Categories: Poaceae

Mediterranean beard grass (Polypogon maritimus, Neue Schriften Ges. Naturf. Freunde Berlin 3: 442 (1801))

Family: Poaceae

Author: Willd.

Bibliography: Neue Schriften Ges. Naturf. Freunde Berlin 3: 442 (1801)

Year: 1801

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Polypogon

Vegetable: False

Observations: Medit. to Mongolia and Arabian Pen.

Description

The Mediterranean beard grass, scientifically known as Polypogon maritimus, is a unique and fascinating member of the Poaceae family. This species was first described by the botanist Willd. in the early 19th century, specifically in 1801, and detailed in the publication “Neue Schriften Ges. Naturf. Freunde Berlin.”

Native to a broad geographical range, the Mediterranean beard grass can be found spanning from the Mediterranean region all the way to Mongolia, including the Arabian Peninsula. This wide distribution indicates its adaptability to different climatic and soil conditions, making it a resilient species within its habitat.

Polypogon maritimus thrives particularly well in maritime environments, which is reflected in its common name. The term “beard grass” alludes to the characteristic appearance of the plant, with its tufted, beard-like inflorescences that give it a distinct and easily recognizable form.

As a member of the Poaceae family, this grass shares common traits with other grasses, including its growth habit and structural characteristics. The Mediterranean beard grass contributes to the ecological diversity of the regions it inhabits and plays a role in local ecosystems, often providing ground cover and stabilization in coastal areas.

The historical documentation and classification by Willd. in 1801 provide a foundation for ongoing botanical studies and conservation efforts. Understanding the distribution and characteristics of Polypogon maritimus not only enriches our botanical knowledge but also supports ecological preservation endeavors.

In summary, Polypogon maritimus, or Mediterranean beard grass, stands out not only for its distinctive appearance and broad geographic presence but also for its ecological importance and historical significance in botanical literature.

Common Names

Eng: mediterranean beard grass, mediterranean rabbitsfoot grass, coast beard grass
Deu: strand-bürstengras
Dan: strand-duskhvene, strand-skæggræs
Swe: litet skäggräs
En: Mediterranean beard grass, Coast beard grass, Mediterranean rabbitsfoot grass, Mediterranean Beard-grass, Mediterranean Polypogon, Mediterranean Rabbitsfoot-grass
Ca: Pelosa marítima
Da: Strand-duskhvene, Strand-skæggræs
Fr: Polypogon maritime
De: Strand-Bürstengras, Strand-Knöterich
He: עבדקן החוף
It: Coda di lepre marittima
Sv: Litet skäggräs

Synonyms

Muhlenbergia simplex ((Spreng.) Kunth)
Polypogon tataricus (Fisch.)
Polypogon monspeliensis var. maritimus ((Willd.) Coss. & Durieu)
Polypogon simplex (Spreng.)
Polypogon spathaceus (Steud.)
Alopecurus maritimus ((Willd.) Poir.)
Santia maritima ((Willd.) Fior.-Mazz.)
Polypogon pumilus (Sol.)
Polypogon divulsus (Lojac.)
Chaetopogon creticus ((Coustur. & Gand.) Hayek)
Polypogon monspeliensis subsp. maritimus ((Willd.) Ball)
Trichochloa simplex ((Spreng.) Schult. & Schult.f.)
Polypogon maritimus var. acutiflorus (Guss.)
Polypogon maritimus var. longipes (Boiss.)
Chaeturus creticus (Coustur. & Gand.)

Distribution

Afghanistan (native)
Algeria (native)
Azores (native)
Baleares (native)
Canary Is. (native)
Corse (native)
Cyprus (native)
East Aegean Is. (native)
Egypt (native)
France (native)
Greece (native)
Gulf States (native)
Iran (native)
Iraq (native)
Italy (native)
Kazakhstan (native)
Kirgizstan (native)
Kriti (native)
Krym (native)
Lebanon-Syria (native)
Libya (native)
Madeira (native)
Mongolia (native)
Morocco (native)
North Caucasus (native)
Palestine (native)
Portugal (native)
Sardegna (native)
Sicilia (native)
Sinai (native)
South European Russi (native)
Spain (native)
Tadzhikistan (native)
Transcaucasus (native)
Tunisia (native)
Turkey (native)
Turkey-in-Europe (native)
Turkmenistan (native)
Uzbekistan (native)
Xinjiang (native)
Yugoslavia (native)
Argentina Northeast (introduced)
Brazil South (introduced)
California (introduced)
Chile Central (introduced)
Florida (introduced)
Georgia (introduced)
Great Britain (introduced)
Mexico Northwest (introduced)
Nevada (introduced)
New Mexico (introduced)
South Australia (introduced)
South Carolina (introduced)
Uruguay (introduced)
Victoria (introduced)
Western Australia (introduced)