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Description
Bromus Japonicus, commonly known as Japanese brome, is a species of grass that belongs to the Poaceae family. It is native to Asia and is widely distributed in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and China. It is an annual or biennial plant that can reach up to 1.5 meters in height. It has a fibrous root system and its stem is erect, slender, and branching. The leaves are long and narrow, with a smooth surface and pointed tips. The flowers are arranged in a panicle and have awns that are 25-35 mm long.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Cyperales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Bromus |
| Species | Bromus Japonicus |
Appearance
The Japanese brome has a unique appearance, making it easy to distinguish from other grass species. It has an upright stem that is green in color and can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. The leaves are long and narrow, measuring between 10-25 cm long and 2-6 mm wide. The leaf blades are flat and smooth, with pointed tips. The flowers are arranged in a panicle that can reach up to 30 cm long. The seeds are small and oval-shaped, measuring 2-3 mm in length.
Care Guide
Japanese brome is an easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips to keep your Japanese brome healthy:
- Water: Water your Japanese brome regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize your Japanese brome with a balanced fertilizer once every three months.
- Soil: Japanese brome grows well in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: Japanese brome prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Japanese brome can grow in hardiness zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Japanese brome is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be affected by the following:
- Leaf Rust: A fungal disease that causes yellow-orange spots on the leaves.
- Black Cutworm: A caterpillar that feeds on the stem of the plant, causing it to wilt and die.
- Wireworm: A beetle larva that feeds on the roots of the plant, causing stunted growth.
Habitat
Japanese brome is native to Asia and is widely distributed in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and China. It grows in open areas, including fields, meadows, and roadsides. It can thrive in a variety of soil types and can tolerate drought.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Japanese brome an invasive species?
A: Yes, Japanese brome is considered an invasive species in some areas, including North America and Europe.
Q: Can Japanese brome be used for forage?
A: Yes, Japanese brome can be used for forage, but it is not as nutritious as other grass species.
Q: How long does Japanese brome take to germinate?
A: Japanese brome typically takes 7-10 days to germinate.
Q: Can Japanese brome grow in shade?
A: Japanese brome prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Related Plants
- Bromus carinatus
- Bromus diandrus
- Bromus hordeaceus
- Bromus tectorum
References
- https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/bromus-japonicus/
- https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/graminoid/brojap/all.html
- https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/9305
