Heteropogon

Heteropogon is a genus of herbaceous plants belonging to the Poaceae family. It has a cosmopolitan distribution in tropical regions.

Etymology

The term heteropogon derives from the Greek words ἕτερος [jéteros] ('different, other') and πώγων [pógon] ('beard'), and refers to the fertile spikelets, the female ones with beards and the male ones without beards.

Description

They are erect tufts of grasses found in tropical regions throughout the world, with some species growing in temperate and warm zones. The inflorescences will appear in the form of spikelets.

Cytology

Base number of the chromosome, x = 10 and 11. 2n = 20, 22, 40, 44, 50, 60 and 80. 2, 4, 6 and 8, ploid.

Selected species

• Heteropogon asiaticus
• Heteropogon contortus
• Heteropogon fischerianus
• Heteropogon melanocarpus
• Heteropogon patruelis
• Heteropogon polystachyus
• Heteropogon ritchiei
• Heteropogon triticeus
• Heteropogon villosus