Dryland browntop (Agrostis castellana, Diagn. Pl. Nov. Hisp.: 26 (1842))

Family: Poaceae

Author: Boiss. & Reut.

Bibliography: Diagn. Pl. Nov. Hisp.: 26 (1842)

Year: 1842

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Agrostis

Vegetable: False

Observations: Macaronesia, Medit.

Description

Dryland browntop, scientifically known as Agrostis castellana, is a plant species that belongs to the Poaceae family. This particular grass is noted for its resilience and adaptability, often thriving in various climatic and geographical conditions.

One of the primary regions where dryland browntop is observed includes Macaronesia, which encompasses a collection of North Atlantic archipelagos. Additionally, this species is prevalent across the Mediterranean basin, indicating its capability to flourish in regions characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters.

The plant was first described in 1842, establishing its significance within the botanical community. The authors Boissier and Reuter, both well-regarded for their contributions to plant taxonomy, provided the initial detailed description in their publication “Diagn. Pl. Nov. Hisp.: 26.”

As a member of the Poaceae family, Agrostis castellana shares characteristics common to grasses, such as slender leaves and clustered spikelets. However, what sets this species apart is its robustness in less hospitable conditions, making it a notable subject of study for botanists and agronomists interested in drought-resistant vegetation.

In summary, dryland browntop (Agrostis castellana) is a remarkable grass species well-adapted to diverse environments, particularly within Macaronesia and the Mediterranean. Its historical documentation by Boissier and Reuter in 1842 underscores its botanical importance and enduring relevance in plant science.

Common Names

Eng: bentgrass, highland bent, dryland browntop
Deu: kastilisches straußgras
Ita: capellini di castiglia
Fin: etelänrölli
Swe: etelänrölli, spanskven
Cym: maeswellt y lawnt
En: Dryland browntop, Highland bent, Highland Bentgrass, Bentgrass
Fi: Etelänrölli
Fr: Agrostide de Castille, Agrostis de Castille
De: Kastilisches Straußgras, Kastilien-Straußgras
It: Capellini di castiglia, Cappellini di Castiglia
Sv: Spanskven, Etelänrölli
Cy: Maeswellt y Lawnt

Synonyms

• Agrostis delicatula (Pourr. ex Lapeyr.)
• Agrostis stolonifera var. hispanica ((Boiss. & Reut.) Maire & Weiller)
• Agrostis castellana subsp. tricuspidata ((Hack.) Nyman)
• Agrostis capillaris subsp. olivetorum ((Godr. & Gren.) O.Bolòs, Masalles & Vigo)
• Agrostis tricuspidata (Hack.)
• Agrostis azorica var. rigidifolia (Tutin & E.F.Warb.)
• Agrostis bolivaris (Sennen)
• Agrostis castellana subsp. hispanica ((Boiss. & Reut.) K.Richt.)
• Agrostis hispanica (Boiss. & Reut.)
• Agrostis vulgaris var. olivetorum ((Godr.) Posp.)
• Agrostis castellana var. elongata (Fouill.)
• Agrostis stolonifera var. mutica ((Hack.) Maire & Weiller)
• Agrostis castellana var. mixta (Hack.)
• Agrostis castellana subsp. mutica ((Boiss. & Reut.) K.Richt.)
• Agrostis capillaris var. olivetorum ((Godr. & Gren.) Kerguélen)
• Agrostis castellana f. heterophylla (Hack.)
• Agrostis castellana var. multiflora (Foucaud)
• Agrostis alba var. mutica ((Boiss. & Reut.) Rouy)
• Agrostis olivetorum (Godr. & Gren.)
• Agrostis castellana var. hispanica ((Boiss. & Reut.) Ball)
• Agrostis hispanica var. mutica (Boiss. & Reut.)
• Agrostis alba var. hispanica ((Boiss. & Reut.) Maire & Weiller)
• Deyeuxia azorica (Hochst. ex Seub.)
• Agrostis schottii (Trin.)
• Agrostis moldavica (Dobrescu & Beldie)
• Agrostis castellana var. mutica ((Boiss. & Reut.) Hack.)
• Agrostis canariensis (Parl.)
• Agrostis byzantina (Boiss.)
• Agrostis alba subsp. castellana ((Boiss. & Reut.) P.Fourn.)
• Agrostis castellana var. olivetorum ((Godr. & Gren.) Kerguélen)
• Agrostis capillaris subsp. castellana ((Boiss. & Reut.) O.Bolòs, Masalles & Vigo)
• Agrostis castellana subvar. heterophylla (Hack.)
• Agrostis alba var. castellana ((Boiss. & Reut.) Douin)
• Agrostis azorica ((Hochst. ex Seub.) Tutin & E.F.Warb.)
• Calamagrostis azorica ((Hochst. ex Seub.) Steud.)
• Agrostis gigantea subsp. moldavica ((Dobrescu & Beldie) Dihoru)
• Agrostis castellana var. communis (Menezes)
• Agrostis castellana var. heterophylla ((Hack.) Trab.)
• Agrostis stolonifera var. hackelii (Maire & Weiller)
• Agrostis byzantina var. segetior (Hausskn.)
• Agrostis vinealis (Honck.)
• Agrostis parlatorei (Breistr.)
• Agrostis byzantina var. vegetior (Hausskn.)
• Agrostis alba var. olivetorum ((Godr. & Gren.) Fiori)
• Agrostis castellana subsp. byzantina ((Boiss.) Hack. ex Kneuck.)
• Agrostis lusitanica (Steud.)
• Agrostis cavanillesiana (Font Quer)
• Agrostis stolonifera subsp. castellana ((Boiss. & Reut.) Maire & Trab.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Azores (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Corse (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Spain (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Antipodean Is. (introduced)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• Argentina South (introduced)
• Austria (introduced)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• Chile Central (introduced)
• Chile South (introduced)
• Marion-Prince Edward (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)
• Tristan da Cunha (introduced)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Mar 13, 2022 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Aug 7, 2004 by Rossen Vassilev (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 7, 2004 by Rossen Vassilev (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken May 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken May 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Leaf

Taken Jun 11, 2022 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 7, 2004 by Rossen Vassilev (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2017 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken May 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Other

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

© 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/2706501)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:271894-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Agrostis castellana Boiss. & Reut.)

Specifications

Growth form: Stoloniferous

Growth habit: Graminoid

Growth rate: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.5

Ph minimum: 5.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 3

Soil nutriments: 3