Kingdom Plantae Subfamily Pooideae Higher classification Grasses Order Poales | Family Poaceae Scientific name Phalaris Rank Genus | |
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Lower classifications Phalaris arundinacea, Canary grass, Phalaris aquatica, Phalaris minor, Phalaris brachystachys | ||
Phalaris is a genus of grasses. Various species of Phalaris grow on every continent except Antarctica. They can be found in a broad range of habitats from below sea level to thousands of feet above sea level and from wet marshy areas to dry places. P. arundinacea and P. aquatica are sometimes invasive species in wetlands.
Contents
Alkaloids
Some Phalaris species are toxic to livestock containing gramine, which, in sheep and to a lesser extent in cattle, can cause brain damage, other organ damage, central nervous system damage and death.
Phalaris arundinacea, Phalaris aquatica, and Phalaris brachystachys are known to contain the alkaloids N,N-DMT, 5-MeO-DMT, and 5-OH-DMT (bufotenin). Some research has been done into the variability of alkaloids in the Phalaris grasses. Strains with high levels of alkaloids are best avoided in locations with grazing cattle and sheep, due to potential toxicity. Such high-alkaloid strains include Phalaris aquatica AQ-1 and the species P. brachystachys. Seasonal and weather patterns also appear to affect alkaloid concentration, as most toxicity occurs in autumn and in times of drought. Regrowth after grazing or mowing also shows a considerable increase in alkaloids.
None of the above alkaloids are said to have been found in P. californica, P. canariensis, P. minor and hybrids of P. arundinacea together with P. aquatica.
Uses
Some species are used in dried flower arrangements. Phalaris canariensis is commonly used for birdseed.
Phalaris arundinacea is also being trialled as a potential bioenergy crop in Ireland.
Species
Species include:
