Headed pricklegrass (Echinaria capitata, Fl. atlant. 2:385. 1799)

Family: Poaceae

Author: Desf.

Bibliography: Fl. atlant. 2:385. 1799

Year: 1799

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Echinaria

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. Hungary to Medit. and C. Asia

Description

Headed pricklegrass, scientifically recognized as Echinaria capitata, is a unique and interesting species belonging to the Poaceae family. This grass was first documented by the renowned botanist Desf. in a significant publication dating back to 1799, specifically in volume 2, page 385 of “Flora Atlantica.”

The geographical distribution of Headed pricklegrass spans from southeastern Hungary through the Mediterranean region and extends into central Asia. This extensive range highlights its adaptability to various climates and terrains, predominantly thriving in regions characterized by temperate to semi-arid conditions.

The grass is distinguished by its distinctive flowering heads, which lend it the common name “Headed pricklegrass.” These flowers are typically assembled in dense, rounded clusters that bear a prickly texture, a trait that can be linked to both its scientific and common names.

As a member of the Poaceae family, Headed pricklegrass shares characteristics common to grasses, such as slender leaves and a fibrous root system, which play a crucial role in soil stabilization and preventing erosion. This family is known for its economic and ecological importance, and Echinaria capitata contributes to this legacy by being a part of the diverse flora in the regions it inhabits.

Observations and studies of Echinaria capitata suggest it plays a role in the local ecosystem, providing habitat and food for various insects and small animals. Moreover, its distribution from Hungary to the Mediterranean and central Asia not only demonstrates its ecological versatility but also its historical presence across different cultural and botanical regions.

In conclusion, Headed pricklegrass (Echinaria capitata) is a notable species within the Poaceae family, recognized for its unique floral structures and broad geographical presence. Studied since the late 18th century, this grass continues to interest botanists and ecologists for its adaptability and role in the diverse ecosystems across southeastern Europe to central Asia.

Common Names

En: Headed Pricklegrass
Ca: Gram estrellat
Fr: Échinaire à têtes, Échinaire en tête
He: קיפודית הקרקפת
It: Echinaria
Es: Equinaria
: Headed pricklegrass

Synonyms

• Echinaria capitata var. pumila ((Willk.) Willk.)
• Echinaria pumila (Willk.)
• Panicastrella capitata ((L.) Moench)
• Echinaria spicata (Debeaux)
• Echinaria todaroana ((Ces.) Cif. & Giacom.)
• Echinaria capitata var. todaroana (Ces., Pass. & Gibelli)
• Echinaria capitata subsp. todaroana ((Ces., Pass. & Gibelli) Arcang.)
• Cenchrus capitatus (L.)
• Reimbolea spicata (Debeaux)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Morocco (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

© 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.

Flower

Taken May 2, 2022 by John Walsh (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2002 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2002 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2002 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2018 by Leo Giardi (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Nov 5, 2020 by Marilyne Renou-Garcias (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 25, 2021 by Blanca Antonio (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2022 by John Walsh (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2022 by John Walsh (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 7, 2021 by Paulo Cesar da Silva (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 2, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Bertrand BUI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 11, 2006 by Tela Botanica − Errol VELA (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 8, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 10, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2002 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 31, 1871 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

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

Taken Apr 30, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5674620)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:399644-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Echinaria capitata (L.) Desf.)

Specifications

Growth

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’]