Melica uniflora Retz.

Rhizome Structure

Melica uniflora Retz. has elongated rhizomes.

Culm Dimensions

Its culms grow 20–60 centimetres (7.9–23.6 in) long.

Leaf Blade Characteristics

Leaf blades are 5–20 centimetres (2.0–7.9 in) long and 3–7 millimetres (0.12–0.28 in) wide, with a pubescent, rough, scaberulous lower surface.

Panicle Morphology

It produces an open, effuse, elliptic panicle that is 6–22 centimetres (2.4–8.7 in) long and 1–12 centimetres (0.39–4.72 in) wide.

Panicle Branch Features

Main panicle branches are scaberulous, and each lower branch holds 1–6 fertile spikelets.

Spikelet Arrangement

Spikelets are ascending, with fertile spikelets borne on pedicels.

Pedicel Traits

Pedicels are straight and 2–5 millimetres (0.079–0.197 in) long.

Fertile Floret Lemma

The fertile floret lemma is chartaceous, elliptic, and 5–7 millimetres (0.20–0.28 in) long.

Lower Glume Dimensions

Lower glumes are oblong and 3–6 millimetres (0.12–0.24 in) long.

Flower Anther Traits

Flowers have 3 anthers that measure 1.5–2.3 millimetres (0.059–0.091 in) long.

Fruit Characteristics

Fruits are ellipsoid, 3.5 millimetres (0.14 in) long, with an additional pericarp and a linear hilum.

Eurasian Distribution

This species is distributed in the Asian countries Iran and Turkey; in Europe it occurs in the Balearic Islands, Faroe Islands, Finland, Iceland, Moldova, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden.

North African Distribution

It has also been recorded in Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia.

Elevation Range

It grows on plains, and at up to 950 metres (3,120 ft) elevation in the Black Forest, and up to 1,200 metres (3,900 ft) elevation in the Alps.

General Habitat

It occurs in hardwood forests near Fagus species, and can also grow in both dry and moist woodlands on either acidic or neutral soil.

Soil Preferences

It is commonly found on sandy or rocky soils that are deep and loamy.

Regional Soil Adaptations

In northern areas it grows on loamy soils, while in the south it prefers decalcified soils.

Associated Vegetation

It associates with vegetation of Fagatalia, found in lowland Fagetum and Carpinion communities, and rarely occurs in Quercion clusters.

Flowering Period

It flowers from May to July.

Faunal Interactions

Ants most commonly feed on its caryopsis.

Cultivation Status

In cultivation, the form Melica uniflora f. albida has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.