Tickle grass (Panicum trichoides, Prodr. Veg. Ind. Occ.: 24 (1788))

Family: Poaceae

Author: Sw.

Bibliography: Prodr. Veg. Ind. Occ.: 24 (1788)

Year: 1788

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Panicum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America

Description

Tickle grass, scientifically known as Panicum trichoides, is a fascinating species belonging to the Poaceae family. Native to the tropical and subtropical regions of America, this grass is notable for its delicate and fine structure, which contributes to its common name. The term “tickle grass” aptly describes the sensation experienced when its feathery tufts brush against the skin, creating a tickling feeling.

This grass was first officially documented in the late 18th century, with its initial description appearing in the “Prodromus Vegetationis Indiae Occidentalis” published in 1788. The description was provided by the eminent botanist Olof Swartz, whose work significantly contributed to the botanical understanding of many tropical and subtropical plant species.

Tickle grass typically thrives in regions with warm climates, where it contributes to the biodiversity and the ecological balance of grasslands and open areas. Its growth patterns and resilience make it an interesting subject for study within agronomy and environmental science fields. Moreover, its unique tactile properties make it a plant of interest for sensory gardens and educational programs aimed at engaging the senses and teaching about plant biology.

As part of the Poaceae family, Panicum trichoides shares many characteristics common to grasses, such as narrow leaves and a fibrous root system. However, its particularly fine leaves and delicate flower heads distinguish it from other species within the same family. Tickle grass’ adaptability to various environments within its native range highlights its ecological versatility and importance.

In summary, Panicum trichoides, or tickle grass, is a unique and delicate grass species from tropical and subtropical America. Its historical documentation by Swartz underscores its longstanding recognition in botanical literature, and it continues to be valued for its sensory appeal and ecological contributions.

Common Names

Eng: masher grass, small-flower panic grass, tickle grass
En: Tickle grass, Masher grass, Small-flower panic grass, Tropical panicgrass

Synonyms

• Panicum andrewsii (Rendle ex Baker f.)
• Panicum filamentosum (Pers.)
• Panicum sabiense (Renvoize)
• Panicum capillaceum var. strictius (Döll)
• Panicum capillaceum (Lam.)
• Isachne mayocoensis (Vanderyst)

Distribution

• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Aruba (native)
• Belize (native)
• Bermuda (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (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)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Texas (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Turks-Caicos Is. (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• Central African Repu (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Christmas I. (introduced)
• Congo (introduced)
• Ghana (introduced)
• Hainan (introduced)
• Jawa (introduced)
• Kenya (introduced)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (introduced)
• Mozambique (introduced)
• New Guinea (introduced)
• Nigeria (introduced)
• Northern Territory (introduced)
• Oman (introduced)
• Philippines (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Solomon Is. (introduced)
• Tanzania (introduced)
• Thailand (introduced)
• Uganda (introduced)
• Vietnam (introduced)
• Western Australia (introduced)
• Zambia (introduced)
• Zaïre (introduced)
• Zimbabwe (introduced)

Additional Images

© 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.

Flower

Taken Aug 31, 2020 by Oses Andrei (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2019 by Heather Heather (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 26, 2020 by Gomez Candelario (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 23, 2020 by Vargas Francisco (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 23, 2020 by Vargas Francisco (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 18, 2022 by Narendra Gaekwad (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Daniel H. Janzen (cc-by-nc-sa)

Other

Taken Jun 14, 2016 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2016 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 3, 2015 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 8, 2013 by EOL − Francisco Farriols Sarabia (cc-by)

Taken Oct 27, 2013 by EOL − Francisco Farriols Sarabia (cc-by)

Bark

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:324582-2)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2705068)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Panicum trichoides Sw.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Graminoid

Growth