Ancistrachne maidenii facts for kids

Ancistrachne maidenii is a special type of grass. It belongs to the Poaceae family, which is the big family of grasses. This grass is only found in New South Wales, Australia. When something is only found in one place, we say it is endemic to that area.

About Ancistrachne maidenii

This grass is a perennial. This means it lives for more than two years. It grows by scrambling along the ground. It has thin, stiff stems and branches. These branches then grow upwards.

What Does It Look Like?

The leaves of Ancistrachne maidenii have parts called sheaths. These sheaths are a bit hairy. The ligule (a small flap where the leaf meets the stem) has a fringe.

The grass produces flower clusters called racemes. These racemes grow at the top of the plant or from the leaf joints. They are about 4 centimeters (1.6 inches) long. Some smaller racemes are partly hidden by the leaf sheath.

When the grass is mature, its spikelets fall off. Spikelets are small parts that hold the flowers and seeds. These spikelets are about 2.5 to 3 millimeters long.

Where Does It Grow?

Ancistrachne maidenii flowers during the summer months. It likes to grow on sandy soils. You can find it in areas north of Sydney, in New South Wales.

How Was It Named?

This grass was first described in 1913. A botanist named Arthur Hamilton gave it the name Eriochloa maidenii. Later, in 1961, another botanist, Joyce Vickery, changed its name to Ancistrachne maidenii. The name maidenii was chosen to honor a person named Joseph Maiden.

Is It Endangered?

In New South Wales, Ancistrachne maidenii is listed as a "threatened" species. This means it is at risk of disappearing if we don't protect it.