Polypogon monspeliensis (L.) Desf.

Spice In the field Inflorescence

Family: GRAMINEAE (POACEAE)

Genus: Polypogon

Catalan common name: Cua de rata. Pelosa.

Spanish common name: Cola de zorra.

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

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

General distribution (Phytogeography): Mediterranean

IUCN Category: LCLeast concern

Flowering time: JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Life-forms: Terophyte.

Habitats: Litoral marshes and riparian. Non-saline wetlands (intermittent watercourses, streams, artesian wells, ditches). Fields, path and road sides near of wedlands.

Characteristics: This Gramene forms a long, compact inflorescence which looks and feels silky. The leaves are flat, and the whole plant grows erectly normally with several specimens together. It can be distinguished from other species of the genus because it is much larger, it can reach nearly a metre in height. It can be distinguished from harestails (Lagurus ovatus) because o fits size and because this has a short, oval inflorescence. It lives near moist zones and torrents (dry river beds). It flowers in spring.