Family: Poaceae
Author: Stapf
Bibliography: D. Prain, Fl. trop. Afr. 9:589. 1920
Year: 1920
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Urochloa
Vegetable: False
Observations: Trop. & S. Africa, Arabian Pen., Madagascar
Description
Herringbone grass, scientifically known as Urochloa trichopus, is a resilient and adaptable species renowned for its distinctive herringbone-like pattern. This grassy marvel belongs to the Poaceae family, one of the largest families of flowering plants, which includes many vital cereal and grass species.
Primarily found across Tropical and Southern Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and Madagascar, Herringbone grass thrives in diverse climates and soil conditions, showcasing its remarkable adaptability. Its presence in these regions highlights its significant ecological role, contributing to the stabilization of soil and serving as fodder for grazing animals.
The description of Urochloa trichopus was comprehensively detailed by D. Prain in “Flora of Tropical Africa” in 1920, with the authoritative classification attributed to the botanist Stapf. This historical context underpins the extensive scientific interest and value attributed to Herringbone grass over the past century.
Commonly appreciated for its utility in natural and agricultural environments, Herringbone grass is not only a vital component of natural grasslands but also serves practical purposes in agricultural systems. Its robust and spreading growth habit makes it a valuable ground cover that reduces soil erosion and enhances soil health.
In summary, Herringbone grass (Urochloa trichopus) is a significant botanical species within the Poaceae family, known for its broad geographical distribution and adaptability. Its contributions to ecosystems, alongside its historical documentation, underscore its importance in both natural and managed landscapes.
Common Names
En: Herringbone grass, Sabi grass, African liverseed grass, Common signal grass, Bushveld signal grass, Mozambique Liverseed Grass
Af: Bosveld beesgras
Pt: Braquiária
Por: braquiária
Synonyms
- Urochloa mosambicensis ((Hack.) Dandy)
- Urochloa rhodesiensis (Stent)
- Panicum papillosum (Fenzl ex Steud.)
- Echinochloa notabilis ((Hook.f.) D.Rhind)
- Panicum dorsisetum (Hack.)
- Panicum notabile (Hook.f.)
- Brachiaria stolonifera (Gooss.)
- Urochloa brachyphylla (Gilli)
- Eriochloa trichopus var. glabrata (Schweinf.)
- Panicum trichopus var. chiovendae (Lanza & Mattei)
- Urochloa engleri (Pilg.)
- Panicum trichopus var. lasiostachys (A.Chev.)
- Urochloa pullulans var. mosambicensis ((Hack.) Stapf)
- Panicum trichopus var. glabrata (Schweinf.)
- Urochloa stolonifera ((Gooss.) Chippind.)
- Helopus trichopus ((Hochst.) Steud.)
- Urochloa pullulans (Stapf)
- Panicum trichopus (Hochst.)
- Panicum mosambicense (Hack.)
- Eriochloa trichopus ((Hochst.) Benth.)
- Panicum trichopodon (A.Rich.)
Distribution
- Angola (native)
- Botswana (native)
- Burkina (native)
- Cameroon (native)
- Cape Provinces (native)
- Caprivi Strip (native)
- Chad (native)
- Congo (native)
- Eritrea (native)
- Ethiopia (native)
- Free State (native)
- Ivory Coast (native)
- Kenya (native)
- KwaZulu-Natal (native)
- Madagascar (native)
- Malawi (native)
- Mali (native)
- Mauritania (native)
- Mozambique (native)
- Namibia (native)
- Niger (native)
- Nigeria (native)
- Northern Provinces (native)
- Saudi Arabia (native)
- Senegal (native)
- Somalia (native)
- Sudan (native)
- Swaziland (native)
- Tanzania (native)
- Uganda (native)
- Yemen (native)
- Zambia (native)
- Zaïre (native)
- Zimbabwe (native)
- Argentina Northwest (introduced)
- Brazil Northeast (introduced)
- Christmas I. (introduced)
- Ghana (introduced)
- India (introduced)
- Myanmar (introduced)
- Northern Territory (introduced)
- Puerto Rico (introduced)
- Queensland (introduced)
- Solomon Is. (introduced)
- Texas (introduced)
- Western Australia (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Sep 28, 2020 by yuan raga (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bart Wursten (cc-by-nc)
Leaf
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Más & Lugo-Torres (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Más & Lugo-Torres (cc-by-nc-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Petra Ballings (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bart Wursten (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bart Wursten (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Petra Ballings (cc-by-nc)
Habit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bart Wursten (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Petra Ballings (cc-by-nc)
© 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/4149632)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:426289-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Urochloa mosambicensis (Hack.) Dandy)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2705861)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Graminoid