Xerophyllum (plant genus)

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Xerophyllum
Beargrass (Xerophyllum tenax) in Glacier National Park (United States)

Beargrass ( Xerophyllum tenax ) in Glacier National Park (United States)

Systematics
Class : Bedecktsamer (Magnoliopsida)
Monocots
Order : Lily-like (Liliales)
Family : Germer family (Melanthiaceae)
Tribe : Xerophylleae
Genre : Xerophyllum
Scientific name of the  tribe
Xerophylleae
S. Watson
Scientific name of the  genus
Xerophyllum
Michx.

Xerophyllum is the only genus of the tribe Xerophylleae in the family of melanthiaceae (Melanthiaceae). This genus consists of only two species . The two species differ mainly in the height of growth, the size of the leaves, the diameter of the inflorescences, with Xerophyllum tenax being slightly larger in all characteristics than Xerophyllum asphodeloides , and their area of distribution . The botanical genus name Xerophyllum is made up of the Greek words ξηρός xerós for "dry" and φύλλον phýllon for "leaf".

description

The two Xerophyllum species are perennial herbaceous plants . The roots are thick. They form woody rhizomes that end in tubers (with “tunics”). Upright and unbranched stems sprout from this , bloom only after a few years and die after seed formation. The foliage leaves, which are largely arranged in a spiral at the base, but also around the stem , are thin, linear and keeled. The leaf margin is sawn.

Inflorescence with densely packed flowers of beargrass ( Xerophyllum tenax )

A terminal, racemose inflorescence is formed with closely spaced flowers and bracts . The small, fragrant flowers are hermaphroditic and threefold. The six more or less identical, cream-white bracts (tepals) have five to seven nerves. There are two circles with three stamens each; they are 3 to 4 mm long. Three carpels have become a top permanent ovary grown. The three free styluses are bent back.

Globular to egg-shaped, loculicidal capsule fruits are formed that contain two to four seeds per fruit compartment. The greenish-brown seeds are triangular, 3 to 4 mm in size and wingless.

The chromosome number for Xerophyllum tenax is 2n = 30.

use

Both species serve as ornamental plants .

The fibers of the leaves of the bear grass were woven into clothing and decorative waterproof baskets by the indigenous peoples . The fleshy rhizomes were roasted for several days and then eaten. Plant parts were used in folk medicine.

Systematics and distribution

The genus Xerophyllum consists of only two species. They used to form their own family Xerophyllaceae Takht. Both species were previously included in the genus Helonias . One species is native to eastern North America , the other to western North America:

swell

  • Frederick H. Utech: Xerophyllum in the Flora of North America, Volume 26, P. 71: Online (Engl.)

Individual evidence

  1. ^ Xerophyllum tenax at Tropicos.org. In: IPCN Chromosome Reports . Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis
  2. Entry in Plants for a Future.

Web links

Commons : Xerophyllum  - collection of images, videos and audio files