Eriochloa

Eriochloa is a genus of grasses commonly known as cupgrasses. These grasses are found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. The genus name Eriochloa comes from the Greek words erion, meaning wool, and chloa, meaning grass, referring to the hairy nature of the spikelets in some species. Eriochloa species are typically annuals or perennials with slender to stout culms. Their leaves are usually linear and can be smooth or hairy. The inflorescence is a panicle or raceme, often appearing spike-like. The spikelets are characteristic, typically ovate to lanceolate and bearing a prominent cup-like structure at their base.

Several species of Eriochloa are considered weeds in agricultural settings due to their rapid growth and ability to compete with crops. For instance, Eriochloa villosa, known as silky cupgrass, is an invasive weed in many parts of North America. Other species, however, may have some forage value or be used for soil stabilization. The genus is part of the Poaceae family, which includes many important grasses, both wild and cultivated. Taxonomy within Eriochloa can be complex, with ongoing research to clarify species relationships and distributions. Identification of Eriochloa species often relies on detailed examination of the spikelet morphology and the presence or absence of hairs.