Grasses of Puerto Rico
Encyclopedia
The grass family Poaceae
is the largest group of flowering plants present on the island of Puerto Rico
. With 258 species, it represents 9% of all Angiosperms
and 33% of all Monocots
.
The following is a list of grass species known to exist in Puerto Rico, separated by genus
:
Andropogon
Aristida
Arthrostylidium
Axonopus
Bothriochloa
Bouteloua
Dichanthelium
Echinochloa
Ichnanthus
Lasiacis
Leptochloa
Panicum
Paspalum
Pennisetum
Pharus
Schizachyrium
Setaria
Sporobolus
Urochloa
Zoysia
Poaceae
The Poaceae is a large and nearly ubiquitous family of flowering plants. Members of this family are commonly called grasses, although the term "grass" is also applied to plants that are not in the Poaceae lineage, including the rushes and sedges...
is the largest group of flowering plants present on the island of Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico , officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico , is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.Puerto Rico comprises an...
. With 258 species, it represents 9% of all Angiosperms
Flowering plant
The flowering plants , also known as Angiospermae or Magnoliophyta, are the most diverse group of land plants. Angiosperms are seed-producing plants like the gymnosperms and can be distinguished from the gymnosperms by a series of synapomorphies...
and 33% of all Monocots
Monocotyledon
Monocotyledons, also known as monocots, are one of two major groups of flowering plants that are traditionally recognized, the other being dicotyledons, or dicots. Monocot seedlings typically have one cotyledon , in contrast to the two cotyledons typical of dicots...
.
The following is a list of grass species known to exist in Puerto Rico, separated by genus
Genus
In biology, a genus is a low-level taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of living and fossil organisms, which is an example of definition by genus and differentia...
:
AndropogonAndropogonAndropogon is a genus of grasses. Andropogon gerardii, big bluestem, is the official state grass of Illinois.Broomsedge is found along the eastern United States...
- Andropogon bicornis
- Andropogon glomeratusAndropogon glomeratusAndropogon glomeratus is a species of grass known by the common names bushy bluestem and bushy beardgrass. This grass reaches heights approaching two meters-6 feet and has large, fluffy cream-colored inflorescences. Each dense, tufted inflorescence has several pairs of hairy spikelets. The leaves...
- Andropogon gracilis
- Andropogon leucostachyus
- Andropogon virginicusAndropogon virginicusAndropogon virginicus is a species of grass known by several common names, including broomsedge bluestem and yellowsedge bluestem. It is native to the southeastern United States and as far north as the Great Lakes. It is known as an introduced species in California and Hawaii, where it is...
AristidaThree-awnThe three-awns are the grass genus Aristida, distinguished by having three awns on each lemma of each floret. The genus includes about 300 species, found worldwide, often in arid warm regions...
- Aristida adscensionisAristida adscensionisAristida adscensionis is a species of grass known by the common name Sixweeks threeawn. It is native to the Americas but it is distributed nearly worldwide. It grows easily in disturbed and waste areas and has potential to become a weed....
- Aristida chaseaeAristida chaseaeAristida chaseae is a rare species of grass known by the common name Chase's threeawn. It is endemic to Puerto Rico, where it is known from two locations in the Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge and the Sierra Bermeja. It is a federally listed endangered species of the United States...
- Aristida portoricensisAristida portoricensisAristida portoricensis is a rare species of grass known by the common name pelos del diablo . It is endemic to Puerto Rico, where it is known from two locations, one in a residential area of Mayagüez and one in the Sierra Bermeja. Two other known sites have been extirpated by development of the...
- Aristida refracta
- Aristida spiciformis
- Aristida suringarii
- Aristida swartziana
ArthrostylidiumArthrostylidiumArthrostylidium is a genus of bamboo , comprising 20 species found in the New World. They are climbing bamboos.-Species:*Arthrostylidium angustifolium*Arthrostylidium auriculatum...
- Arthrostylidium farctum
- Arthrostylidium multispicatum
- Arthrostylidium sarmentosum
AxonopusAxonopusAxonopus is a genus of grasses known generally as carpetgrass. They are native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas...
