Polypogon monspeliensis
(L.) Desf.
Annual rabbitsfoot grass
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Summary
Source: WikipediaPolypogon monspeliensis, commonly known as annual beard-grass or annual rabbitsfoot grass, is a species of grass. It is native to the Old World, but it can be found today throughout the world as an introduced species and sometimes a noxious weed. It is an annual grass growing to heights between 5 centimeters and one meter. The soft, fluffy inflorescence is a dense, greenish, plumelike panicle, sometimes divided into lobes. The spikelets have long, thin, whitish awns, which give the inflorescence its texture.
Description
An annual grass. It forms tufts. It grows 60 cm tall. The leaf blades are 2-13 cm long by 2-9 mm wide. They are rough on the top surface and smooth underneath.
Edible Uses
This plant has been used extensively as food. No further details are recorded, though it is likely the seed that was eaten.
Medicinal Uses
An infusion of the plant ashes has been used in the treatment of heart palpitations.
Distribution
It is a warm temperate plant. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 3,100 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 7-10.
Where It Grows
Africa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Brazil, Caucasus, Central Asia, Chile, China, East Africa, Europe, India, Kazakhstan, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, North America, Pakistan, Paraguay, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, Southern Africa, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tasmania, Tibet, Turkmenistan, Uruguay, USA, Uzbekistan, Zimbabwe,
Propagation
Sow seed in spring in situ, covering only just lightly.
Other Uses
None known
Synonyms
Also Known As
Francoska bradica
References (4)
- Al-Sodany, Y. M., et al, 2013, Medicinal Plants in Saudi Arabia: I. Sarrwat Mountains at Taif, KSA. Academic Journal of Plant Sciences 6 (4): 134-145
- http://www.botanic-gardens-ljubljana.com/en/plants
- Moerman, D. F., 2010, Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press. p 425
- World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
