Status:
valid
Authors:
(Retz.) Kunth
Source:
wcs
Year:
1829
Citation Micro:
Révis. Gramin. 1: 154 (1829)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000880364
Common Names
- Mnesithea laevis
- Smooth Mnesithea
- Smooth Mnesithea-bush
Description
Mnesithea laevis (also called Smooth Mnesithea, among many other common names) is an evergreen perennial grass native to China. It has narrow, linear leaves and small, yellow-green flowers. It is typically found in moist, shady areas and is often used as an ornamental grass.
Uses & Benefits
Mnesithea laevis is used as an ornamental plant in gardens, as well as for erosion control and forage for livestock. It is also used in papermaking and as a biomass fuel.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Mnesithea laevis var. chenii (C.C.Hsu) de Koning & Sosef
Mnesithea laevis var. cochinchinensis (Lour.) de Koning & Sosef
Mnesithea laevis var. laevis
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flowers of Mnesithea laevis are small, white or pink in color and have five petals. The seeds are small and black and the seedlings are short and bushy with multiple stems.
Cultivation and Propagation
Mnesithea laevis is an evergreen shrub that grows in dry, rocky soils. It can be propagated from seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist. Cuttings should be taken from semi-ripe wood and rooted in a moist medium. Once established, it requires little care and can tolerate drought.
Where to Find Mnesithea laevis
Mnesithea laevis can be found in India, Nepal, and Bhutan.
Mnesithea laevis FAQ
What is the scientific name of Mnesithea laevis?
Mnesithea laevis
What is the common name of Mnesithea laevis?
Smooth mnesithea
What is the growth habit of Mnesithea laevis?
It is an evergreen shrub with glossy green leaves and fragrant white flowers.
Species in the Mnesithea genus
Species in the Poaceae family
Achnatherum pekinense,
Achnatherum pubicalyx,
Achnatherum sibiricum,
Achnatherum turcomanicum,
Achnatherum brandisii,
Achnatherum bromoides,
Achnatherum calamagrostis,
Achnatherum confusum,
Achnatherum inebrians,
Achnatherum jacquemontii,
Achnatherum virescens,
Achnatherum paradoxum,
Achnatherum nakaii,
Achnatherum pelliotii,
Achnatherum haussknechtii,
Achnatherum mandavillei,
Achnatherum pilosum,
Achnatherum parviflorum,
Achnatherum staintonii,
Aciachne acicularis,
Aciachne flagellifera,
Aciachne pulvinata,
Acidosasa breviclavata,
Acidosasa brilletii,
Acidosasa chinensis,
Acidosasa edulis,
Acidosasa glauca,
Acidosasa guangxiensis,
Acidosasa lingchuanensis,
Acidosasa nanunica,
Acidosasa notata,
Acidosasa purpurea,
Acidosasa venusta,
Acidosasa carinata,
Acostia gracilis,
Acrachne henrardiana,
Acrachne perrieri,
Acrachne racemosa,
Acritochaete volkensii,
Acroceras amplectens,
Acroceras attenuatum,
Acroceras boivinii,
Acroceras bosseri,
Acroceras calcicola,
Acroceras chaseae,
Acroceras diffusum,
Acroceras elegans,
Acroceras excavatum,
Acroceras fluminense,
Acroceras gabunense,
References
POWO record for urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:408784-1: Govaerts R (ed.). 2023. WCVP: World Checklist of Vascular Plants [Version 11]. Facilitated by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. [WWW document] URL http://sftp.kew.org/pub/data-repositories/WCVP/ [accessed 20 April 2023].