Cuming’s lovegrass (Eragrostis cumingii, Syn. Pl. Glumac. 1: 266 (1854))

Family: Poaceae

Author: Steud.

Bibliography: Syn. Pl. Glumac. 1: 266 (1854)

Year: 1854

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Eragrostis

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. Asia to N. Australia

Description

Cuming’s lovegrass, scientifically known as Eragrostis cumingii, is a grass species belonging to the family Poaceae. This resilient and adaptable plant flourishes in various regions, ranging from tropical to subtropical areas across Asia and extending its presence to Northern Australia.

First described in 1854, Cuming’s lovegrass was classified by Steud. in his work “Synopsis Plantarum Glumacearum,” providing a foundational understanding of this species within the expansive Poaceae family. Over the years, it has garnered attention for its versatility and capacity to thrive in diverse climates and soils.

Cuming’s lovegrass is typically recognized for its fine, delicate foliage and distinctive inflorescence that contribute to its ornamental appeal. The plant’s growth habit and structure make it an excellent stabilizer for soil, thereby playing a crucial role in preventing erosion in the regions it inhabits.

Beyond its ecological benefits, Eragrostis cumingii also holds potential value in agriculture and landscaping. Its ability to adapt to various environmental conditions makes it a candidate for forage and cover crops, particularly in areas where soil and climatic conditions may pose challenges for other species.

In summary, Cuming’s lovegrass is a testament to nature’s adaptability, offering both aesthetic and functional value in the landscapes where it is found. Through historical documentation and modern observations, its significance continues to be recognized and appreciated within the plant science community.

Common Names

Eng: cuming’s lovegrass
En: Cuming’s lovegrass, Cuming’s Love Grass

Synonyms

• Eragrostis reflexa (Hack.)
• Eragrostis bulbillifera (Steud.)
• Eragrostis cumingii var. rindjaniensis (Jansen)
• Eragrostis brownei (Chapm.)
• Eragrostis distans (Hack.)
• Eragrostis simplex (Scribn.)
• Eragrostis cumingii var. kisarensis (Jansen)
• Eragrostis diandra f. vivipara (Domin)
• Eragrostis bleeseri (Pilg.)
• Uniola paniculata (Llanos)

Distribution

• Bangladesh (native)
• Bismarck Archipelago (native)
• Borneo (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• India (native)
• Japan (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Kazan-retto (native)
• Laos (native)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
• Malaya (native)
• Maluku (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Nansei-shoto (native)
• New Guinea (native)
• Northern Territory (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Queensland (native)
• Sulawesi (native)
• Sumatera (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• Western Australia (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Georgia (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• New Jersey (introduced)
• North Carolina (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 − W. L. Wagner (cc-by-nc-sa)

© 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/2705351)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:400986-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Eragrostis cumingii Steud.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Graminoid

Growth