Axonopus fissifolius

From Coastal Plain Plants Wiki
Revision as of 15:32, 25 March 2019 by Asnyder (talk | contribs) (Description)
Jump to: navigation, search

Common name: Common Carpetgrass

Axonopus fissifolius
Axonopus fissifolius AFP.jpg
Photo by the Atlas of Florida Plants Database
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta - Flowering plants
Class: Liliopsida - Moncots
Order: Cyperales
Family: Poaceae
Genus: Axonopus
Species: A. fissifolius
Binomial name
Axonopus fissifolius
(Raddi) Kuhlmann
AXON FISS DIST.JPG
Natural range of Axonopus fissifolius from USDA NRCS Plants Database.

Taxonomic Notes

Synonyms: Paspalum fissifolium Raddi; Axonopus affinis Chase

Varieties: none

Description

A. fissifolius is a perennial graminoid of the Poaceae family, is native to North America and Puerto Rico, and has been introduced to Hawaii. [1] Leaf blade can be flat or folded, fine hairs along margin near the base, slightly pointed or rounded, and purplish or reddish when mature. Seedhead has 3 slender racemes, 2 at summit and 1 (rarely 2) below.[2]

Distribution

A. fissifolius can be found in the southeastern United States from Texas to Virginia, California, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. [1]

Ecology

Habitat

A. fissifolius is found in pine flatwoods, sandy forests, fields, roadsides, and lawns. [3] It has also been found in grassland areas with poor drainage, among other bunchgrasses. [4]

Phenology

A. fissifolius occurs more in spots where grazing and trampling were particularly heavy. [5]

Use by animals

A. fissifolius is rated as good forage. [6]

Conservation and Management

A. fissifolius is designated as a weedy or invasive plant by the Hawaiian Ecosystems at Risk Project, Biological Resources Division. [1]

Cultivation and restoration

Photo Gallery

References and notes

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 USDA Plant Database https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=AXFI
  2. Magee, P. (2005). Plant Fact Sheet: Common Carpetgrass Axonopus fissifolius. N.R.C.S. United States Department of Agriculture. Baton Rouge, LA.
  3. . Weakley, A. S. (2015). Flora of the Southern and Mid-Atlantic States. Chapel Hill, NC, University of North Carolina Herbarium.
  4. Boughton, E., et al. (2013). "Season of fire and nutrient enrichment affect plant community dynamics in subtropical semi-natural grasslands released from agriculture." Biological Conservation 158: 239-247.
  5. Lewis, C. E. (1970). "Responses to chopping and rock phosphate on south Florida ranges " Journal of Range Management 23: 276-282.
  6. Hilmon, J. B. (1964). "Plants of the Caloosa Experimental Range " U.S. Forest Service Research Paper SE-12