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jointtail grass

Scientific Name: Coelorachis

Family: Poaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Jointtail Grass (Mnesithea and Coelorachis)

Jointtail Grass refers to plants within the genus Mnesithea and Coelorachis. These are grasses belonging to the grass family (Poaceae).

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Genus: Mnesithea and Coelorachis
  • Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
  • Accepted Scientific Name: Mnesithea cylindrica (Michx.) de Koning &amp Sosef (for Carolina Jointtail)
  • Synonyms: Includes various species previously classified under Coelorachis such as Coelorachis cylindrica (Michx.) Nash.
  • Common Names: Jointtail Grass, Cylinder Jointtail Grass, Carolina Jointgrass, Carolina Joint Tail Grass, Wrinkled Joint-tail Grass, Checkered Jointtail Grass, Pitted Jointgrass.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Mnesithea is a genus found in Asia, Australia, and Pacific Islands.
  • Coelorachis rugosa (Wrinkled Joint-Tail Grass) has a natural range from the Eastern Seaboard to Texas.
  • Coelorachis rugosa typically grows in wet pine woods and marshes.
  • Coelorachis cylindrica is native to North America.
  • South Texas along creeks and streams (Historically where livestock are not grazing)

Morphological Characteristics

  • Coelorachis cylindrica (Cylinder Jointtail Grass) is a native, warm-season, rhizomatous perennial grass.
  • It grows to a height of between 1 and 3-1/2 feet.

Ecology

  • Although never common, bunches of Joint-tail Grass can be found in South Texas along creeks and streams where livestock are not grazing.

Further Information

  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database: Comprehensive information and images.
  • Discover Life: Biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution information.
  • Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Information on North America's native plants.