Zizaniopsis miliacea
| Zizaniopsis miliacea | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Genus: | Zizaniopsis |
| Species: | Z. miliacea
|
| Binomial name | |
| Zizaniopsis miliacea | |
Zizaniopsis miliacea is a species of grass known by the common names giant cutgrass, water millet, and southern wildrice. The name giant cutgrass refers to the plant's large, rough-edged leaves, and the name southern wildrice refers to its resemblance to wildrice (Zizania spp.).[1] It is native to the southeastern United States and it can also be found in central Mexico.[2]
This perennial grass grows from rhizomes, producing stems up to 4 meters tall and 3.5 centimeters wide. The stems root at nodes that come in contact with the substrate.[2] It also spreads via functional stolons (decumbent rooting stems) and vegetative buds that erupt from the stems.[1][3] The blue-green leaves are up to a meter long and 3 centimeters wide. The panicles may exceed 80 centimeters long and are usually up to 20 centimeters wide.[2]
This plant grows in aquatic habitat, such as marshes and riverbanks. It is also common in former rice paddies.[1] This grass forms large colonies by spreading via its stolon-like stems and rhizomes.[3] It grows in fresh and brackish water,[2] tolerating some salt in the water. It is sometimes planted for erosion control in wetlands.[4] Large stands of the plant are sometimes considered to be a nuisance, providing "poor wildlife habitat";[5] however, it does provide nesting sites, cover, and food for animals.[6]
References
- ^ a b c Fox, A. M. and W. T. Haller. (2000). Production and survivorship of the functional stolons of giant cutgrass, Zizaniopsis miliacea (Poaceae). Am J Bot 87(6) 811-18.
- ^ a b c d Zizaniopsis miliacea. Archived March 4, 2016, at the Wayback Machine Grass Manual Treatment.
- ^ a b Holmes, W. C. and D. T. Stalling. (1990). Studies on the reproductive strategy of Zizaniopsis miliacea (Michx.) Doell. & Asch. (Gramineae: Tribe Oryzeae). Castanea 55(2) 113-21.
- ^ Zizaniopsis miliacea. USDA NRCS Plant Fact Sheet.
- ^ Birch, J. B. and J. L. Cooley. (1982). Production and standing crop patterns of giant cutgrass (Zizaniopsis miliacea) in a freshwater tidal marsh. Oecologia 52(2) 230-35.
- ^ Zizaniopsis miliacea. University of Florida, IFAS.