Gramíneas

Gramíneas, also known as Poaceae or Gramineae, is a large and diverse family of flowering plants. This family is one of the most economically important groups of plants, encompassing cereal crops like wheat, rice, maize, and barley, as well as grasses used for pasture and lawn. Gramíneas are characterized by their often hollow stems, called culms, which are typically round and jointed. Their leaves are usually long and narrow, growing in two ranks from the base of the stem. The inflorescence, or flower cluster, of gramíneas is a spike or panicle, typically composed of small, inconspicuous flowers that are wind-pollinated. Many gramíneas reproduce vegetatively through rhizomes or stolons, which helps them spread and form dense turf. They are found in almost every habitat on Earth, from tropical rainforests to arid deserts and arctic tundra. Their ecological role is significant, as they form the base of many food webs and play a crucial part in soil stabilization and nutrient cycling.