SafePlants

Calyptochloa gracillima

Calyptochloa gracillima is a species of grass and the only species in the genus Calyptochloa.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant has wiry culms and can form dense green mats.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Calyptochloa gracillima C.E.Hubb.
• Common Names: None explicitly mentioned in the text.
• Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Rank: Species, Subspecies
• Subfamily: Panicoideae
• Tribe: Paniceae
• Synonyms:
  • Alternative scientific names of *Calyptochloa gracillima* C.E.Hubb. are mentioned in the text.

Distribution and Habitat

• Calyptochloa gracillima is found in Queensland, Australia.
• Specifically, one subspecies, Calyptochloa gracillima subsp. ipsviciensis, is endemic to central Queensland.

Morphological Characteristics

• Habit: Perennial.
• Culms: Decumbent, 10-40 cm long, described as both "firm" and "wiry" in different instances.
• Lateral Branches: Sparse.
• Ligule: A fringe of hairs.
• Leaf-blades: Linear or lanceolate.
• The plant can form green mats.
• Stolons may be absent or present.

Quirky Facts

• The genus name Calyptochloa is derived from the Greek words "kalyptos" (hidden, covered) and "chloe" (grass), alluding to something hidden or covered within the grass.

Further Information

• World Checklist of Selected Plant Families: Calyptochloa in World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
• Australian Plant Name Index (APNI): See APNI for further information on the name.
• WetlandInfo, Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (Queensland): ehp.qld. gov.au/wetlands/ecology/components/species/?calyptochloa-gracillima
• B and T World Seeds' database
• International Plant Names Index checklist
• Tropicos database
• Flora of Australia series (note: Calyptochloa is not yet available in this series)
• Kew.org's grasses database