Ampelodesmos mauritanicus (Poiret) T. Durand et Schinz

Spice Spikelet In the field In the field 2 Inflorescence

Family: GRAMINEAE (POACEAE)

Genus: Ampelodesmos

Catalan common name: Carç. Carcera. Càrritx. Faió. Fenassa. Xirca.

Province distribution: Balearic Islands. Barcelona. Girona. Tarragona.

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

General distribution (Phytogeography): West Mediterranean

Uses and properties: Furniture, construction and tools.

IUCN Category: LCLeast concern

Flowering time: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Life-forms: Hemicryptophyte.

Habitats: Tree heather maquis and silicolous garigues. Garriques and forests.

Characteristics: Mauritanian grass makes the typical savannah-like landscape of our mountains. It has spread tremendously, favoured by the fires caused by shepherds to make pastures for their sheep. This is a very large Gramene with leaves that are rough to the touch and can even cut the skin of our hands if we are not careful.