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water whorlgrass
Scientific Name: Catabrosa aquatica var. aquatica
Family: Poaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Graminoid
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Water Whorl-grass (Catabrosa aquatica)
Water Whorl-grass, scientifically known as Catabrosa aquatica, is also commonly referred to as Brookgrass or simply Whorl-grass.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
- Scientific Name: Catabrosa aquatica (L.) P. Beauv.
- Synonyms: Includes Aira aquatica L.
- Subspecies: Catabrosa aquatica ssp. aquatica, Catabrosa aquatica var. uniflora (ssp. minor)
The authority for the preferred scientific name is (L.) P. Beauv. and the Taxon Version Key is NBNSYS0000171653.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to northern temperate regions.
- Found in standing water.
- Associated with habitats where both alternate-leaved and opposite-leaved golden saxifrage occur.
Morphological Characteristics
- Creeping aquatic perennial grass.
- Flowerhead is an open pyramid-shaped or oblong-shaped panicle, 4-8 inches in height.
- The branches of the panicle spread in whorls.
- Purplish-brown flower spikelets.
Ecology
- Provides valuable wildlife habitat in low-lying, waterlogged areas.
- Observed in surveys alongside water violet, opposite-leaved pondweed, and cyperus sedge.
Quirky Facts
- Underwater video exists showing leaf gas films forming on the superhydrophobic cuticles of Water Whorl-grass.
Further Information
- USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
- Herbarium at Utah State University: http://herbarium.usu.edu/webmanual/info2.asp?
- NIISS Species Profile: http://www.niiss.org/cwis438/Browse/Organism/Organ species profile, habitat, control, invasion & life
- Natural History Museum's UK Species Inventory