Smallcane (Lasiacis divaricata, Contr. U.S. Natl. Herb. 15: 16 (1910))

Family: Poaceae

Author: (L.) Hitchc.

Bibliography: Contr. U.S. Natl. Herb. 15: 16 (1910)

Year: 1910

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Lasiacis

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America

Description

Smallcane, scientifically known as Lasiacis divaricata, is a fascinating grass species belonging to the family Poaceae. This plant is notable for its presence across tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, thriving in various habitats where it often enhances the ecological diversity.

Characterized by its slender and sometimes sprawling stems, Smallcane contributes significantly to the undergrowth of forests and open areas where it grows. The stems, which are often interwoven with other plant species, help create a dense vegetative network that supports soil stability and prevents erosion. Additionally, its foliage provides shelter and food for a myriad of local fauna, extending its ecological impact beyond just plant life.

In scientific literature, Smallcane was extensively documented in the early 20th century, with a notable contribution found in the “Contributions from the United States National Herbarium” (1910). The work of L. Hitchc. has been instrumental in detailing the botanical description and classification of this species, aiding botanists and ecologists in understanding its role within its native environment.

The adaptability of Lasiacis divaricata allows it to withstand a range of environmental conditions, contributing to its widespread distribution. This resilience underscores the plant’s importance in maintaining the biodiversity and ecological balance of tropical and subtropical ecosystems.

Through its sturdy growth patterns and intertwinement with surrounding vegetation, Smallcane exemplifies the intricate relationships that exist within plant communities. Its presence is a testament to the rich tapestry of life found in tropical and subtropical America, where each species, no matter how seemingly inconspicuous, plays a pivotal role in the greater ecological narrative.

Common Names

Eng: cane grass, smallcane, wild cane
En: Smallcane, Cane Grass, Wild Cane

Synonyms

Distribution

• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Bahamas (native)
• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Cayman Is. (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Florida (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Netherlands Antilles (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Southwest Caribbean (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Turks-Caicos Is. (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Venezuelan Antilles (native)
• Windward Is. (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jun 19, 2022 by #MaryKingfishers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 29, 2022 by Jesse Corriveau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 23, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 23, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Feb 23, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 23, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 23, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 23, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (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/2702852)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:135690-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Lasiacis divaricata (L.) Hitchc.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Subshrub, Shrub, Graminoid, Vine

Growth