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Chloris roxburghiana
Scientific Name: Chloris roxburghiana
Family: Poaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Chloris roxburghiana
Chloris roxburghiana, also known as Roxburgh's Chloris, is a grass species belonging to the Chloris genus.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Chloris roxburghiana Schult.
- Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Synonyms: Chloris myriostachya Roxb.
- Symbol: CHRO9
- Group: Monocot
Distribution and Habitat
This grass is found in tropical Africa, specifically in regions such as Kenya. It has also been recorded in BOT, KN, LP, and MP and grows at altitudes ranging from 120 to 800 meters. Chloris roxburghiana is an important rangeland grass, although it has disappeared in some areas due to land degradation resulting from overgrazing.
Morphological Characteristics
- Tufted perennial grass.
- Culms (stems) can grow up to approximately 120 cm (sometimes up to 150 cm) high.
- Lowest leaf-sheaths are usually white or straw-colored.
- Densely tufted perennial up to 1.5 m high.
- Leaves are linear and tapering.
- Inflorescence is a compact head of numerous racemes 3–8 cm long on an axis 6–18 cm long.
- Panicle 5-15 cm long, straw-colored or purple.
Ecological Role
Chloris roxburghiana is an important rangeland grass, serving as forage for livestock and wildlife. However, in certain areas, overgrazing and land degradation have led to its decline.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Serves as feed for livestock and wildlife.
- Competition with other species like Cenchrus ciliaris in some habitats.
Further Information
- Royal Botanic Garden
- SIBIS: South African National Biodiversity Institute’s (SANBI) Integrated Biodiversity System
- The Plant List
- IPNI
- Australian Plant Name Index
- NYBG Virtual Herbarium
- World Agroforestry Centre
- ResearchGate