Melica smithii

Melica smithii (Smith's melic grass) is a species of grass that grows in the Canadian provinces Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec, Ontario, and the US states Idaho, Michigan, Montana, South Dakota, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.[2] The species is named after Charles Eastwick Smith.[1]

Melica smithii
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Genus: Melica
Species:
M. smithii
Binomial name
Melica smithii
(Porter ex A. Gray) Vasey
Synonyms[1]
  • Avena smithii Porter ex A.Gray
  • Bromelica smithii Porter ex A.Gray Farw.

Description

The species have scabrous leaf-sheaths and leaf-blades, with the last one being lax as well. Both leath-sheaths and blades are 10–20 centimetres (3.9–7.9 in) long and 6–12 millimetres (0.24–0.47 in) wide. It have 12–25 centimetres (4.7–9.8 in) long panicle with solitary branches. They are also distant and naked and sometimes 10 centimetres (3.9 in) reflexed. The species' spikelets have 3-6 flowers, are 18–20 millimetres (0.71–0.79 in) long and are purple in colour.[3]

Habitat

Can be found deciduous forests amongst beech, maple, and hemlock trees.[4]

Threat level

In Wisconsin the species is considered to be endangered.[3]

References
  1. "Melica smithii (Porter ex A.Gray) Vasey". Robert W. Freckmann Herbarium. Retrieved June 9, 2013.
  2. "Melica smithii (Porter ex A. Gray) Vasey". USDA. PLANTS Profile. Retrieved June 9, 2013.
  3. "Smith's Melic Grass (Melica smithii)". DNR. Retrieved June 9, 2013.
  4. A. A. Reznicek; E. G. Voss & B. S. Walters (February 2011). "Melica smithii". University of Michigan. Michigan Flora Online. Retrieved June 9, 2013.
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