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'''Poa''' is a large genus of grasses, commonly referred to as bluegrasses, belonging to the family [[Poaceae]]. The genus is widespread across temperate and subarctic regions of the world. The name "Poa" is derived from the Greek word for "fodder". Members of this genus are important both ecologically and economically, with several species used as [[forage]] and [[turfgrass]]. | |||
==Taxonomy== | |||
The genus ''Poa'' was first described by [[Carl Linnaeus]] in 1753. It is part of the [[Pooideae]] subfamily, which includes other economically important grasses such as [[wheat]] and [[barley]]. | |||
===Species=== | |||
There are over 500 species within the genus ''Poa''. Some of the most notable species include: | |||
* ''[[Poa pratensis]]'' - Commonly known as Kentucky bluegrass, it is widely used in lawns and pastures. | |||
* ''[[Poa annua]]'' - Known as annual bluegrass, it is a common weed in lawns and gardens. | |||
* ''[[Poa trivialis]]'' - Rough bluegrass, often used in cool, moist environments. | |||
==Morphology== | |||
''Poa'' species are typically perennial grasses, although some are annuals. They have narrow, linear leaves with a boat-shaped tip, a characteristic feature of the genus. The inflorescence is a panicle, which can vary in size and shape among species. | |||
* '' | |||
* '' | ===Leaves=== | ||
* '' | The leaves of ''Poa'' species are generally soft and flexible, with a distinctive keel-like shape. The ligule is membranous and varies in length. | ||
===Flowers=== | |||
The flowers are small and arranged in spikelets. Each spikelet contains multiple florets, which are typically bisexual. The glumes are unequal, and the lemma is often keeled. | |||
==Ecology== | |||
''Poa'' species are adapted to a wide range of habitats, from alpine regions to lowland meadows. They are important components of grassland ecosystems, providing habitat and food for various [[wildlife]] species. | |||
==Uses== | |||
* '' | Several ''Poa'' species are cultivated for use as [[turfgrass]] in lawns, sports fields, and golf courses. ''Poa pratensis'' is particularly valued for its fine texture and ability to form a dense, resilient turf. | ||
[ | ==Cultivation== | ||
Poa | ''Poa'' species are generally easy to cultivate, requiring well-drained soil and adequate sunlight. They are tolerant of a range of soil types but prefer fertile, loamy soils. | ||
{{ | ==Pests and Diseases== | ||
''Poa'' species can be affected by various pests and diseases, including: | |||
* [[Rust (fungus)|Rust]] | |||
[[Category: | * [[Powdery mildew]] | ||
[[Category: | * [[Leaf spot]] | ||
[[Category: | |||
[[Category: | ==Conservation== | ||
While many ''Poa'' species are widespread and not considered threatened, habitat loss and environmental changes can impact certain populations. Conservation efforts focus on preserving natural habitats and promoting sustainable land management practices. | |||
==External Links== | |||
* [https://www.kew.org/science/tropicos/poa Poa at Kew Science] | |||
* [https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=POA USDA Plants Profile: Poa] | |||
{{stub}} | |||
[[Category:Poaceae]] | |||
[[Category:Pooideae]] | |||
[[Category:Grasses]] | |||
[[Category:Plant taxonomy]] | |||
== Poa == | |||
<gallery> | |||
File:Poa_annua.jpg|Poa annua | |||
File:Bluegrass-stem.jpg|Bluegrass stem | |||
File:Ruwbeemdgras_Poa_trivialis_ligula.jpg|Ruwbeemdgras Poa trivialis ligula | |||
</gallery> | |||
Latest revision as of 21:40, 23 February 2025
Poa is a large genus of grasses, commonly referred to as bluegrasses, belonging to the family Poaceae. The genus is widespread across temperate and subarctic regions of the world. The name "Poa" is derived from the Greek word for "fodder". Members of this genus are important both ecologically and economically, with several species used as forage and turfgrass.
Taxonomy[edit]
The genus Poa was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. It is part of the Pooideae subfamily, which includes other economically important grasses such as wheat and barley.
Species[edit]
There are over 500 species within the genus Poa. Some of the most notable species include:
- Poa pratensis - Commonly known as Kentucky bluegrass, it is widely used in lawns and pastures.
- Poa annua - Known as annual bluegrass, it is a common weed in lawns and gardens.
- Poa trivialis - Rough bluegrass, often used in cool, moist environments.
Morphology[edit]
Poa species are typically perennial grasses, although some are annuals. They have narrow, linear leaves with a boat-shaped tip, a characteristic feature of the genus. The inflorescence is a panicle, which can vary in size and shape among species.
Leaves[edit]
The leaves of Poa species are generally soft and flexible, with a distinctive keel-like shape. The ligule is membranous and varies in length.
Flowers[edit]
The flowers are small and arranged in spikelets. Each spikelet contains multiple florets, which are typically bisexual. The glumes are unequal, and the lemma is often keeled.
Ecology[edit]
Poa species are adapted to a wide range of habitats, from alpine regions to lowland meadows. They are important components of grassland ecosystems, providing habitat and food for various wildlife species.
Uses[edit]
Several Poa species are cultivated for use as turfgrass in lawns, sports fields, and golf courses. Poa pratensis is particularly valued for its fine texture and ability to form a dense, resilient turf.
Cultivation[edit]
Poa species are generally easy to cultivate, requiring well-drained soil and adequate sunlight. They are tolerant of a range of soil types but prefer fertile, loamy soils.
Pests and Diseases[edit]
Poa species can be affected by various pests and diseases, including:
Conservation[edit]
While many Poa species are widespread and not considered threatened, habitat loss and environmental changes can impact certain populations. Conservation efforts focus on preserving natural habitats and promoting sustainable land management practices.
