Melinis nerviglumis is a species of grass known by the common names mountain red top or bristle-leaved red top. The Latin name refers to the veined glume.[2] It is native from tropical to southern Africa, the western Indian Ocean islands, and Indochina.[2] It is cultivated as a garden ornamental due to its colourful purple flowers.[3] The flowers are produced in summer and fade to white as they mature. By this time the seeds can be harvested for new plantings.

Mountain red top
Habit in South Africa
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Subfamily: Panicoideae
Genus: Melinis
Species:
M. nerviglumis
Binomial name
Melinis nerviglumis
Synonyms[1]
  • Melinis bachmannii Mez
  • Melinis muenzneri Mez
  • Melinis nyassana Mez
  • Melinis setifolia (Stapf) Hack.
  • Melinis villosipes Mez
  • Tricholaena congoensis Franch.
  • Tricholaena filifolia Franch.
  • Tricholaena nerviglumis Franch.
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References

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  1. ^ "Melinis nerviglumis (Franch.) Zizka". The Plant List (2013). Version 1.1. Retrieved 13 January 2016.
  2. ^ a b Clayton, W. D.; Vorontsova, M.; Harman, K. T.; Williamson, H. "Melinis nerviglumis". GrassBase - The Online World Grass Flora. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 13 January 2016.
  3. ^ Johnson, Isabel. "Melinis nerviglumis (Franch.) Zizka". PlantZAfrica.com. Natal National Botanical Garden. Retrieved 13 January 2016.