Distichlis bajaensis
Distichlis bajaensis is a rare species of grass known by the common name Baja grass.[1]
| Distichlis bajaensis | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Genus: | Distichlis |
| Species: | D. bajaensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Distichlis bajaensis H.L.Bell | |
Distribution
Distichlis bajaensis is endemic to Baja California, Mexico, where it is known from only one location in a salt marsh just outside Rosarito.[1] The habitat is an arroyo with saline and alkaline soils which is grazed by goats and burros.[1]
The grass grows alongside other halophytes including spiny rush (Juncus acutus), iodinebush (Allenrolfea occidentalis), and pickleweed (Salicornia sp.).[1] Genetic and morphological analyses show that the plant is not any other Distichlis, nor a hybrid of the two most closely related Distichlis, and it was described to science as a new species in 2010.[1]
Description
Distichlis bajaensis is a rhizomatous perennial grass growing in short clumps and spreading via stolons. The leaf blades are no more than 1.5 centimeters long and are slightly bent; this bend is a good characteristic for identifying this grass in the field.[1] Like other Distichlis, Baja grass is dioecious, with male and female inflorescences; only the male inflorescence has been included in the official description because no good female specimens have been collected.[1]
References
- Bell, H. L. (2010). A new species of Distichlis (Poaceae, Chloridoideae) from Baja California, Mexico. Madroño 57:1 54-63.