Eragrostis curvula: Difference between revisions
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<b><i>Eragrostis curvula</b></i> can have a variable appearance ranging from 120 cm to 180 cm in height. The plant grows tufts of narrow leaves that can reach 1 ft in diameter and are bluish-green in color. The leaves can grow up to 2 ft <ref> Eragrostis curvula, North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/eragrostis-curvula/ Accessed 07 May 2023.</ref> and clump together in a drooping position at the base of the plant. The blades of each leaf, roll inwards <ref> Eragrostis curvula, Weeds of Australia. 2016 https://keyserver.lucidcentral.org/weeds/data/media/Html/eragrostis_curvula.htm. Accessed 07 May 2023</ref> and have a rough texture that are attached to hairless stems. The leaves get narrower as they reach the tip of the branch. | <b><i>Eragrostis curvula</b></i> can have a variable appearance ranging from 120 cm to 180 cm in height. The plant grows tufts of narrow leaves that can reach 1 ft in diameter and are bluish-green in color. The leaves can grow up to 2 ft <ref> Eragrostis curvula, North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/eragrostis-curvula/ Accessed 07 May 2023.</ref> and clump together in a drooping position at the base of the plant. The blades of each leaf, roll inwards <ref> Eragrostis curvula, Weeds of Australia. 2016 https://keyserver.lucidcentral.org/weeds/data/media/Html/eragrostis_curvula.htm. Accessed 07 May 2023</ref> and have a rough texture that are attached to hairless stems. The leaves get narrower as they reach the tip of the branch. | ||
[[File:weeping_lovegrass.jpeg|thumb| | [[File:weeping_lovegrass.jpeg|500px|thumb|]] | ||
== Growth == | == Growth == | ||
Revision as of 16:24, 7 May 2023
Eragrostis curvula, commonly known as weeping lovegrass is a perennial grass native to South Africa. Eragrostis curvula has been introduced to North America and Australia since the 20th century and is now widespread. It occurs in areas that have been recently disturbed such as after fires or overgrazed grasslands.
| Kingdom | Order | Family | Genus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plantae | Poales | Poaceae | Eragrostis |
Description
Eragrostis curvula can have a variable appearance ranging from 120 cm to 180 cm in height. The plant grows tufts of narrow leaves that can reach 1 ft in diameter and are bluish-green in color. The leaves can grow up to 2 ft [1] and clump together in a drooping position at the base of the plant. The blades of each leaf, roll inwards [2] and have a rough texture that are attached to hairless stems. The leaves get narrower as they reach the tip of the branch.
Growth
The root system of Eragrostis curvula is dense and fibrous, reaching up to 13 ft below the soil surface vertically, and up to 3 ft laterally[3]. Roots can grow 2 in a day and create thick mats that aid in erosion control. The large root system makes it suitable for dryer soils such as in desert areas. It's hardiness and drought-tolerance also makes it easy to establish alongside highways or roadsides that have high salinity soil. Full light is optimal but Eragrostis curvula can tolerate partial sun although it doesn't reproduce as fast.
The inflorescence of Eragrostis curvula starts as a tightly closed panicle but slowly opens up as it matures. At the base of the panicle, branches start to spread out that have green-grey or purple flower spikelets which turn paler in color as they flower[4]. The flower spikelets break open for seed dispersal which happens in the late summer/early fall season.
Eragrostis curvula reproduces through seed dispersal via animals, wind, and vehicles [5]. Seeds are small in size (<1 cm) and have an ovular shape that can be a yellow-brown in color. Panicles can produce 300 - 1000 seeds, with factors such as high temperatures, high moisture levels, and low humidity increasing seed production [6].
- ↑ Eragrostis curvula, North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/eragrostis-curvula/ Accessed 07 May 2023.
- ↑ Eragrostis curvula, Weeds of Australia. 2016 https://keyserver.lucidcentral.org/weeds/data/media/Html/eragrostis_curvula.htm. Accessed 07 May 2023
- ↑ Gucker, Corey L. 2009. Eragrostis curvula. In: Fire Effects Information System. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory. Available: https://www.fs.usda.gov /database/feis/plants/graminoid/eracur/all.html [2023, May 7]
- ↑ Eragrostis curvula, Weeds of Australia. 2016 https://keyserver.lucidcentral.org/weeds/data/media/Html/eragrostis_curvula.htm. Accessed 07 May 2023
- ↑ Eragrostis curvula, Weeds of Australia. 2016 https://keyserver.lucidcentral.org/weeds/data/media/Html/eragrostis_curvula.htm. Accessed 07 May 2023
- ↑ Gucker, Corey L. 2009. Eragrostis curvula. In: Fire Effects Information System. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory. Available: https://www.fs.usda.gov /database/feis/plants/graminoid/eracur/all.html [2023, May 7]