About Bouteloua curtipendula in Romania

Abstract

Bouteloua curtipendula (Michx.) Torr. is a well-known species on the American continent, whereas on the European continent it was found only in Czech Republic, being quoted in Index Seminum 2005, as a species cultivated in The Botanical Garden, PalackA½Â University in Olomouc, as well as in The Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew (Clayton et al. 2002). Following the material herborized by M. PAƒun (Ph.D. Professor of the Agronomic Instituted “T. Vladimirescu”, University of Craiova), in the Herbarium of the University of Craiova (CRA), we had the surprise to find out a species which has not been identified so far in Romania. This species has been collected by Marin PAƒun in June, 26th, 1962, in a region between Greci and Vladuleni (Osica de Sus) localities, Olt county, Oltenia Region, Romania, alt. 55 m Coordinats: 44°15′0″N, 24°19′0″E (Herbarium University of Craiova - CRA). We do not know the ways this species appeared in this area and, moreover, nobody has collected it since 1962 to the present. It may have been accidentally introduced in our country, together with the import of caryopses of cultivated gramineous species (Triticum sp., etc.). It is positive that the species existed after 1962 but nobody identified it and, thus, it was the subject of no research. The species is also interesting due to the fact that it is included in the list of invasive and exotic species on the American continent. The determinations were established according with the specialty literature found in the bibliography. With Ph.D. Professor Vasile CiocA¢rlan` s help (University of Bucharest), this species has been identified Bouteloua curtipendula (Michx.) Torr. Bouteloua curtipendula (Michx.) Torr (Syn.: Bouteloua racemosa Lag.). Perennial, with rhizomes. Culms, generally erect, solid, 2-3 mm diameter, 54 cm height, glabrous, purplish at the nodes. Leaves evenly distributed; sheaths glabrous, with papilla’s hairs in the long veins; blades < 25 cm long, < 4 mm wide, scabrous abaxially and adaxial. Ligules 0.3-0.5 mm long, membranous, ciliate. Inflorescences: composed of racemes, 13-30 cm, secund, with (12) 30-80 reflexed branches; branches (5)10-30(40) mm, deciduous, with (1)2-7(15) spikelets, axes terminating 3-5 mm beyond the base of the terminal spikelets, apices entire; angled to 1 side of slightly zigzag rachis, flag-like. Chromosomes: 2n = (20), 40, 41-103. Ecology: unknown yet. Flowering time: May-Aug. Distribution: China, North America, South America: Mesoamericana, western South America, and southern South America.