Table of Contents
Graminoids are herbaceous grass-like plants. It includes three major families, namely – Juncaceae (rushes), Poaceae (grasses) and Cyperaceae (sedges). These graminoids are widespread across different habitats.
Grass
Grasses are monocotyledonous flowering plants that belong to the family Gramineae or Poaceae. This family also includes cereal crops and bamboo.
Grasses have hollow stems (except at nodes) and narrow leaves. These leaves are arranged alternatively in two ranks. The lower part of the leaves surrounds the stem, thus forming an open sheath.
Grasslands constitute most of the Earth’s vegetation. Also, they are widely distributed across continents.
Sedge
Sedges are grass-like monocotyledonous flowering plants that belong to the family Cyperaceae. They are found in almost all environments. Their leaves are arranged spirally in three ranks. Also, their stems are triangular and solid. Examples – Cyperus papyrus (papyrus sedge), Cyperus rotundus (nutsedge), and Eleocharis dulcis (water chestnut).
Both sedges and grasses have inconspicuous flowers with no petals or sepals. They are usually covered with papery scales.
Explore: Monocot and Dicot Stem
Difference between Grass and Sedge
Grass |
Sedge |
| Grasses belong to the Poaceae family. | Sedge belongs to the Cyperaceae family. |
| They have cylindrical and hollow stems. | They have triangular and solid stems. |
| Their leaves are arranged alternatively in two ranks. | Their leaves are arranged spirally in three ranks. |
| Their leaf sheath is open. | Their leaf sheath is closed. |
| Their fruit type is caryopsis (grain), where the fruit’s skin adheres to the seed coat. | They show achene fruit (small, single-seeded, dry indehiscent). |
Also Read: Anatomy of Monocot and Dicot Plants
Frequently Asked Questions
What are rushes?
Rushes are herbaceous monocotyledons that resemble sedges and grasses. They belong to a separate family called Juncaceae. They are mostly exclusive to wetland habitats. Example – Juncus bufonius (toad rush).
What is a graminoid?
Graminoids are herbaceous grass-like plants. It includes three major families, namely – Juncaceae (rushes), Poaceae (grasses) and Cyperaceae (sedges). These graminoids are widespread across different habitats.
What is achene?
Achene is a simple dry fruit seen in most flowering plants. They are usually formed from one carpel. Also, they do not split open at maturity (indehiscent). Achene usually has a seed-like appearance, but it is actually a fruit with a seed. Examples are quinoa, buckwheat, amaranth, caraway, etc. Strawberry is a composite fruit made up of a group of achenes.
How do you identify a sedge?
Also see: Grassland Dominant Plants.
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