Panicum lycopodioides, common name false club-moss panic grass or (in French) panic faux-lycopode, is endemic to the French island of Réunion in the Indian Ocean. It is found at high altitudes on the island, at elevations over 2000 m (6700 feet). The highest point on the island is Piton des Neiges, 3069 m (10,230 feet). The plant requires full sun-light and a cold climate.[1]

Panicum lycopodioides
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Subfamily: Panicoideae
Genus: Panicum
Species:
P. lycopodioides
Binomial name
Panicum lycopodioides
Bory ex Nees

The specific epithet "lycopodioides" means "similar to Lycopodium" in reference to the plant's general habitus superficially resembling certain species of club-moss. Stems grow horizontally, branching frequently, thus forming mats pressed against the ground. Leaves are small, pressed against the stem like the scales of Lycopodium.[2]

References

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  1. ^ Accuiel de Kriss Nature, panic faux-lycopode, Panicum lycopodioides
  2. ^ Bory, Jean Baptiste Georges Geneviève Marcellin, in Nees von Esenbeck, Christian Gottfried Daniel. Flora Brasiliensis seu Enumeratio Plantarum 2(1): 236. 1829.