Volatinia

Volatinia is a genus of plants in the grass family, Poaceae. It is native to the Americas, with species found from the United States to Argentina. The genus is characterized by its small, annual grasses that typically grow in sandy or disturbed soils. Volatinia species are often found in prairies, fields, and along roadsides.

The most well-known species in the genus is Volatinia jacquinii, commonly known as Johnny jump-up. This species is widely distributed throughout the Americas and is often considered a weed due to its ability to spread rapidly. It is a small, erect annual grass that produces numerous spikelets arranged in a loose panicle. The spikelets contain small, awned florets.

Another species, Volatinia americana, is found in the eastern United States and is also an annual grass. It has a more spreading growth habit than V. jacquinii and is often found in wet, sandy soils.

Volatinia species are generally not of significant economic importance, though they can be a nuisance in agricultural settings. They are sometimes used for erosion control in disturbed areas due to their ability to quickly colonize bare ground. The genus is named after the Italian botanist Giovanni Antonio Volantini. Research into the genetic diversity and ecological roles of Volatinia species continues to be an area of interest for botanists.