Setaria viridis (L.) Beauv.

Spice Detail

Family: GRAMINEAE (POACEAE)

Genus: Setaria

Catalan common name: Cerreig verd. Moixos. Panissola verda. Xares. Xarrell. Xereix miller.

Spanish common name: Almorejo. Panizo silvestre.

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

Distribution in the islands: Mallorca. Menorca.

General distribution (Phytogeography): Paleotropical

IUCN Category: LCLeast concern

Flowering time: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Life-forms: Terophyte.

Habitats: Cultivated fields, path and road sides, disturbed zones. Cultivated fields, path and road sides, disturbed zones.

Characteristics: Setaria are Gramenes which colonize farmland and path-sides and are characteristic for having prickles on the spikelets which make them rough to the touch. Setaria viridis has the prickles pointing towards the tip. It is difficult to determine the species correctly since it is based on subtle features of the inflorescence; it is necessary to use a classification key. It flowers in summer and autumn, and was probably introduced in our flora.