| Hilaria rigida | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Genus: | Hilaria |
| Species: | H. rigida
|
| Binomial name | |
| Hilaria rigida (Thurb.) Benth. ex Scribn.
| |
| Synonyms[1] | |
|
Pleuraphis rigida Thurb. | |
Hilaria rigida (formerly Pleuraphis rigida[2]) is a species of clumping perennial grass that is widespread in California deserts.[3] It is commonly known as big galleta.[4][5][6][7] It is a monocot in the Hilaria genus of the grass family (Poaceae).[3]
It can be recognized after seed dispersal by the wiry, wavy inflorescence stalks (flexuose) that continue to stick out of the clump of leaf blades.[5][7] The stems are unusual among grasses in that they are solid, even between the nodes, whereas most grasses have hollow stems.[5]
The clumps help stabilize sand dunes.[5][8] According to botanist Philip A. Munz, "it is said to be one of the most valuable forage grasses of the desert".[6] Clumps can live more than 100 years.[5]
- ^ "The Plant List: A Working List of All Plant Species". Retrieved June 30, 2014.
- ^ Mojave Desert Wildflowers, Pam MacKay, 2nd. Ed 2013, p. 314
- ^ a b Hilaria rigida, CalFlora Database, CalFlora Database: Hilaria rigida (big galleta)
- ^ Jepson Desert Manual, Hickman, Ornduff, Constance, 2002, p. 592–593
- ^ a b c d e Mojave Desert Wildflowers, Pam MacKay, 2nd. Ed 2013, p. 285
- ^ a b Introduction to California Desert Wildflowers, Philip A. Munz, revised 2004, p. 70
- ^ a b Plants of the East Mojave, Adrienne Knute, revised ed. 2002, p. 55
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
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