Charred Bull Grass Bloom

Transmitted Off Crossed Circular Polarized Light and Reflected Darkfield Illumination

Definition/Function:

KINGDOM: Plantae UNRANKED: Tracheophytes UNRANKED: Angiosperms UNRANKED: Monocots UNRANKED: Commelinids ORDER: Poales FAMILY: Poaceae SUBFAMILY: Pooideae GENUS: Bromus SPECIES: hordeaceus

This is an invasive grass that is contributing to the frequency and severity of wildfires in the Hawaii. In the past few years charred and ashed grasses have become a major marker for wildfire debris in homes.

Significance in the Environment:

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References:

Ruggeberg, Markus, Ingo Burgert, and Thomas Speck, "Structural and mechanical design of tissue interfaces in the giant reed, Arundo donax", J. R. Soc. INTERFACE, vol. 7, pp. 499-506, 2010

Coffman, Gretchen C., Richard Ambrose, and Philip Rundel, "Wildfire promotes dominance of invasive giant reed (Arundo donax) in riparian ecosystems", BIOL INVASIONS, vol. 12, pp. 2723-2734, 2010.

Coates, Peter S., Mark A. Ricca, Brian G. Prochazka, Matthew L. Brooks, Kevin E. Doherty, Travis Kroger, Erik J. Blomberg, Christian A. Hagen, and Michael L. Casazza, "Wildfire, climate, and invasive grass interactions negatively impact an indicator species by reshaping sagebrush ecosystems", PNAS, vol. 113, no. 45, pp. 12745-12750, Nov. 8, 2016.