- Axonopus aureus
- Axonopus compressusAxonopus compressusAxonopus compressus Axonopus compressus Axonopus compressus (Blanket grass, Broadleaf carpet grass, Lawn grass, Louisiana grass, Tropical carpet grass; syn. Axonopus compressus (Sw.) P.Beauv. var. australis G.A.Black, Milium compressum Sw., Paspalum compressum (Sw.) Nees, Paspalum platycaule Willd...
- Axonopus fissifoliusAxonopus fissifoliusAxonopus fissifolius is a grass which is often used as permanent pasture.-External links:**...
BothriochloaBothriochloaBothriochloa is a genus of grass in the Poaceae family. There are about 70 species found in tropical to warm temperate areas worldwide. They are often called beardgrass or bluestem.Species include:* Bothriochloa alta – tall beardgrass...
- Bothriochloa ischaemum
- Bothriochloa pertusa
- Bothriochloa saccharoides
BoutelouaBoutelouaBouteloua is a genus of the grass family, Poaceae. Members of the genus are commonly known as Grama. The genus was named for Claudio and Esteban Boutelou, 19th century Spanish botanists.-Selected species:-External links:*...
- Bouteloua americana
- Bouteloua juncea
- Bouteloua repens
Cenchrus
- Cenchrus brownii
- Cenchrus echinatusCenchrus echinatusCenchrus echinatus, common names southern sandspur, southern sandbur, Mossman River Grass is a member of the Poaceae or grass family. It is native to north and south America....
- Cenchrus gracillimus
- Cenchrus myosuroides
- Cenchrus spinifexCenchrus spinifexCenchrus spinifex, also known as the common sandbur or coastal sandbur, is a perennial grass that grows from 5 to 30 inches high in sandy or gravelly terrain. It is found throughout the southern United States southward into Mexico and the Caribbean, and also grows in the Philippines and South...
Chloris
- Chloris barbata
- Chloris ciliata
- Chloris cubensis
- Chloris elata
- Chloris radiata
- Chloris sagraeana
DichantheliumDichantheliumDichanthelium is genus of plants of the grass family , often known as Rosette grass.The genus Dichanthelium is only weakly distinguished from the genus Panicum, and some believe it should be included in it.- Species :...
- Dichanthelium aciculare
- Dichanthelium acuminatumDichanthelium acuminatumDichanthelium acuminatum is a species of grass from the genus Dichanthelium, in North America.D. acuminatum forms a hybridization complex with other Dichanthelium species such as D. dichotomum, D. sphaerocarpon, D. ovale, and D. aciculare....
- Dichanthelium dichotomum
- Dichanthelium leucothrix
- Dichanthelium ovale
- Dichanthelium sabulorum
- Dichanthelium scoparium
- Dichanthelium strigosum
Diectomis
- Diectomis fastigiata
- Diectomis argillacea
- Diectomis bicornis
- Diectomis ciliaris
- Diectomis dolichophylla
- Diectomis eriantha
- Diectomis horizontalis
- Diectomis insularis
- Diectomis ischaemum
- Diectomis longiflora
- Diectomis nuda
- Diectomis panicea
- Diectomis sanguinalis
- Diectomis setigera
- Diectomis similis
- Diectomis villosa
- Diectomis violascens
EchinochloaEchinochloaEchinochloa is a grass genus, some of whose members are millets grown as cereal or fodder crops. The most notable of these are Japanese Millet in East Asia, Indian barnyard Millet in South Asia and Burgu Millet in West Africa...
- Echinochloa colonaEchinochloa colonaEchinochloa colona is a type of wild grass originating from tropical Asia. It was formerly classified as a type of panicum grass.-Usage:...
- Echinochloa crus-galliEchinochloa crus-galliEchinochloa crus-galli is a type of wild grass originating from tropical Asia that was formerly classified as a type of panicum grass. It is commonly known as Cockspur , Common Barnyard Grass, or simply "barnyard grass"...
- Echinochloa crus-pavonisEchinochloa crus-pavonisEchinochloa crus-pavonis is a species of grass known by the common name gulf cockspur grass. It is native to much of the Americas, Africa, and part of Asia, and it is known throughout the world as an introduced species. It is an annual grass often exceeding 1.5 meters in maximum height...
- Echinochloa polystachya
- Echinochloa stagninaEchinochloa stagninaEchinochloa stagnina is a species of Echinochloa widespread in tropical Africa and Asia, with an invasive status in many Pacific islands....
