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Aristida diffusa

Scientific Name: Aristida diffusa

Family: Poaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Aristida diffusa

Aristida diffusa, also known as Iron Grass or Beessteekgras, is a perennial grass species.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text indicates that some species of Aristida are "less palatable," which might be relevant for grazing animals or pets that consume grasses.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Aristida diffusa Trin.
  • Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Synonyms:
    • Aristida diffusa Trin. var. genuina Henrard
    • Aristida diffusa Trin. var. pseudo-hystrix (Trin. & Rupr.) Henrard
    • Aristida vestita Thunb. var. eckloniana Trin. & Rupr.
    • Aristida diffusa var. brevistipitata
  • Subspecies:
    • Aristida diffusa subsp. burkei (Stapf) Melderis
    • Aristida diffusa subsp. diffusa
  • Basionym for Aristida diffusa subsp. burkei: Aristida burkei Stapf

Distribution and Habitat

  • Aristida diffusa is found in South Africa, with observations recorded by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI).
  • It grows in a variety of soil types, particularly gravelly soils.
  • It has been identified in Drakensberg complex, shallow lithosols, 1650-3480 altitude.
  • The species also grows in Okhombe communal rangelands of South Africa.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Habit: Perennial caespitose (growing in tufts).
  • Culms: Erect, 40-75 cm long. Culm-internodes distally glabrous (smooth). Usually 3- to 5-noded.
  • Butt sheaths: Glabrous (smooth) or woolly.
  • Ligule: A fringe.
  • Panicle: Up to 30 cm long, lax and open.
  • Spikelets: Yellowish or yellow-brown.
  • Inferior glume: Approximately 6 mm long, with an obtusely.
  • The plant has a development of a gramineae. These plants give origin to a brush with a rounded form.
  • The Aristida diffusa Trin. Is medium in size.

Ecological Role

  • Aristida diffusa can be a dominant grass species in certain areas.
  • It can become dominant in rangelands when more palatable species are grazed, indicating a shift in plant community composition.

Naming

  • Aristida diffusa was described by Carl Bernhard von Trinius.
  • The name is considered validly published.
  • The specific name "diffusa" means "diffuse, loosely spreading," referring to the inflorescence.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The text mentions caterpillars being found on the inflorescences.

Further Information

  • South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) Integrated Biodiversity Information System (SIBIS).
  • GrassBase: http://www.kew.org/data/grasses-db/www/imp00681.htm
  • Encyclopedia of Life
  • International Plant Names Index
  • GRIN Taxonomy
  • Australian Plant Name Index
  • NYBG Virtual Herbarium
  • JSTOR Plant Science