Phalaris coerulescens Desf.

Spice Glumes detail In the field Inflorescence

Family: GRAMINEAE (POACEAE)

Genus: Phalaris

Catalan common name: Escaiola.

Province distribution: Balearic Islands. Barcelona.

Distribution in the islands: Mallorca. Menorca.

General distribution (Phytogeography): Mediterranean

IUCN Category: LCLeast concern

Flowering time: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Life-forms: Hemicryptophyte.

Habitats: Cultivated fields, path and road sides, disturbed zones. Non-saline wetlands (intermittent watercourses, streams, artesian wells, ditches). Cultivated fields, path and road sides, disturbed zones.

Characteristics: A tall Gramineae (up to a metre in height), slender, with an elongated and compact inflorescence with violet colourations, often encompassed by the collar of the superior leaf. The spikelets have glumes with wide, dentate awns. A perennial and has a rhizome. Lives along field borders, in slightly wet soils. Flowers in spring.