Eragrostis
- Eragrostis amabilis
- Eragrostis barrelieri
- Eragrostis ciliaris
- Eragrostis curvula
- Eragrostis elliottii
- Eragrostis glutinosa
- Eragrostis hypnoidesEragrostis hypnoidesEragrostis hypnoides is a species of grass known by the common name teal lovegrass. It is native to the Americas from Canada to Argentina...
- Eragrostis pectinaceaEragrostis pectinaceaEragrostis pectinacea is a species of grass known by the common name Tufted lovegrass. This plant is native to the Americas from Canada to Argentina...
- Eragrostis pilosa
- Eragrostis urbaniana
IchnanthusIchnanthusIchnanthus is a genus of grass in the Poaceae family.- External links :*...
- Ichnanthus nemorosus
- Ichnanthus pallens
- Ichnanthus tenuis
LasiacisLasiacisLasiacis is a genus of grass in the Poaceae family.- External links :*...
- Lasiacis divaricata
- Lasiacis grisebachii
- Lasiacis ligulata
- Lasiacis sloanei
- Lasiacis sorghoidea
LeptochloaLeptochloaLeptochloa is a genus of grasses in the Poaceae family. Members of the genus are commonly known as sprangletops. The generic name is derived from the Greek words ληπτος , meaning "thin," and χλοα , meaning "grass," referring to the inflorescences.-Selected species:* Leptochloa chinensis Nees...
- Leptochloa fusca
- Leptochloa nealleyi
- Leptochloa panicea
- Leptochloa panicoides
- Leptochloa scabra
- Leptochloa virgata
PanicumPanicumPanicum is a large genus of about 450 species of grasses native throughout the tropical regions of the world, with a few species extending into the northern temperate zone...
- Panicum dichotomiflorumPanicum dichotomiflorumPanicum dichotomiflorum, known by the common name Fall panicgrass, is a species of Poaceae "true grass". It is native to much of the eastern United States and parts of Canada, and it can be found in the Western United States through California. It may be an introduced species in some western climates...
- Panicum diffusum
- Panicum elephantipes
- Panicum ghiesbreghtii
- Panicum laxum
- Panicum miliaceum
- Panicum parvifolium
- Panicum rigidulum
- Panicum schiffneri
- Panicum stenodes
- Panicum stevensianum
- Panicum tenerum
- Panicum trichanthum
- Panicum trichoides
- Panicum venezuelae
PaspalumPaspalumPaspalum is a genus of the grass family . Commonly known as paspalums, bahiagrasses or dallis grasses most are tall perennial American grasses. They are most diverse in subtropical and tropical regions....
- Paspalum arundinaceum
- Paspalum bakeri
- Paspalum blodgettii
- Paspalum boscianum
- Paspalum caespitosum
- Paspalum clavuliferum
- Paspalum conjugatum
- Paspalum convexum
- Paspalum decumbens
- Paspalum densum
- Paspalum dilatatumPaspalum dilatatumPaspalum dilatatum is a species of grass known by the common name dallisgrass. It is native to Brazil and Argentina, but it is known throughout the world as an introduced species and at times a common weed. Its rapid growth and spreading rhizomes make it an invasive pest in some areas...
- Paspalum dispar
- Paspalum distichumPaspalum distichumPaspalum distichum is a species of grass known by the common name knotgrass. Other common names include couch paspalum, eternity grass, gingergrass, and Thompson grass. Its native range is obscure because it has long been present on most continents, and in most areas it is certainly an introduced...
- Paspalum fasciculatum
- Paspalum fimbriatum
- Paspalum laxum
- Paspalum macrophyllum
- Paspalum maritimum
- Paspalum millegrana
- Paspalum minus
- Paspalum molle
- Paspalum notatum
- Paspalum orbiculatum
- Paspalum paniculatum
- Paspalum parviflorum
- Paspalum paucispicatum
- Paspalum pleostachyum
- Paspalum plicatulum
- Paspalum pulchellum
- Paspalum rupestre
- Paspalum secans
- Paspalum setaceum
- Paspalum urvilleiPaspalum urvilleiPaspalum urvillei is a species of grass known by the common name Vasey's grass, or Vaseygrass. It is native to South America, and it is known in parts of North America as an introduced species. It is a noxious weed where it has been introduced in Hawaii and New Caledonia. It grows well in disturbed...
