Swallenia
Encyclopedia
Swallenia is a monotypic genus containing the single species of grass
Swallenia alexandrae, which is known by the common names Eureka dunegrass and Eureka Valley dune grass. This genus was named for twentieth-century botanist Jason Richard Swallen.
, where it is found on a single isolated dune system, the Eureka Valley Sand Dunes
in the Eureka Valley.
Swallenia alexandrae is a coarse, tufted perennial grass which grows in sand from thick rhizome
s. Its stiffly erect clums, sharp-leafed grass, and erect pale-colored panicle inflorescences
are diagnostic.
, which is no longer permitted in its habitat
. Trespassing off-roaders and campers are still a threat to the five remaining occurrences.
Poaceae
The Poaceae is a large and nearly ubiquitous family of flowering plants. Members of this family are commonly called grasses, although the term "grass" is also applied to plants that are not in the Poaceae lineage, including the rushes and sedges...
Swallenia alexandrae, which is known by the common names Eureka dunegrass and Eureka Valley dune grass. This genus was named for twentieth-century botanist Jason Richard Swallen.
Description
This is a rare plant endemic to Inyo County, CaliforniaInyo County, California
-National protected areas:* Death Valley National Park * Inyo National Forest * Manzanar National Historic Site-Major highways:* U.S. Route 6* U.S. Route 395* State Route 127* State Route 136* State Route 168* State Route 178...
, where it is found on a single isolated dune system, the Eureka Valley Sand Dunes
Eureka Valley Sand Dunes
The Eureka Valley Sand Dunes are located in the southern part of Eureka Valley, in northern Inyo County in eastern California, in the southwestern United States...
in the Eureka Valley.
Swallenia alexandrae is a coarse, tufted perennial grass which grows in sand from thick rhizome
Rhizome
In botany and dendrology, a rhizome is a characteristically horizontal stem of a plant that is usually found underground, often sending out roots and shoots from its nodes...
s. Its stiffly erect clums, sharp-leafed grass, and erect pale-colored panicle inflorescences
Panicle
A panicle is a compound raceme, a loose, much-branched indeterminate inflorescence with pedicellate flowers attached along the secondary branches; in other words, a branched cluster of flowers in which the branches are racemes....
are diagnostic.
Endangered status
This is a federally listed endangered species of the United States. The main threat to the species survival has been off-roadingOff-road vehicle
An off-road vehicle is considered to be any type of vehicle which is capable of driving on and off paved or gravel surface. It is generally characterized by having large tires with deep, open treads, a flexible suspension, or even caterpillar tracks...
, which is no longer permitted in its habitat
Habitat
* Habitat , a place where a species lives and grows*Human habitat, a place where humans live, work or play** Space habitat, a space station intended as a permanent settlement...
. Trespassing off-roaders and campers are still a threat to the five remaining occurrences.