Gypsum grama facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gypsum grama |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Bouteloua
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| Species: |
breviseta
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Bouteloua breviseta is a type of grass. It is also known as gypsum grama or chino grama. This tough grass grows in dry, desert areas.
About Gypsum Grama
Gypsum grama is a grass that lives for many years. This means it is a perennial plant. Sometimes, it grows from underground stems called rhizomes. These rhizomes help the grass spread.
Where It Grows
This grass is native to the Chihuahuan Desert. You can find it in New Mexico and Texas in the United States. It also grows in Chihuahua, Mexico. This area is part of the northern Mexican Plateau.
What It Looks Like
The stems of gypsum grama are strong at the bottom. They can grow up to 40 centimeters (about 16 inches) tall. The leaves are usually short, only a few centimeters long.
How It Reproduces
The grass has a flower cluster called an inflorescence. This part is 2 to 4 centimeters long. It might have small branches. Gypsum grama mostly makes new plants by budding. It can also grow from seeds sometimes.
How People Use It
This grass is important for grazing animals. Ranchers might also add it to hay mixes. Hay is dried grass used to feed animals. Gypsum grama does not do well if animals eat too much of it. This is called overgrazing.
However, this grass can grow in tough places. It can take root where other grasses cannot survive.
