| Orcuttia viscida | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Genus: | Orcuttia |
| Species: | O. viscida
|
| Binomial name | |
| Orcuttia viscida (Hoover) J.Reeder
| |
Orcuttia viscida is a rare species of grass known by the common name Sacramento Orcutt grass.
Distribution[edit]
It is endemic to Sacramento County, California, where it grows only in vernal pools, a rare and declining type of habitat. As of 1997, two of the nine known populations had been extirpated as habitat has been consumed for urban development, and it was federally listed as an endangered species.[1]
Since its listing, one additional occurrence of the plant has been discovered, for a total of eight extant populations.[2]
Description[edit]
Orcuttia viscida is a small, hairy, aromatic annual grass forming sticky, glandular tufts up to 10 or 15 centimeters in maximum height. The inflorescence is a small, crowded cluster of spikelets with awned tips that curve outward at maturity, giving the spikes a bristly appearance.[1]
References[edit]
- ^ a b USFWS. Determination of endangered status for three plants and threatened status for five plants from vernal pools in the Central Valley of California. Federal Register March 26, 1997.
- ^ USFWS. Final designation of critical habitat for four vernal pool crustaceans and eleven vernal pool plants in California and southern Oregon. Federal Register August 6, 2003.
External links[edit]
- Jepson Manual Treatment - Orcuttia viscida
- Grass Manual Treatment - Orcuttia viscida
- Orcuttia viscida - Photo gallery
Well, that’s interesting to know that Psilotum nudum are known as whisk ferns. Psilotum nudum is the commoner species of the two. While the P. flaccidum is a rare species and is found in the tropical islands. Both the species are usually epiphytic in habit and grow upon tree ferns. These species may also be terrestrial and grow in humus or in the crevices of the rocks.
View the detailed Guide of Psilotum nudum: Detailed Study Of Psilotum Nudum (Whisk Fern), Classification, Anatomy, Reproduction