Phalaris (grass) 

Phalaris
Phalaris aquatica
Phalaris aquatica
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Monocots
(unranked): Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Genus: Phalaris
Species

15-22 species (see text)

Contents

Description

Various species of Phalaris grow on every continent except Antarctica. Found in a broad range of habitats from below sea level to thousands of feet above sea level and from wet marshy areas to dry areas. P. arundinacea and P. aquatica are sometimes invasive species in wetlands.

Alkaloids

Some Phalaris species contain gramine, which can cause brain damage, other organ damage, central nervous system damage and death in sheep.1

Phalaris arundinacea and Phalaris aquatica, as well as Phalaris brachystachys, are known to contain the alkaloids N,N-DMT , 5-MeO-DMT, and 5-OH-DMT.

Some research has been done into the variability of alkaloids in the Phalaris grasses. Strains with high levels of alkaloids are best avoided in locations with grazing cattle and sheep, due to potential toxicity. Such high-alkaloid strains include Phalaris Aquatica AQ-1 and the species Phalaris brachystachys. Seasonal and weather patterns also appear to affect alkaloid concentration, as most toxicity occurs in autumn and in times of drought. Regrowth after grazing or mowing also shows a considerable increase in alkaloids.

Phalaris Species Known to Contain Alkaloids
Species
Total Alkaloids (Dried)
DMT
5-MeO-DMT
5-OH-DMT
Phalaris aquatica
0.0007-0.18%2
0.100%3
0.022%3
0.005%3
Phalaris arundinacea
0.0004-0.121%2
Phalaris brachystachys
Aerial parts up to 3%
x

None of the above alkaloids are said to have been found in P. californica, P. canariensis, P. minor and hybrids of P. arundinacea together with P. aquatica.2

Uses

Used in dried flower arrangements. Phalaris canariensis is commonly used for bird seed.

Species

Species include:

References

  1. ^ "Toxicants of Plant Origin - Google Book Search". books.google.com. Retrieved on 2008-04-20.
  2. ^ a b c Lycaeum
  3. ^ a b c Erowid Phalaris FAQ

External links


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