Family: Poaceae
Author: Cav.
Bibliography: Icon. 5: 46 (1799)
Year: 1799
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Aristida
Vegetable: False
Observations: S. U.S.A. to Ecuador, Caribbean
Description
Spidergrass, scientifically known as Aristida ternipes, is a remarkable species within the Poaceae family. First described by the esteemed botanist Cav., this plant has a significant historical presence, with its documentation appearing as early as 1799 in Icon. 5: 46. The plant is native to a vast geographic expanse, flourishing from the southern United States down through the tropical climates of the Caribbean, extending all the way to Ecuador.
The adaptability of Spidergrass to various environmental conditions marks its resilience and widespread occurrence across these regions. This grass is especially noted for its distinctive appearance, which exhibits the quintessential traits of the Poaceae family. The structure of Aristida ternipes is characterized by its slender and wiry stems, typically culminating in an intricate display of seed heads that resemble a spider’s web—hence its common name, Spidergrass.
Ecologically, Aristida ternipes plays a crucial role within its habitats. As a member of the Poaceae family, it contributes to soil stabilization and provides a vital food source for various herbivorous wildlife. The grass’s ability to thrive in different climates, from the temperate zones of the southern U.S. to the more humid environments of the Caribbean and Ecuador, underscores its ecological flexibility.
In cultivation and landscaping, Spidergrass often serves an ornamental purpose due to its unique and visually appealing form. However, its functional benefits in erosion control and habitat restoration also make it a valuable species for environmental management practices.
In summary, Aristida ternipes or Spidergrass, rooted in a deep botanical heritage and widespread across a varied range of ecosystems, stands out as a significant and versatile member of the Poaceae family. Its adaptability and ecological contributions make it a noteworthy subject of study and appreciation among botanists and ecologists alike.
Common Names
En: Spidergrass
Synonyms
- Streptachne tenuis (Kunth)
- Aristida tenuis ((Kunth) Kunth)
- Aristida scabra ((Kunth) Kunth)
- Ortachne scabra ((Kunth) E.Fourn.)
- Muhlenbergia tenuis ((Kunth) Trin. & Rupr.)
- Ortachne tenuis ((Kunth) E.Fourn.)
- Streptachne scabra (Kunth)
- Streptachne cubensis (A.Rich.)
- Aristida divergens (Vasey)
- Aristida schiedeana var. minor (Vasey)
- Aristida ternipes var. divergens ((Vasey) Hitchc.)
- Aristida ternipes var. minor ((Vasey) Hitchc.)
Distribution
- Arizona (native)
- Bahamas (native)
- Belize (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Netherlands Antilles (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Texas (native)
- Turks-Caicos Is. (native)
- Venezuela (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Nov 8, 2020 by Carlos Aprea (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Mar 3, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 3, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Other
Taken Mar 3, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 3, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 3, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 3, 2017 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 3, 2017 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/2706251)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:389846-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Aristida ternipes Cav.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Graminoid
