Sea-fern grass (Catapodium marinum, Kew Bull. 9: 375 (1954))

Family: Poaceae

Author: (L.) C.E.Hubb.

Bibliography: Kew Bull. 9: 375 (1954)

Year: 1954

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Catapodium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Macaronesia, W. Europe to Medit.

Description

Sea-fern grass, scientifically known as Catapodium marinum, is a unique and notable member of the Poaceae family. Its significance was first well-documented in the botanical literature, notably appearing in the Kew Bulletin in 1954, an authoritative source that continues to underline its botanical importance.

This resilient grass thrives predominantly in regions of Macaronesia, extending through Western Europe and touching the Mediterranean coasts. Its adaptive nature allows it to flourish in these diverse environments, contributing to the ecological complexity and stability of these areas.

Catapodium marinum, commonly known as Sea-fern grass, possesses distinctive features that contribute to its identification and classification. The grass’s hardy structure and robust growth patterns allow it to withstand the varying climatic conditions of its native regions. This adaptability is a testament to its evolutionary success and ecological importance.

Researchers and botanists, such as C.E. Hubbard, who is credited with formally naming this species, have devoted significant efforts to studying its characteristics and ecological impacts. Their work helps inform ongoing conservation efforts and our understanding of grass family species’ roles within their ecosystems.

In summary, Sea-fern grass is not just a plant but a subject of scientific awe and ecological relevance. Its presence from Macaronesia through Western Europe to the Mediterranean underscores its versatile nature and the critical role it plays within these habitats.

Common Names

Fra: catapode maritime
Nld: laksteeltje
Eng: sea-fern grass, stiff sand grass, sea fern-grass, darnel fescue
Cym: corwenith-wellt y morfin, corwenithwellt y morfa, gwenithwellt y morfa, gweunwellt arfor, tywod wraidd caled
En: Sea-fern grass, Stiff sand grass, Sea Fern-grass, Darnel Fescue
Nl: Laksteeltje
Fr: Catapode maritime, Fausse Ivraie, Fétuque marine, Scléropoa marin
De: See-Steifgras
He: סיסן זוני
It: Logliarello marino
Cy: Corwenith-Wellt y Morfin, Corwenithwellt y Morfa, Gwenithwellt y Morfa, Gweunwellt Arfor, Tywod Wraidd Caled

Synonyms

• Festuca rottboella ((DC.) Raspail)
• Desmazeria loliacea ((Huds.) Nyman)
• Festuca rottboellioides (Kunth)
• Bromus loliaceus ((Huds.) Ten.)
• Festuca tenoreana (Steud.)
• Poa loliacea (Huds.)
• Triticum loliaceum ((Huds.) Sm.)
• Desmazeria triticea (J.Presl ex Willk.)
• Desmazeria marina ((L.) Druce)
• Triticum rottboella (DC.)
• Brachypodium rottboella ((DC.) P.Beauv.)
• Festuca marina (L.)
• Catapodium loliaceum ((Huds.) Link)
• Sclerochloa loliacea ((Huds.) J.Woods)
• Desmazeria loliacea var. syrtica ((Barratte & Murb.) P.Durand & Barratte)
• Scleropoa loliacea ((Huds.) Godr. & Gren.)
• Brachypodium loliaceum ((Huds.) P.Beauv.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Azores (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Bermuda (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 15, 2021 by Simon Brumby (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Oct 20, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Henri SCORDIA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 20, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Henri SCORDIA (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 10, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 20, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Henri SCORDIA (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Bertrand BUI (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 23, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 23, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 12, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 12, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

Taken Apr 23, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 1849 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken May 10, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 23, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-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/4105452)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:395160-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Catapodium marinum (L.) C.E.Hubb.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Graminoid

Growth

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’]