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purple false brome

Scientific Name: Brachypodium distachyon

Family: Poaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Annual

Other Names:

       

Purple False Brome (Brachypodium distachyon)

Brachypodium distachyon, commonly known as purple false brome or stiff brome, is a grass species gaining attention for its research applications and ecological presence.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Brachypodium distachyon (L.) P. Beauv.
  • Common Names: Purple false brome, purple falsebrome, stiff brome
  • Family: Poaceae (Grass Family), also referred to as Gramineae.
  • Synonyms: Trachynia distachya, Bromus distachyos.

Distribution and Habitat

This grass is native to:

  • Southern Europe
  • Northern Africa
  • Southwestern Asia, extending east.
  • Mediterranean coast to the Middle East
  • Found in sandy areas.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Annual grass species.
  • Caespitose growth form (growing in tufts or clumps).
  • Branched and geniculate (bent like a knee) at the base.
  • Reaches a height of approximately 1.5-3 decimeters.
  • Primarily reproduces by seed, but can also propagate from stem and root fragments.

Ecological Role

  • Identified as an invasive species in some regions.
  • Serves as a host for pathogens like the leaf rust fungus Puccinia brachypodii and the stripe rust fungus P. striiformis.
  • Interacts with root-knot nematodes.

Genetic and Cytological Information

  • Diploid.
  • Used in structural analysis of DNA, protein extraction, and genetic modification.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Interacts with cereal rusts.
  • Can be intercropped with plants such as olive trees.
  • Used in research related to interactions with pathogens, including root-knot nematodes.

Resources and Further Information

  • ARKive (for photos and facts)
  • CalPhotos
  • Gettys Images