Strigose sicklegrass (Parapholis strigosa, Blumea, Suppl. 3: 14 (1946))

Family: Poaceae

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

Bibliography: Blumea, Suppl. 3: 14 (1946)

Year: 1946

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Parapholis

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe, Libya

Description

Strigose sicklegrass is an intriguing species within the Poaceae family, scientifically recognized as Parapholis strigosa. This perennial grass is noted for its distinctive growth patterns and adaptability, contributing to its widespread presence across diverse geographical regions. Originating from Europe, Strigose sicklegrass has also established a significant presence in Libya, demonstrating its versatility in adapting to varying climates and soil conditions.

The grass is named for its unique appearance; the term “strigose” refers to the presence of stiff, bristly hairs. These characteristics, along with its sickle-shaped form, make Strigose sicklegrass easily identifiable among other grass species. The botanical community credits the formal classification of this plant to C.E. Hubbard, based on the foundational observations by Dumortier, subsequently published in the Blumea journal supplement in 1946.

Researchers and botanists have taken a keen interest in Parapholis strigosa due to its ecological relevance and adaptive strategies. This grass thrives in habitats that may otherwise be challenging for other species, contributing to its role in stabilizing soil and supporting local ecosystems. Its presence across Europe and Libya not only underscores its resilience but also highlights the interconnectedness of plant species across continents.

Strigose sicklegrass serves as a subject of study for understanding plant adaptability and distribution, providing valuable insights into how species migrate and establish themselves in new environments. Its robust nature and distinctive morphology make it a significant point of interest in botanical research and conservation efforts, ensuring that its contributions to both natural habitats and scientific knowledge continue to be appreciated and studied.

Common Names

Deu: dünnschwanz, dünnschwanz gekrümmter
Dan: spidshale, stivhåret spidshale
Eng: strigose sicklegrass, hard grass, hard-grass, slender barb grass
Ces: chudojílek hřebíkatý
Nld: dunstaart
Fra: lepture raide
Swe: ormax
Nno: ormeaks
Nob: ormeaks
Cym: caledwellt y morfa, cameiddwellt, cameiddwellt y morfa, corwellt y morfa, corwelltyn camaidd, corwelltyn y morfa
Gla: cruafhéar
En: Strigose sicklegrass, Hard grass, Hard-grass, Slender barb grass
Cs: Chudojílek hřebíkatý
Da: Spidshale, Stivhåret spidshale
Nl: Dunstaart
Fr: Lepture raide, Lepture droit
De: Dünnschwanz, Dünnschwanz Gekrümmter, Steifer Dünnschwanz
It: Loglierella sottile
Nb: Ormeaks
Nn: Ormeaks
Gd: Cruafhéar
Sv: Ormax
Cy: Caledwellt y Morfa, Cameiddwellt, Cameiddwellt y Morfa, Corwellt y Morfa, Corwelltyn Camaidd, Corwelltyn y Morfa

Synonyms

• Lepturus incurvatus var. vulgatus (Asch. & Graebn.)
• Pholiurus filiformis var. gracilis ((J.Gay ex Schult. & Schult.f.) A.Camus)
• Lepturus incurvatus var. gracillimus (Le Gall)
• Pholiurus filiformis var. strictus ((Fr.) A.Camus)
• Lepturus incurvatus var. strictus (Fr.)
• Lepiurus strigosus (Dumort.)
• Lepturus incurvatus subsp. vulgatus ((Asch. & Graebn.) Rouy)

Distribution

• Belgium (native)
• Denmark (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Libya (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• California (introduced)
• Chile Central (introduced)
• Chile South (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken May 28, 2008 by Henk Van Lottum (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 28, 2008 by Henk Van Lottum (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 16, 2020 by Bernhard Rauhut (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2006 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 28, 2008 by Henk Van Lottum (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-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/5290068)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:413704-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Parapholis strigosa (Dumort.) C.E.Hubb.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Graminoid

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 9

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Soil nutriments: 5

Soil salinity: 5