Dichanthelium inflatum (Scribn. & J.G. Sm.) J.R. Thomas

Locations ofDichanthelium inflatum (Scribn. & J.G. Sm.) J.R. Thomas in Virginia

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Detail

Family
Poaceae
Botanical Name
Dichanthelium inflatum (Scribn. & J.G. Sm.) J.R. Thomas
Common Name
Synonym(s)
Panicum inflatum Scribn. & J.G. Sm.; Panicum sphaerocarpon subsp. inflatum (Scribn. & J.G. Sm.) Hitchc.
Flora of Virginia Name/Status
Not in Flora of Virginia; discovered after its publication
Comments
The first known collection was made in 2015 but an examination of herbarium specimens may reveal additional populations. This taxon was recognized as distinct from sphaerocarpon in Hitchcock and Chase (1935) but generally placed in synonymy afterward. Justin Thomas made the combination in Dichanthelium and described its distinctive morphology in Missouriensis 35: 1-2 (2018). Some useful characters to differentiate it from sphaerocarpon are: ligule noticeable, up to 1mm (vs. obselete in sphaerocaron), spikelets 1.3-1.5 mm (vs. 1.5-1.8), autumnal branching initiated during vernal flowering (vs. not), cilia fewer per leaf margin, and sheaths with more abundant viscid spots. Differences in leaf and panicle morphology are also alleged. Varietal status may be more appropriate but the combination in Dichanthelium has not been made.
Habitat
Diverse powerline right of way, associated with Dichanthelium wrightianum, D. acuminatum var. acuminatum, D. consanguineum, Juncus longii, and Rhynchospora perplexa. Relatively dry habitat adjacent to creek headwaters.
Native Status
Native

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