Arrhenaterum elatius

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• false oatgrass
• meadow oatgrass
• tall oatgrass
• False Oat-Grass
• bulbous oatgrass
• onion couch
• onion twitch
• onion-root twitch

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Avenastrum elatius
• Avena elatior
• Holcus elatior

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Poales, it is a member of the family Poaceae. Specifically, it is identified by the genus Arrhenatherum, which includes the species Arrhenatherum elatius.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is found across several regions within Northern Europe. Its distribution specifically includes the coastal landscapes of Denmark and Finland. It can also be located throughout the islands of Føroyaar. Additionally, the species is documented within the territory of Great Britain. Finally, its geographical range extends to the island of Iceland.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Arrhenatherum elatius is characterized by its adaptability to a broad altitudinal gradient, ranging from sea level (0 m AMSL) to elevations as high as 3000 m AMSL. This species is primarily found inhabiting the "Campo Limpo" habitat, a type of open, grassy grassland ecosystem. Within these environments, the plant thrives in open landscapes that allow for significant exposure to solar radiation and specific soil compositions typical of these meadow-like formations.

Elevational range max:

3000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Campo Limpo

Genetics

The genetics of Arrhenatherum elatius are characterized by a stable chromosomal configuration, specifically defined by its ploidy level. The plant exhibits a diploid state, represented by the genomic notation 2n, which indicates that it possesses two complete sets of chromosomes. This fundamental genetic structure serves as the basis for its hereditary transmission and reproductive stability within its natural habitat.

Ploidy :

2, n

Life history

The life history of Arrhenatherum elatius is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. It functions as a hemicryptophyte, maintaining its perennuating buds at or near the soil surface, which aids in its survival across varying environmental conditions. Furthermore, the plant exhibits a deciduous nature, shedding its foliage as part of its seasonal cycle.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Life form :

hemicryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Arrhenatherum elatius is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody, graminoid herb. The plant is primarily terrestrial in its habitat and functions as an independent organism, rather than acting as a parasite or an epiphyte. In terms of stature, it is a self-supporting plant that does not exhibit climbing behavior such as a vine or liana. Its height is variable, ranging from a minimum of 0.5 m to a maximum of 1.5 m, with an average plant height of approximately 1.19 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

graminoid

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

1.5 m

Plant height mean:

1.19166666666667 m

Plant height min:

0.5 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Arrhenaetherum elatius is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway and a non-carnivorous nutritional strategy. The leaf morphology exhibits significant variability, with leaf lengths ranging from a minimum of 0.1 cm to a maximum of 30 cm, while the width is notably narrow, spanning from 0.1 cm to a maximum of 1 cm, with a mean leaf width of 0.7 cm. The average leaf size is recorded at 12.23 cm², and the plant maintains a mean Specific Leaf Area (SLA) of 282.54 cm²/g, reflecting its physiological approach to resource acquisition and light interception.

Carnivory :

non-carnivorous

Leaf length max:

30 cm

Leaf length min:

0.1 cm

Leaf size mean:

12.23 cm²

Leaf width max:

1 cm

Leaf width mean:

0.7 cm

Leaf width min:

0.1 cm

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Specific Leaf Area (SLA) mean:

282.54 cm²/g

Reproduction

The reproduction of Arrhenatherum elatius is characterized by a sexual process utilizing bisexual flowers, though self-fertilization is notably absent. The flowering period typically occurs between June and July, featuring an inflorescence structured as a panicle that ranges in length from 0.1 m to 0.3 m. Pollination is an abiotic process driven by wind. Following successful pollination, the plant produces dry fruits that contain a high density of seeds, with counts ranging from 101 to 1000 seeds per fruit. The seeds are relatively uniform in size, with a mean length of 3.2 mm, a mean width of 1 mm, and a consistent volume of approximately 3 mm³. In terms of mass, the seeds are lightweight, with a mean mass of 0.0025929 g, ranging from a minimum of 0.0016 g to a maximum of 0.00376 g. Dispersal is achieved through an anemochorous syndrome, meaning the seeds are dispersed by the wind. There is no recorded evidence of asexual reproduction for this species.

Dispersal syndrome :

anemochorous

Flowering time :

Jun

Flowering time :

Jul

Fruit dryness :

dry

Inflorescence :

panicle

Inflorescence length max:

0.3 m

Inflorescence length min:

0.1 m

Pollination syndrome :

wind

Pollination syndrome :

abiotic

Reproduction asexual :

absent

Reproduction sexual :

bisexual

Seed length mean:

3.2 mm

Seed mass max:

0.00376 g

Seed mass mean:

0.0025929 g

Seed mass min:

0.0016 g

Seed volume max:

3 mm³

Seed width mean:

1 mm

Seeds_per_fruit :

101-1000

Self fertilization :

absent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Arrhenatherum elatius has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Chemicals

Arrhenatherum elatius has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Cynaroside, THERMOPSOSIDE.

Cynaroside

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

THERMOPSOSIDE

1. Chemistry & biodiversity

Preparations

Arrhenatherum elatius has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include leaves.

Leaves

1. Chemistry & biodiversity