Gaping panic grass (Steinchisma hians, J.K.Small, Fl. S.E. U.S.: 105 (1903))

Family: Poaceae

Author: (Elliott) Nash

Bibliography: J.K.Small, Fl. S.E. U.S.: 105 (1903)

Year: 1903

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Steinchisma

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. U.S.A. to Trop. America

Description

Gaping panic grass, scientifically known as Steinchisma hians, is an intriguing member of the Poaceae family. This species was first described by J.K. Small in his extensive work “Flora of the Southeastern United States” in 1903. The plant’s nomenclature, attributed to Elliott and later revised by Nash, underscores its recognition and importance within botanical literature.

Native to regions spanning from the central United States down to Tropical America, gaping panic grass displays a versatile adaptability to different climates and environments. This grass is often found thriving in various ecosystems, contributing to the biodiversity and ecological balance in its native habitats.

Visually, Steinchisma hians may be characterized by its distinctive, slightly open or “gaping” spikelets, which is reflected in its common name. This trait aids in distinguishing it from other grass species within the Poaceae family. Its structural form and reproductive features play a significant role in its ability to propagate and sustain populations across a vast geographic range.

Being a part of the Poaceae family, gaping panic grass shares functional attributes common to grasses, such as wind pollination and a propensity for forming dense tufts or clusters. These characteristics are vital for its survival and propagation, making it a resilient species within its genus.

Understanding and studying gaping panic grass not only enhances our appreciation of plant diversity but also contributes to ecological research and conservation efforts. As a grass species with broad geographical distribution, it serves as an important subject in studies related to plant ecology, biogeography, and the impacts of climate change on vegetation.

Common Names

Eng: gaping panic grass
En: Gaping panic grass, Gaping Grass, GAPING PANICUM
: Gaping grass

Synonyms

• Panicum milioides (Nees ex Trin.)
• Panicum megapotamicum (Spreng.)
• Panicum jejunum (Trin.)
• Panicum milioides var. filifolium (R.A.Palacios)
• Panicum oblongiflorum (Desv.)
• Aira incompleta (Bosc ex Steud.)
• Fasciculochloa sparshottiorum (B.K.Simon & C.M.Weiller)
• Panicum hians var. pallescens (Döll)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Uruguay (native)
• Virginia (native)
• KwaZulu-Natal (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Dec 26, 2015 by EOL − Bob O’Kennon (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 26, 2015 by EOL − Bob O’Kennon (cc-by-nc)

© 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/2702930)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:243676-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Steinchisma hians (Elliott) Nash)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Graminoid

Growth