Brachypodium sylvaticum (Huds.) Beauv.

Spice

Family: GRAMINEAE (POACEAE)

Genus: Brachypodium

Catalan common name: Fenàs de bosc.

Province distribution: Balearic Islands.

Distribution in the islands: Mallorca. Menorca.

General distribution (Phytogeography): Eurosiberian

IUCN Category: LCLeast concern

Flowering time: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Life-forms: Hemicryptophyte.

Habitats: Oakforest. Non-saline wetlands (intermittent watercourses, streams, artesian wells, ditches). Holm oak forest. Humid soils.

Characteristics: A Gramineae that lives in shady and wet areas. Leaves are wide and rich green in colour, which distinguishes it from Brachypodium phoenicoides, which has narrow curled leaves. The spicules are located directly above the stem and form a large, arched inflorescence. The spicules have a long awn while those of Brachypodium phoenicoides are either reduced or absent. Flowers at the end of spring and throughout the summer.