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Kleberg's bluestem
Scientific Name: Dichanthium annulatum
Family: Poaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Graminoid
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Kleberg Bluestem: A Detailed Look
Kleberg bluestem (Dichanthium annulatum) is a bunchgrass with a rich history and widespread presence. This page provides comprehensive information about its taxonomy, distribution, ecological role, and more.
Common Names
- Kleberg Bluestem
- Kleberg's Bluestem
- Marvel Grass
- Diaz Bluestem
- Hindi Grass
- Ringed Dichanthium
- Sheda Grass
- Medio Bluestem (var. papillosum)
- Jargu
- Delhi Grass
- Vuda Blue Grass
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Dichanthium annulatum (Forssk.) Stapf
- Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
- Group: Monocot
- Synonyms: The text also mentions several other *Dichanthium* species and varieties, highlighting the complex taxonomy of bluestem grasses.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Africa, Asia, and Papua New Guinea.
- Introduced to South Texas in the early 1900s.
- Found in the Texas Coastal Bend, specifically in Kleberg and Nueces Counties.
Ecological Role
- Considered an invasive species in some regions, including Northern Mexico.
- It is one of the most common Old World bluestems in Texas.
- Can dominate herbaceous canopies, sometimes comprising up to 30%.
Morphological Characteristics
- Grows as a bunchgrass.
- Culms (stems) range from 8-40 inches in height.
- Leaf sheaths are 1.25 to 1.5 inches long.
- Perennial life span.
- Tall, semi-erect growth form.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Introduced as cattle forage.
Further Information
- USDA PLANTS Database: Symbol DIAN
- Invasive Plant Atlas
- Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute
- ARKive (for photos and facts)
- Dave's Garden
- ResearchGate