Grass

Grass and straw

[Poaceae]

Family
Gramineae, The grass family with more than 12.00 species.

Height
From a few centimeters to 40 meter like bamboo

Location and climate
All climates

Pollination
Wind

The grass family is found in all climates (ex Antarctica) on Thundras, prairies, wetlands and forests covering 40% of the land area on Earth.

Grasses have been here for thousands of years and of all crops 70% are grasses including cereal grasses like wheat, maize and rice providing a major source of carbohydrates for humans.

Grass is also a major food source for insects, birds, small and large mammals and domesticated animals.

Grass is the primary plant in lawns and a fertilized garden lawn or golf course is found to contain as little biodiversity as a paved area. Nutrient-poor soil gives room for different plant species so a green well trimmed lawn with no room for moss, dandelions or different weeds is not inviting butterflies, bees or beetles to visit.

Usage
Building material, bio fuel, paper, insulation, mats, baskets and alcohol. Grass provide important erosion control due to its root system.

Most grass stems are hollow and called straw.

Although bamboo and reed are both part of the grass family they have a separate section in this encyclopedia.