Thunberg’s brome (Bromus japonicus, Nat. Hist. 2(13): 315 (1782))

Family: Poaceae

Author: Houtt.

Bibliography: Nat. Hist. 2(13): 315 (1782)

Year: 1782

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Bromus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Medit. to Temp. Eurasia

Description

Thunberg’s brome, scientifically known as Bromus japonicus, is a notable species within the family Poaceae. First described in the late 18th century, Thunberg’s brome was classified by the botanist Houtt. in Nat. Hist. 2(13): 315, dating back to 1782. This grass species has a vast geographic range, prominently spanning from the Mediterranean regions to temperate areas across Eurasia.

In its native habitats, Thunberg’s brome thrives in a variety of climatic conditions, from warmer Mediterranean climates to more temperate zones. Its adaptability to different environmental contexts highlights its resilience and versatility. The species is characterized by its slender, nodding flower spikes and delicate leaves, often forming a dense, grassy expanse in the landscapes where it grows.

As a member of the Poaceae family, Thunberg’s brome shares common traits with other grasses, including its monocotyledonous structure, which supports efficient nutrient absorption and growth. The lifecycle and morphology of Bromus japonicus make it a subject of interest for botanists and ecologists studying grassland ecosystems and plant adaptation strategies.

Overall, Thunberg’s brome serves as an important ecological component in its native regions, contributing to the biodiversity and stability of grasslands and prairies. Its historical recognition and continued study underscore its significance in the botanical world.

Common Names

Eng: japanese brome, japanese chess, thunberg’s brome
Swe: kvarnlosta
Fra: brome du japon
En: Thunberg’s Brome, Japanese Brome, Japanese Chess
Ar: سفسوف (سَفسوف)
Cs: Sveřep japonský
Da: Åben hejre
Nl: Japanse dravik
Et: Laiuv luste
Fi: Japaninkattara
Fr: Brome du Japon
De: Japanische Trespe
He: ברומית יפנית
It: Forasacco patente
Lv: Jap
Lt: Japoninė dirsė
Se: Jáhpanhárjesuoidni
Nb: Møllefaks
Nn: Møllefaks
Pl: Stokłosa japońska
Sv: Japaninkattara, Kvarnlosta
Cy: Pawrwellt Thunberg
: Thunberg’s brome

Synonyms

• Bromus arvensis var. japonicus ((Houtt.) Fiori)
• Serrafalcus japonicus ((Houtt.) Wilmott)
• Bromus japonicus f. polyanthus (Holmb.)
• Bromus japonicus subsp. typicus (Pénzes)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Altay (native)
• Austria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Egypt (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Gulf States (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Italy (native)
• Japan (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Korea (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Nepal (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Poland (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sinai (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Tibet (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Alberta (introduced)
• Argentina South (introduced)
• Baltic States (introduced)
• Belarus (introduced)
• Central European Rus (introduced)
• Colorado (introduced)
• District of Columbia (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Kentucky (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Mexico Northeast (introduced)
• Mexico Northwest (introduced)
• Mexico Southwest (introduced)
• New Mexico (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• North European Russi (introduced)
• Northwest European R (introduced)
• Tennessee (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Vermont (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 11, 2011 by Pedro Gaspar (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 2, 2020 by Alain Chanu (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Other

Taken May 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

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

Taken May 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Habit

Taken May 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8113508)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60459493-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Bromus japonicus Thunb.)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2703735)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’]

Soil nutriments: 6