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken Nov 28, 2009 by OTS – Zahawi, Zak (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2012 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2012 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 28, 2009 by OTS – Zahawi, Zak (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 28, 2009 by OTS – Zahawi, Zak (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/5289841)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:415708-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pharus lappulaceus Aubl.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Graminoid

Growth