Rostraria cristata (L.) Tzvelev

Spice In the field Inflorescence

Family: GRAMINEAE (POACEAE)

Genus: Rostraria

Sinònims: Koeleria phleoides (Vill.) Domin Lophochloa cristata (L.) Hylander

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: Cultivated fields, path and road sides, disturbed zones. Therophytic calicole fields. Therophytic fields and road sides.

Characteristics: This is one of the most frequent Gramene to be found in dry meadows. Sometimes it is able to form carpets of individuals that occupy some square metres. It is small, erect, with a long, compact panicle, well separated from the leaves; it is bright green practically until the end of its cycle; the panicle slightly rough to the touch. We will find it in flower in deep winter.