Perennial veldt grass (Ehrharta calycina, Pl. Icon. Ined.: t. 33 (1789))

Family: Poaceae

Author: Sm.

Bibliography: Pl. Icon. Ined.: t. 33 (1789)

Year: 1789

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Ehrharta

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: S. Africa

Description

Perennial veldt grass, scientifically known as Ehrharta calycina, is a notable species within the Poaceae family. This resilient grass finds its origins in the biodiverse regions of South Africa, where it thrives in various environmental conditions.

Recognized for its hardy nature, perennial veldt grass is a favorite among land restorations and erosion control efforts due to its robust root system and adaptability to different soil types. The grass forms dense clumps, featuring slender, nodding seed heads that lend it a distinct appearance, contributing to its popularity in ornamental landscaping as well.

Documented initially in 1789, this species has a rich botanical history, with its first detailed illustration appearing in “Pl. Icon. Ined.: t. 33.” The scientific community acknowledges the contributions of the author Sm., who played a significant role in the early classification and study of this grass.

In addition to its ornamental and ecological uses, perennial veldt grass serves as an important forage for grazing animals, providing a reliable food source throughout the year. Its perennial nature ensures that it regrows season after season, thus offering sustainable benefits for agricultural practices.

Overall, the perennial veldt grass stands out as a versatile and valuable plant, deeply rooted in its South African origin but extending its influence far beyond.

Common Names

Dan: flerårig steppegræs
Eng: perennial veldtgrass, perennial veldt grass, veldt grass
Deu: purpurgras
Ita: ehrharta
Fra: ehrharta
Swe: veldgräs
En: Perennial veldt grass, Veldt grass, Perennial veldtgrass
Da: Flerårig steppegræs
Fr: Ehrharta
De: Purpurgras
It: Ehrharta
Sv: Veldgräs

Synonyms

• Ehrharta undulata (Nees)
• Ehrharta laxiflora (Schrad.)
• Trochera calycina ((Sm.) P.Beauv.)
• Ehrharta auriculata (Steud.)
• Melica geniculata (Thunb.)
• Ehrharta versicolor (Schrad.)
• Trochera ovata ((Nees) Kuntze)
• Ehrharta undulata var. calycina ((Sm.) Nees)
• Ehrharta ovata (Nees)
• Ehrharta adscendens (Schrad.)
• Ehrharta stricta (Nees)
• Ehrharta geniculata ((Thunb.) Thunb.)
• Trochera auriculata ((Steud.) Kuntze)
• Ehrharta nutans (Willd. ex Nees)
• Trochera melicodes (Kuntze)
• Trochera versicolor ((Schrad.) Kuntze)
• Trochera laxiflora ((Schrad.) Kuntze)
• Ehrharta paniculata (Poir.)
• Ehrharta melicoides (Willd. ex Nees)
• Trochera stricta ((Nees) Kuntze)
• Ehrharta pilosa (Willd. ex Steud.)
• Trochera geniculata ((Thunb.) Kuntze)
• Ehrharta calycina var. versicolor ((Schrad.) Stapf)
• Ehrharta ramosa (Willd. ex Nees)

Distribution

• Cape Provinces (native)
• Free State (native)
• KwaZulu-Natal (native)
• Lesotho (native)
• Namibia (native)
• California (introduced)
• Egypt (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• Portugal (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Tunisia (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)
• Western Australia (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jun 11, 2020 by ayala gonzalez (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 11, 2020 by ayala gonzalez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2020 by ayala gonzalez (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Soreng, R.J. (cc-by-nc-sa)

© 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/2702865)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:399826-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ehrharta calycina Sm.)

Specifications

Growth