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Aeluropus littoralis
Scientific Name: Aeluropus littoralis
Family: Poaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Graminoid
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Aeluropus littoralis: A Detailed Overview
Aeluropus littoralis, commonly known as Indian walnut, is a fascinating grass species adapted to harsh, salty environments. This perennial plant has garnered attention for its resilience and unique physiological characteristics.
Scientific Name and Common Names
- Scientific Name: Aeluropus littoralis (Gouan) Parl.
- Common Name: Indian walnut
- Other Names: Dactyle des grèves (French)
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
- Kingdom: (Implied: Plantae)
- Synonyms:
- Aeluropus littoralis subsp. intermedius (Regel) Tzvelev
- Aeluropus littoralis var. micrantherus (Tzvelev) K.L.Chang
- Aeluropus micrantherus Tzvelev
- Poa littoralis Gouan (homotypic synonym)
- Subspecies:
- Aeluropus littoralis subsp. littoralis
- Aeluropus littoralis subsp. intermedius (Regel) Tzvelev
- Aeluropus littoralis subsp. korshinskyi
Distribution and Habitat
Aeluropus littoralis is native to Eurasia and Africa, with a wide distribution from Sicily to Kazakhstan and the Nicobar Islands. It thrives in coastal and saline environments, including Mediterranean regions and areas extending to India. It is also found in Iraq, Iran and Cyprus.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Habit: Perennial, caespitose (clumped)
- Growth Form: Loosely clumped
- Rhizomes: Elongated
- Culms: Prostrate, 5-30 cm long
- Butt Sheaths: Glabrous (smooth)
Ecological Role
Aeluropus littoralis is a C4 perennial halophyte, meaning it's adapted to high salt concentrations. It is even found growing as a weed in salty environments. It demonstrates high salt tolerance, surviving in conditions with up to 1100 mM and 1500 mM NaCl.
Genetic and Cytological Information
The genome size of Aeluropus littoralis is approximately 342 Mb. Research has focused on identifying and characterizing genes responsible for salt tolerance, such as the Na+/H+ antiporter gene, AlSAP gene, and AlHAK1 gene. These genes, when expressed in other plants like rice, can confer increased tolerance to abiotic stresses such as salt, drought, and cold.
Interactions with Other Organisms
Studies have investigated the effects of heavy metals (Cd, Co, Pb, Ag) on Aeluropus littoralis, exploring its oxidative stress and detoxification responses.
Further Information
- Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN), U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service
- ARKive (for photos and facts)
- International Plant Names Index