Pacific bent grass facts for kids
{{Speciesbox |image = Starr_020508-9002_Agrostis_avenacea.jpg |genus = Lachnagrostis |species = filiformis |authority = (G.Forst.) Trin. |synonyms_ref =
|synonyms =
- Agrostis avenacea J.F.Gmel.
- Agrostis chamissonis (Trin.) Trin.
- Agrostis debilis Poir.
- Agrostis filiformis (G.Forst.) Biehler
- Agrostis forsteri Rich. ex Roem. & Schult.
- Agrostis lasiantha Phil.
- Agrostis leonii Parodi
- Agrostis ligulata Steud.
- Agrostis novae-hollandiae P.Beauv.
- Agrostis retrofracta Willd.
- Agrostis solandri F.Muell.
- Avena filiformis G.Forst.
- Calamagrostis avenacea (J.F.Gmel.) W.R.B.Oliv.
- Calamagrostis chamissonis (Trin.) Steud.
- Calamagrostis filiformis (G.Forst.) Cockayne
- Calamagrostis forsteri (Kunth) Steud.
- Calamagrostis retrofracta (Willd.) Link ex Steud.
- Calamagrostis willdenowii Steud.
- Deyeuxia chamissonis (Trin.) Kunth
- Deyeuxia filiformis (G.Forst.) Petrie
- Deyeuxia filiformis var. aristata (Benth.) Domin
- Deyeuxia filiformis var. laeviglumis (Benth.) Domin
- Deyeuxia forsteri Kunth
- Deyeuxia forsteri var. aristata Benth.
- Deyeuxia forsteri var. laeviglumis Benth.
- Deyeuxia retrofracta (Willd.) Kunth
- Lachnagrostis avenacea (J.F.Gmel.) Veldkamp
- Lachnagrostis chamissonis Trin.
- Lachnagrostis forsteri Trin.
- ...
Lachnagrostis filiformis is a type of grass often called Pacific bent grass. You might also hear it called New Zealand wind grass, fairy grass, or blown-grass. It is originally from Australia, New Zealand, and other Pacific Islands. This includes places like New Guinea and Easter Island.
This grass can grow in many different places. However, it especially likes areas with wet soil, such as near rivers or lakes. It has also spread to other parts of the world. These places include southern Africa, the United Kingdom, Taiwan, and parts of the United States and Mexico.
Contents
What is Pacific Bent Grass?
Pacific bent grass is a perennial grass. This means it lives for more than two years. It grows in clumps and can reach up to 65 centimeters (about 2 feet) tall. Its leaves are flat and usually 8 to 25 centimeters long. They are about 2 to 3 millimeters wide.
The stems of this grass are hollow. They can be round or have many sides. The plant produces flowers in June and July. These flowers grow on a part called an inflorescence, which can be 7 to 30 centimeters long. It looks like a fluffy, wispy bunch of strands. Each strand has tiny, fuzzy spikelets at its end. These spikelets are only two or three millimeters long.
Where Does Pacific Bent Grass Grow?
This grass is native to Australia, New Zealand, and other Pacific Islands. It has spread to many other countries. When a plant or animal moves to a new place and causes harm, it is called an introduced species or an invasive species.
In some places, like California, Pacific bent grass is a problem. It grows in sensitive areas called vernal pool ecosystems. These are special wetlands that fill with water in winter and spring, then dry up. The grass can take over these areas. This harms the native plants and animals that live there.
Why is Pacific Bent Grass a Problem?
In Australia, this grass can be a fire hazard. This means it can easily catch fire and help fires spread. It can also cause problems for trains.
Because it spreads easily and can harm local environments, Lachnagrostis filiformis is sometimes called a noxious weed. This means it is a plant that is harmful to agriculture or natural ecosystems.
See also
In Spanish: Agrostis avenacea para niños
