Phalaris aquatica
| Phalaris aquatica | |
|---|---|
| File:Phalaris aquatica.jpg | |
| Scientific classification Edit this classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Subfamily: | Pooideae |
| Genus: | Phalaris |
| Species: | P. aquatica
|
| Binomial name | |
| Phalaris aquatica | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Phalaris tuberosa | |
Phalaris aquatica, known by the common names bulbous canary-grass[2] and Harding grass, is a species of grass in the genus Phalaris of the family Poaceae.
Description
[edit | edit source]It is an erect, waist-high, stout perennial bunch grass, with grayish to bluish green leaves. Flowering heads are dense, spike-like, and usually 2 to 5 inches (50 to 125 mm) long. It is slow to develop from seed, but can form large bunches after several years.[3]
Phalaris arundinacea (reed canary grass) differs from Harding grass in having more distinct rhizomes, and an inflorescence that is compact at first but becomes more open as the branches spread.
Hybrids of Harding grass and reed canary grass have been produced. Varieties include 'AQ1', 'Uneta', and 'Australis'.
P. aquatica is a quick-growing grass which incorporates and utilises soil nitrogen rapidly.[4]: 169–174
Geography
[edit | edit source]Phalaris aquatica originated from Southern Europe and the Caucasus. It is naturalized in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the USA.[5] Although very recently introduced there, its pasture value was first recognised in Australia.[6] Domesticated cultivation then spread to the United States, Argentina and several other countries in South America, and New Zealand.[6]
Chemical constituents
[edit | edit source]Leaves and seedlings contain gramine[7] and dimethyltryptamine.[8]
Forage
[edit | edit source]Phalaris aquatica is a pasture species grazed by ruminants. The grass can also be cut, providing good quality fodder for grazing livestock for 8 to 12 months a year.[5]
Toxicity
[edit | edit source]Some Phalaris species contain gramine (also found in Avena sativa 'Oats') which is claimed to cause brain damage, other organ damage, central nervous system damage and death in sheep (when injected in very large amounts).[7]
In Victoria, Australia, it is reported that kangaroos grazing on Phalaris aquatica may develop a condition known familiarly as "Phalaris staggers", in which coordination and mobility are affected.[9]
Invasive species
[edit | edit source]Harding grass is an invasive species in grassland, oak woodland, chaparral, and riparian habitats. Native grasses and grassland habitat in California are affected.[citation needed]
References
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- ^ "N,N-Dimethyltryptamine Production in Phalaris aquatica Seedlings: A Mathematical Model for its Synthesis", J P Mack et al. Plant Physiol. 1988 Oct. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16666301/
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External links
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