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Phalaris brachystachys

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True canary grass

Poaceae Edible: Seeds, Cereal 63 iNaturalist observations

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Phalaris brachystachys, the confused canary-grass or shortspike canarygrass, is an annual grass with growth habits and cultural requirements similar to Phalaris aquatica. It is native to the Mediterranean region. It grows most actively during the spring and fall, while resting during the heat of midsummer and the short cool days of winter. It also must be protected from heavy freezes. Some Phalaris species contain gramine, which can cause brain damage, other organ damage, central nervous system damage and death in sheep. While at least one strain showed an extremely strong occurrence of N,N-DMT as the sole alkaloid, other strains indicated the presence of 5-MeO-DMT as well. Strongly positive human bioassays have been reported using some clones.

Description

A grass in the Poaceae family native to the Mediterranean region.

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Edible Uses

The seeds are eaten as a cereal.

Distribution

It is a Mediterranean plant.

Where It Grows

Africa, Mediterranean, Morocco, North Africa,

Notes

There are about 15 Phalaris species.

Synonyms

See Arthraxon

References (2)

  • Jardin, C., 1970, List of Foods Used In Africa, FAO Nutrition Information Document Series No 2.p 7
  • Neues J. Bot. 1(3):134. 1806

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