Sporobolus indicus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sporobolus indicus |
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| Smut grass, Sporobolus indicus, growing as a weed on Midway Atoll | |
| Scientific classification | |
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Sporobolus
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| Species: |
indicus
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Sporobolus indicus is a type of grass often called smut grass. It's a tough plant that grows in clumps, and you can find it in many parts of the world. This grass is known for being very hardy and can grow almost anywhere.
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Where Smut Grass Grows
Smut grass originally comes from the temperate and tropical parts of North and South America. This means it naturally grew in places that are either warm all year or have clear seasons.
Today, you can find smut grass in many more places. It has spread to different regions and many Pacific Islands. When a plant grows somewhere it didn't originally come from, it's called an introduced species.
Smut grass often grows as a common weed in areas where the ground has been disturbed. This includes places like roadsides, fields, or construction sites. It has become a natural part of the plant life in places like Hawaii, Fiji, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, and Midway Atoll.
What Smut Grass Looks Like
Smut grass is a perennial bunchgrass. This means it lives for more than two years and grows in a clump or "bunch" rather than spreading out. Its stems can grow quite tall, sometimes up to about one meter (or three feet).
The leaves of smut grass are smooth, without any hairs, and can be up to 50 centimeters long. The plant's flowers grow in a dense, narrow, spike-like cluster called a panicle. These flower clusters are usually grayish or light brown. Sometimes, the base of this cluster is hidden by the top leaf.
Why It's Called Smut Grass
The name "smut grass" comes from a special reason. Sometimes, a black smut fungus can grow on the flower clusters and upper leaves of the plant. This fungus belongs to the genus Bipolaris. It makes the plant look like it's covered in black soot or "smut."
Interesting Facts About Smut Grass
An old book from 1889, called 'The Useful Native Plants of Australia,' shares some cool facts about smut grass. It was also known by other names like "Rat-tail Grass" and "Chilian Grass." Indigenous People living near the Cloncurry River in Northern Australia called it "Jil-crow-a-berry."
The book also says that smut grass is a good pasture grass. Its many deep roots help it survive even very dry weather. Animals like cattle enjoy eating it, but it's a bit too rough for sheep. The small seeds of smut grass are a main food source for many small birds. People have even thought about using smut grass to make paper!
