Triraphis

R.Br., 1810

Needlegrass, Triraphis grasses

Species Guides

1

Triraphis is a of grasses (Poaceae: Triraphideae) native to Africa, Arabia, Australia, and Brazil. Commonly called needlegrass, in this genus inhabit diverse environments from tropical to arid regions. The genus serves as for specialized smut fungi in the genera Tilletia and Ustilago.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Triraphis: /traɪˈræfɪs/

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Distribution

Africa (Angola, Botswana, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe), Arabian Peninsula, Australia (Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia), Brazil (Goiás). Triraphis mollis has been naturalized in Britain, Belgium, and Texas.

Host Associations

  • Tilletia triraphidis - smut fungus specialized on Triraphis purpurea in Namibia
  • Ustilago neyraudiae - smut fungus infecting tribe Triraphideae
  • Ustilago latzii - smut fungus infecting tribe Triraphideae
  • Ustilago triraphidis - smut fungus infecting tribe Triraphideae

Ecological Role

plant for specialized smut fungi; contributes to grassland and savanna vegetation structure in native ranges.

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Sources and further reading