Echinopogon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Echinopogon |
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| Echinopogon caespitosus | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Clade: | BOP clade |
| Subfamily: | Pooideae |
| Tribe: | Poeae |
| Subtribe: | Echinopogoninae |
| Genus: | Echinopogon P.Beauv. |
| Type species | |
| Agrostis ovata (syn. of Echinopogon ovatus) |
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| Synonyms | |
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Echinopogon is a genus of grasses commonly known as hedgehog grasses. These unique plants are native to several parts of the world, including Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia, and New Zealand. They get their interesting name from their bristly seed heads, which can look a bit like a hedgehog!
Contents
What are Hedgehog Grasses?
Hedgehog grasses are perennial plants. This means they live for more than two years, often growing back each season. They have special flower clusters called panicles. These panicles are usually quite bristly, which is why they are called "hedgehog" grasses.
Where Do They Grow?
These grasses are found in various habitats across their native regions. You can find them in different parts of Australia, from Queensland to Victoria. They also grow on New Guinea, some islands in Indonesia, and both the North and South of New Zealand. They are well-adapted to their local environments.
Types of Hedgehog Grasses
There are several different species within the Echinopogon genus. Each one has its own specific places where it likes to grow:
- Echinopogon caespitosus - Also known as bushy hedgehog grass or tufted hedgehog grass, it grows in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria.
- Echinopogon cheelii - This is the longflower hedgehog grass, found in New South Wales and Victoria.
- Echinopogon intermedius - Known as erect hedgehog grass, it lives in Queensland and New South Wales.
- Echinopogon mckiei - This species is found in New South Wales.
- Echinopogon nutans - You can find this type in Queensland, New South Wales, and New Guinea.
- Echinopogon ovatus - Called forest hedgehog grass, it grows in New Guinea, all six states of Australia (plus Norfolk Island), the Lesser Sunda Islands, and New Zealand (North Island, South Island, and Chatham Islands).
- Echinopogon phleoides - This species is found in the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales.
See also
- For more information in Spanish, you can visit: Echinopogon para niños
Images for kids
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A robot icon, often used for kid-friendly content.
