Polypogon monspeliensis

Annual rabbitsfoot grass

Polypogon monspeliensis, commonly known as Montpellier beard grass, is a perennial herb valued in traditional ethnobotany. Native to Mediterranean climates, this plant features delicate, feathery inflorescences. While primarily studied for its ecological role, it holds significant interest in herbal medicine for its unique bioactive compounds and potential therapeutic properties.

  • Scientific name: Polypogon monspeliensis
  • Family: Poaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Poales, it is classified under the family Poaceae. Its taxonomic identity is further defined by its placement within the genus Polypogon.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Poales WCVP
Family Poaceae WCVP
Genus Polypogon WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Polypogon monspeliensis, is referred to by various common names across different languages and cultures. In Russian, it is called Многобородник монпелиенский, while in Bulgarian, it is known as монпелийски полипогон. The Navajo name for this species is Dlodziłgaii bitseeʼ (tłʼoh). In East Asian contexts, its names vary as well: it is identified as 长芒棒头草 in Chinese and 갯쇠돌피 in Korean.
Language Common Name Source
ru Многобородник монпелиенский Wikidata
nv Dlodziłgaii bitseeʼ (tłʼoh) Wikidata
bg монпелийски полипогон Wikidata
zh 长芒棒头草 Wikidata
ko 갯쇠돌피 Wikidata
fa علف داسه Wikidata
sv Skäggräs Wikidata
cy Barfwellt unflwydd Wikidata
zh-tw 長芒棒頭草 Wikidata
cs vousec středomořský Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad presence across several distinct regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its range extends to the islands of Great Britain. Moving into Middle Europe, it can be found throughout Germany as well as in Austria. The species also inhabits the territories of Czechia and Slovakia within the central region. Finally, its distribution reaches into Southwestern Europe, specifically within the Baleares.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Southwestern Europe Baleares WCVP
Southwestern Europe Corse WCVP
Southwestern Europe France WCVP
Southwestern Europe Portugal WCVP
Southwestern Europe Sardegna WCVP
Southwestern Europe Spain WCVP

Chemicals

Polypogon monspeliensis has 8 reported phytochemicals identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include anthocyanins, coumarins, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols.

Total chemicals
8
Scientific sources
8

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
anthocyanins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
coumarins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
glycosides 1 ★☆☆☆☆
phenols 1 ★☆☆☆☆
saponins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
steroids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
tannins 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Polypogon monspeliensis has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Cytotoxic.

Total activities
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cytotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