Watergrass (Bulbostylis barbata, J.D.Hooker, Fl. Brit. India 6: 651 (1893))

Family: Cyperaceae

Author: (Rottb.) C.B.Clarke

Bibliography: J.D.Hooker, Fl. Brit. India 6: 651 (1893)

Year: 1893

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Bulbostylis

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. Old World

Description

Watergrass, with a scientific name of Bulbostylis barbata, is a noteworthy member of the Cyperaceae family. This plant has intrigued botanists and plant enthusiasts alike, largely due to its adaptability and widespread presence across the tropical and subtropical regions of the Old World.

Notably described in “Flora of British India” by J.D. Hooker in 1893, Watergrass has etched its presence in botanical literature for well over a century. The formal taxonomic identification was later attributed to C.B. Clarke, who classified it under its current scientific nomenclature. His pioneering work contributed to the detailed understanding of this species’ morphology and ecological significance.

Bulbostylis barbata thrives in diverse habitats, showcasing a remarkable ability to adapt to various environmental conditions. This resilience and flexibility enable it to colonize and flourish in regions characterized by distinct climatic variables. In the wild, Watergrass often occupies moist grasslands and marshy areas, thriving in its ideal wetland ecosystem.

The plant is easily recognized by its slender, grass-like features. Its growth habit and structural attributes closely resemble those of typical grasses, most notably its fine, hair-like leaves which lend the plant its common name. This resemblance to conventional grass species, however, belies its unique botanical characteristics that set it apart within the Cyperaceae family.

Watergrass plays a vital ecological role in its native habitats. It serves as a crucial component of the plant community, providing food and habitat for a variety of wildlife. Additionally, its robust root system aids in soil stabilization and water retention, beneficial traits for the environments where it is naturally found.

Through the comprehensive field observations and detailed botanical descriptions, the botanical legacy of Watergrass has been cemented in historical and modern botanical studies. Its widespread distribution across the tropical and subtropical regions underscores its environmental versatility and resilience, making it a subject of continued interest for botanists studying plant adaptation and ecosystem dynamics.

Common Names

Eng: watergrass
En: Watergrass
Fr: Bulbostyle

Synonyms

• Stenophyllus barbatus ((Rottb.) T.Cooke)
• Fimbristylis barbata ((Rottb.) Benth.)
• Cyperus barbata ((Rottb.) Poir.)
• Isolepis barbata ((Rottb.) R.Br.)
• Iria barbata ((Rottb.) Kuntze)
• Abildgaardia barbata ((Rottb.) P.Beauv.)

Distribution

• Angola (native)
• Assam (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Benin (native)
• Borneo (native)
• Burkina (native)
• Cambodia (native)
• Cape Verde (native)
• Central African Repu (native)
• Chad (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Congo (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• Gambia (native)
• Ghana (native)
• Guinea (native)
• Guinea-Bissau (native)
• India (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Ivory Coast (native)
• Japan (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Kazan-retto (native)
• Kenya (native)
• Korea (native)
• Laos (native)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
• Liberia (native)
• Madagascar (native)
• Malaya (native)
• Mali (native)
• Maluku (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Mauritania (native)
• Mauritius (native)
• Nansei-shoto (native)
• Nepal (native)
• New Guinea (native)
• New South Wales (native)
• Nicobar Is. (native)
• Niger (native)
• Nigeria (native)
• Northern Territory (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Queensland (native)
• Réunion (native)
• Senegal (native)
• Seychelles (native)
• Socotra (native)
• Somalia (native)
• South Australia (native)
• Sri Lanka (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Sulawesi (native)
• Sumatera (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Togo (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Western Australia (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Belize (introduced)
• Costa Rica (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Georgia (introduced)
• Guatemala (introduced)
• Louisiana (introduced)
• Mexico Northwest (introduced)
• Mississippi (introduced)
• North Carolina (introduced)
• South Carolina (introduced)
• Tennessee (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Venezuela (introduced)
• Windward Is. (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Mar 12, 2022 by Mayland Muhammad Hanbal (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Dec 7, 2021 by Augustin Soulard (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Oct 14, 2021 by sachin sharma (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 4, 2022 by sachin sharma (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 23, 2020 by Shravan Kumbhare (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 13, 2021 by Katarzyna Jezierska (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/5292372)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:298125-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Bulbostylis barbata (Rottb.) C.B.Clarke)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Graminoid

Growth