Contents
Description
Sclerochloa is a genus of grasses that belongs to the Poaceae family. This plant has only one species, Sclerochloa dura, which is native to North Africa, Southwest Asia, and Europe. Sclerochloa has both ornamental and medicinal properties, making it a popular plant among gardeners and herbalists alike. It is commonly known as Cilician hard grass, due to its origin from Cilicia, a region in southeastern Turkey.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Sclerochloa |
| Species | Sclerochloa dura |
Appearance
Sclerochloa is a perennial grass that grows up to 40 cm in height. It has a tufted growth habit, with thin, wiry stems that are green or grey-green in color. The leaves are narrow and pointed, with a bluish-green color, and can grow up to 10 cm in length. The inflorescence is a spike-like panicle, which can reach up to 15 cm in length. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, with a greenish-white color. The fruit is a caryopsis with a length of 1.5-2 mm and a width of 0.3-0.5 mm. The whole plant has a tough and wiry texture, which gives it its common name, Cilician hard grass.
Care Guide
Sclerochloa is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips to help you cultivate this plant:
- Water: Sclerochloa is drought-tolerant and can survive long periods without water. However, it prefers moist soil, so watering once a week during the growing season is recommended.
- Fertilization: Sclerochloa does not require frequent fertilization. A single application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring is sufficient.
- Soil: Sclerochloa prefers well-drained, sandy soil with a neutral to alkaline pH. It can tolerate poor soil conditions, but will not thrive in heavy clay soil.
- Sunlight: Sclerochloa prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is not suitable for indoor cultivation.
- Hardiness Zones: Sclerochloa is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sclerochloa is a relatively pest-free plant. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases, such as rust and leaf spot. These can be controlled by removing infected leaves and applying a fungicide. Sclerochloa is also not immune to grasshoppers, aphids, and other insects that can damage its leaves and stems.
Habitat
Sclerochloa is native to North Africa, Southwest Asia, and Europe. It is commonly found in rocky or stony habitats, such as hillsides, cliffs, and screes. It can also grow in disturbed areas, such as roadsides and abandoned fields. Sclerochloa is known for its ability to tolerate dry and harsh conditions, making it a suitable plant for xeriscaping and erosion control.
Question and Answer
Here are some frequently asked questions about Sclerochloa:
- Can Sclerochloa be grown in containers?
It is not recommended to grow Sclerochloa in containers, as it has a deep root system that requires ample space to grow. - Is Sclerochloa a good plant for erosion control?
Yes, Sclerochloa is a hardy plant that can help prevent soil erosion due to its tough and wiry texture. - Can Sclerochloa be used for grazing?
No, Sclerochloa is not a suitable plant for grazing, as it has low palatability and nutritional value for livestock. - Can Sclerochloa be propagated from seeds?
Yes, Sclerochloa can be propagated from seeds, which should be sown in the spring or fall.
Related Plants
- Stipa
- Nassella
- Festuca
- Poa
References
- Breckle, S. W. (2002). Walter’s Vegetation of the Earth: The Ecological Systems of the Geo-Biosphere. Springer Science & Business Media.
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Sclerochloa dura. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=292064&isprofile=0&
- Riffat, S., & Begum, S. (2011). Ethnobotanical study of Cilician hard grass (Sclerochloa dura Boiss.). Pakistan Journal of Botany, 43(4), 2111-2116.
