Hymenachne patens (Hymenachne patens)

Description

Hymenachne is a genus of widespread wetlands plants in the grass family. They may be known commonly as marsh grasses. They are distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, the Americas, and the Pacific Islands. A species from the Americas, H. amplexicaulis, is well known in other parts of the world as an introduced and invasive species.Hymenachne is similar to genus Sacciolepis. Both were formerly considered part of Panicum.Hymenachne amplexicaulisTaxonomy:Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Liliopsida Order: Cyperales Family: Poaceae Genus: Hymenachne P. Beauv Species: Hymenachne amplexicaulis (Rudge) nees Reproduction:reproduces from seeds and broken stem fragments has a large number of viable seeds (98% viability of seed) seeds are transported in the water during annual flooding it is thought that waterbirds spread the spreads in droppings or seeds that stick to their feathers Role in Ecosystem:Provides a food source for cattle and other wildlife because it has 15.8% protein in whole plant Natural signal to migrating birdsPhysical Characteristics:-a tall (up to 2.5m) perennial aquatic grass that occurs in tropical America and the West Indies- -a robust, rhizomatous perennial grass- 1 to 2.5 m tall the inside of the stems are white long leaves 100-450mm 30mm wide leavesEcosystem Description:Tropical America and the West Indies Grows on land or on water Was brought into Florida about 30 years ago Lakes vary in size Lakes are fed by water draining into them Lakes eventually -disappear-Obtaining Food:C3 photosynthesis- does best in late Spring/ early Summer Plants have adapted so that seeds are transported in the water during annual flooding (well adapted to flooding conditions) Large leaves- better for photosynthesis Can grow on land and water Can retain moisture for extended periods of timeHymenachne aquatic plants frequently found in marshes and other wet habitats. Their stems are spongy with aerenchyma tissue. The longest stems can reach 4 meters. They are perennial, sometimes with rhizomes. The leaves are linear or lance-shaped. The inflorescence is usually a cylindrical, spike-shaped panicle, rarely with branches.