Melica imperfecta

Melica imperfecta
File:Melicaimperfecta.jpg
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Monocots
(unranked):	Commelinids
Order:	Poales
Family:	Poaceae
Genus:	Melica
Species:	M. imperfecta
Binomial name
Melica imperfecta Trin.

Melica imperfecta is a species of grass known by the common name smallflower melic and little California melic.

It is native to the Arizona, California, and Nevada in the United States and Baja California in Mexico. It grows in chaparral, woodlands, montane regions, and other dry areas.

Description

Melica imperfecta is a perennial grass growing up to 1.2 metres (3.9 ft) in maximum height, and is classified as a bunchgrass by lacking rhizomes and corms. The inflorescence is a narrow or spreading series of spikelets which are green in color with areas of purple.

Cultivation

Melica imperfecta is cultivated in the specialty horticulture trade and available as an ornamental grass for: natural landscape, native plant, drought tolerant water conserving, and habitat gardens.

See also

• Native grasses of California

External links

• Jepson Manual Treatment — Melica imperfecta
• USDA Plants Profile: Melica imperfecta (smallflower melicgrass)
• Grass Manual Treatment
• Melica imperfecta — U.C. Photo gallery