Razor grass (Scleria secans, Symb. Antill. 2: 169 (1900))

Family: Cyperaceae

Author: (L.) Urb.

Bibliography: Symb. Antill. 2: 169 (1900)

Year: 1900

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Scleria

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. Mexico to Trop. America

Description

Razor grass, scientifically known as Scleria secans, is a noteworthy species within the family Cyperaceae. This plant is native to a wide geographical range spanning from southern Mexico to tropical regions of America.

The first formal description of Razor grass was published in the bibliography “Symbolae Antillanae” in the year 1900 by the renowned botanist (L.) Urb. This documentation was crucial in categorizing and understanding the various characteristics and the vast distribution of this plant species.

Characterized by its robust and often invasive growth patterns, Razor grass typically thrives in moist environments such as wetlands, riverbanks, and tropical forests. Its adaptability to different habitats within its native range makes it an important species to study for its ecological contributions.

Razor grass has distinguishable features including its sharp-edged leaves, which can cause minor cuts upon contact, a trait that is reflected in its common name. This unique plant structure aids in its protection from herbivores and contributes to its spread in the competitive plant communities.

Ecologically, Scleria secans plays a significant role in controlling erosion and stabilizing soil in its native habitats, thanks to its extensive root systems. It serves as a vital component in the various ecosystems by providing cover and resources for numerous wildlife species.

Identifying and understanding Razor grass can also be important for managing landscapes, particularly in agriculture and horticulture, where its invasive potential might need regulation. Further research and observation are essential for utilizing its positive attributes while mitigating any negative impacts on human activities.

Overall, Razor grass is a plant of significant ecological importance and offers various avenues for further study in the fields of botany and environmental science.

Common Names

Por: navalha-do-mato
Eng: razor grass
En: Razor grass, Razor-Grass, Celery-leaved Buttercup
Pt: Navalha-do-mato
Es: Navajuela

Synonyms

• Scleria reflexa (Kunth)
• Scleria flagellum (Griseb.)
• Mastigloscleria reflexa var. styligera (Nees)
• Carex flagellum (J.F.Gmel.)
• Scleria weigeltiana (Schrad. ex Boeckeler)
• Carex margaritifera (Steud.)
• Mastigloscleria reflexa ((Kunth) Nees)
• Schoenus secans (L.)
• Scleria reflexa var. surinamensis (Boeckeler)
• Scleria stenophylla (Core)
• Omoscleria flagellum ((J.F.Gmel.) Nees)
• Scleria renggeriana (Steud.)

Distribution

• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• Central American Pac (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Nov 27, 2022 by Frédéric Dupont (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 27, 2022 by Frédéric Dupont (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)

Other

Taken Feb 11, 2016 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 27, 2016 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 27, 2016 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 9, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 9, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

© 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/2712691)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:230730-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Scleria secans (L.) Urb.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Graminoid

Growth