Tall oat grass (Arrhenatherum album, Kew Bull. 16: 250 (1962))

Family: Poaceae

Author: (Vahl) Clayton

Bibliography: Kew Bull. 16: 250 (1962)

Year: 1962

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Arrhenatherum

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. Medit.

Description

Tall oat grass, scientifically known as Arrhenatherum album, is a notable species within the Poaceae family, a large and economically important family of grasses. Described in detail in the Kew Bulletin in 1962 by (Vahl) Clayton, this plant species is primarily observed in the Western Mediterranean region, making it a characteristic component of the flora in that part of the world.

Arrhenatherum album flourishes in diverse habitats and is known for its height and resilient nature. The morphology of this grass species includes tall, slender stalks that can stand well above other surrounding vegetation, lending it the common name ‘tall oat grass’. This height advantage allows it to effectively compete for sunlight, which is critical for its growth and development.

The tall oat grass features a well-developed root system that aids in stabilizing soil and preventing erosion, making it both an ecologically significant and a practical plant in terms of land management and conservation efforts. It’s been recognized for its adaptability to various soil types, though it thrives best in well-drained soils typically found in its native Mediterranean environment.

Furthermore, Arrhenatherum album plays a substantial role within its ecosystem. It provides habitat and food for a variety of insects and smaller fauna, contributing to the biodiversity of its native regions.

In general, Arrhenatherum album exemplifies a resilient, versatile, and ecologically beneficial plant species, enhancing both natural ecosystems and agricultural landscapes. This grass’s adaptability and robust characteristics make it a species of interest not only for botanists and ecologists but also for those involved in sustainable land management practices.

Common Names

Eng: tall oat grass
En: Tall oat grass

Synonyms

• Avena alba (Vahl)
• Arrhenatherum elatius var. album ((Vahl) O.Bolòs & Vigo)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Apr 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Habit

Taken Apr 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Flower

Taken Apr 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Bark

Taken Apr 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Other

Taken Apr 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

© 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/4121435)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:389900-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Arrhenatherum album (Vahl) Clayton)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Graminoid

Growth