Grass

Grass is a common term that refers to a large family of plants known as the Poaceae or Gramineae. This family includes around 12,000 species that are native to all parts of the world. Grasses are notable for their long, slender leaves and hollow stems. They are a vital part of many ecosystems and are the primary food source for many herbivorous animals.

Characteristics

Grasses have a number of distinctive characteristics that set them apart from other plants. These include their long, slender leaves, which are typically rolled in the bud, and their hollow, jointed stems. The flowers of grasses are usually small and inconspicuous, and are grouped together in inflorescences.

Types of Grasses

There are many different types of grasses, including both annual and perennial species. Some of the most common types include Bermuda grass, Kentucky bluegrass, and ryegrass. Other notable types include bamboo, which is the largest member of the grass family, and wheat, corn, and rice, which are important cereal crops.

Uses of Grasses

Grasses have many uses, both in their natural ecosystems and in human society. They are a vital food source for many herbivorous animals, and also provide habitat for a wide range of insects and other small creatures. In human society, grasses are used for a wide range of purposes, including as food (in the form of cereal crops), as a surface for sports fields and lawns, and as a source of biofuel.

Grass and the Environment

Grasses play a vital role in many ecosystems. They help to prevent soil erosion by holding the soil together with their extensive root systems, and they also play a key role in the carbon cycle by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

See Also

• Lawn
• Turf
• Pasture
• Meadow
• Prairie
• Savanna

References

Grass Resources
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