Photos

Wood Melick - Melica uniflora
Family - Poaceae

Wood Melick is another perennial grass species found in Brickfields Park, it grows to between 30–70cm (12–28in) tall in open area slightly shaded areas, from May to August.  Making up around two thirds to three quarters of its height, the leafy parts of the plant are of a typical rough grass growth with multiple opposite drooping long bright green lanceolate finely hairy leaves 5–20cm (2–8in) long and 3–7mm (0.12–0.3in) wide clasping the main stem, terminating at the top most leaf in a very loose and delicate panicle of very thin branched stems with terminal brownish egg shaped flowers formed of two spikelets laid side by side to each branch.

The hollow part of the stems or Culms are 10–40cm (4–15in) long.  It is widespread and fairly frequent woodland native throughout much of Britain, Europe, and parts of South West Asia and North Africa.  This grass often occurs with Bluebells and Ramsons (Wild Garlic) under Beech and in such association it is considered and indicator of ancient woodland.

Wood Melick - Melica uniflora, click for a larger image, photo licensed for reuse CCBY3.0
Photo ©2007 Sten Porse
Wood Melick - Melica uniflora, click for a larger image Wood Melick - Melica uniflora, click for a larger image, licensed for reuse NCSA3.0
Photos ©2017–

Close window


Site design ©1999– Brickfields Country Park - Privacy -