Hordeum
Hordeum
Hordeum (pronunciation: /ˈhɔːrdiəm/), commonly known as barley, is a genus of annual and perennial grasses in the family Poaceae (pronunciation: /poʊˈeɪsiaɪ/), also known as the grass family. The etymology of Hordeum is derived from the Latin word for barley.
Description
Hordeum species are characterized by their erect, tufted stems and long, flat leaves. The inflorescences are typically spike-like, with each spikelet containing one to three flowers. The grains, or caryopses, are typically covered by long, stiff awns.
Species
There are approximately 32 recognized species of Hordeum, including the economically important Hordeum vulgare (pronunciation: /ˈhɔːrdiəm ˈvʌlɡɛəri/), or cultivated barley. Other notable species include Hordeum jubatum (foxtail barley) and Hordeum murinum (wall barley).
Uses
Hordeum vulgare is one of the oldest cultivated grains, used for human consumption, animal feed, and as a component in various industrial products. Other species of Hordeum are used as ornamental plants or for soil stabilization.
Related Terms
- Caryopsis: A type of dry, one-seeded fruit typical of grasses, including Hordeum.
- Inflorescence: The arrangement of flowers on a plant.
- Spikelet: The basic unit of the inflorescence in grasses.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hordeum
- Wikipedia's article - Hordeum
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