Trachynia distachya (L.) Link

Spice Spike In the field

Family: GRAMINEAE (POACEAE)

Genus: Trachynia

Sinònims: Brachypodium distachyon (L.) Beauv.

Province distribution: Alacant. Balearic Islands. Barcelona. Castelló. Girona. Lleida. Tarragona. València.

Distribution in the islands: Mallorca. Menorca. Ibiza. Formentera. Cabrera.

General distribution (Phytogeography): Mediterranean

IUCN Category: LCLeast concern

Flowering time: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Life-forms: Terophyte.

Habitats: Therophytic calicole fields. Therophytic silicolous fields. Rocky surfaces and dry stone walls. Therophytics communities.

Characteristics: A small annual cycle Gramineae can be often found on terraphyte fields/meadows as well in garrigues and trailsides. This erect plant rarely reaches more than 20 cm in height. The spicules have awns directly attached to the stem. Cannot be confused with Lolium species as this later species has spicules with only one glume. Flowers throughout the spring, until the end of June.