Achnatherum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Achnatherum |
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| Achnatherum parishii | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Subfamily: | Pooideae |
| Supertribe: | Stipodae |
| Tribe: | Stipeae |
| Genus: | Achnatherum P. Beauv. |
| Species | |
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about 100-300 species, see text |
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Achnatherum is a genus of plants, which is like a group of very similar plants. This group includes many types of needlegrass. These grasses are known for their long, thin seeds that look a bit like needles.
For a long time, many of these needlegrass species were grouped with another similar plant group called Stipa. Scientists are still working to figure out the best way to classify them. It's a bit like trying to sort very similar toys into the right boxes!
One important species, Achnatherum hymenoides, was a valuable food source for Native Americans. Another species, Achnatherum brachychaetum, is sometimes known as a weed, meaning it can grow where people don't want it.
What are Achnatherum Species?
There are many different kinds of Achnatherum plants. Scientists believe there are between 100 and 300 different species in this group. Many of these species look quite similar to each other. This is why they are sometimes confused with plants from the Stipa genus.
Scientists use special ways to identify and name each species. They look at tiny details of the plant's flowers, seeds, and leaves. This helps them decide if a plant belongs to Achnatherum or another group.
Some of the species that are currently recognized in the Achnatherum group include:
- Achnatherum bromoides
- Achnatherum calamagrostis
- Achnatherum inebrians
- Achnatherum sibiricum
Over time, as scientists learn more, some species might be moved from one group to another. This is a normal part of how we understand the natural world!
Images for kids
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A close-up of Achnatherum parishii, showing its needle-like seeds.
See also
In Spanish: Achnatherum para niños