- Paspalum vaginatum
- Paspalum virgatum
PennisetumPennisetumPennisetum is a genus of grasses in the family Poaceae, native to tropical and warm temperate regions of the world. They are large annual or perennial grasses growing 1–4 m tall, and are collectively known as the pennisetums...
- Pennisetum ciliare
- Pennisetum clandestinumPennisetum clandestinumThe tropical grass species Pennisetum clandestinum is known by several common names, most often kikuyu grass, as it is native to the region of East Africa that is home to the Kĩkũyũ tribe. Because of its rapid growth and aggressive nature, it is categorised as a noxious weed in some regions...
- Pennisetum glaucum
- Pennisetum polystachion
- Pennisetum purpureum
PharusPharusPharus is a genus of grass in the Poaceae family. It contains eight species, including Pharus ecuadoricus....
- Pharus lappulaceus
- Pharus latifolius
- Pharus parvifolius
Saccharum
- Saccharum bengalenseSaccharum bengalenseSaccharum bengalense, alternatively Saccharum bengalensis, is a plant in the sugarcane genus found in India, it is also known as the Baruwa sugarcane or Baruwa grass. One of its main ranges is in northern India, specifically in the grasslands of the Terai-Duar, it is a diet source for many animals...
- Saccharum officinarum
- Saccharum spontaneum
SchizachyriumSchizachyriumSchizachyrium is a genus of grasses in the Poaceae family. The name is derived from the Greek words σχίζειν , meaning "to split," and ἄχυρον , meaning "chaff." It refers to either the glume or the toothed lemmas. Members of the genus are commonly known as bluestems.-Selected species:-External links:*...
- Schizachyrium brevifolium
- Schizachyrium sanguineum
- Schizachyrium tenerum
SetariaSetariaSetaria is a genus of grasses in the Poaceae family.-Selected species:* Setaria cernua Kunth* Setaria dielsii R.A.W.Herrm.* Setaria faberi R.A.W.Herrm.* Setaria incrassata Hack. – Vlei Bristle Grass...
- Setaria barbata
- Setaria magna
- Setaria parviflora
- Setaria pradana
- Setaria rariflora
- Setaria setosa
- Setaria tenacissima
- Setaria utowanaea
- Setaria vulpiseta
SporobolusSporobolusSporobolus is a genus of grasses in the family Poaceae. They are usually called dropseed grasses or sacaton grasses. They are typical prairie and savanna plants, and they occur in other types of open habitat in warmer climates....
- Sporobolus cubensis
- Sporobolus domingensis
- Sporobolus indicusSporobolus indicusSporobolus indicus is a species of grass known by the common name smut grass.-Distribution:This bunchgrass is native to temperate and tropical areas of the Americas....
- Sporobolus pyramidatus
- Sporobolus tenuissimus
- Sporobolus virginicusSporobolus virginicusSporobolus virginicus, known by numerous common names including Marine Couch, Sand Couch, Coastal Rat-tail Grass, Salt Couch Grass, Saltwater Couch and Nioaka, is a coastal non-bunching tussock grass with a wide distribution.-Description:It is a perennial tussock grass from 10 to 50 centimetres in...
UrochloaUrochloaUrochloa is a genus of grass in the Poaceae family.-External links:*...
- Urochloa adspersa
- Urochloa arrecta
- Urochloa brizantha
- Urochloa decumbens
- Urochloa distachya
- Urochloa fuscata
- Urochloa maxima
- Urochloa mosambicensis
- Urochloa mutica
- Urochloa plantaginea
- Urochloa reptans
ZoysiaZoysiaZoysia is a genus of creeping grasses native to southeast and east Asia and Australasia. These species, commonly called zoysia or zoysiagrass, are found in coastal areas or grasslands. The genus is named after the Austrian botanist Karl von Zois.-Species:*Zoysia japonica Steud.*Zoysia macrantha...
- Zoysia matrellaZoysia matrellaZoysia matrella Merr., commonly known as Manila Grass, is a species of mat-forming, perennial grass native to temperate coastal southeastern Asia and northern Australasia, from southern Japan , Taiwan, and southern China south through Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines to northern...
- Zoysia tenuifolia