What is "graminoid"

a. resembling the grasses n. Any plant such as a grass, sedge or rush

In botany and ecology, the term graminoid refers to a herbaceous plant with a grass-like morphology, i.e. elongated culms with long, blade-like leaves. They are contrasted to forbs, herbaceous plants without grass-like features.

The plants most often referred to include the families Poaceae (grasses in the strict sense), Cyperaceae (sedges), and Juncaceae (rushes). These are not closely related but belong to different clades in the order Poales. The grasses (Poaceae) are by far the largest family with some 12,000 species.

Besides their similar morphology, graminoids share the widespread occurrence and often dominance in open habitats such as grasslands or marshes. They can however also be found in the understory of forests. Sedges and rushes tend to prefer wetter habitats than grasses.

(Juncus effusus) 05.JPG|alt=Common rush in shallow water|Common rush ( Juncus effusus), Juncaceae capitatus 01.jpg|alt=Nutsedge on dune|Nutsedge ( Cyperus capitatus), Cyperaceae cinerea a1.jpg|alt=Fescue grass tuft| Festuca cinerea, Poaceae

Category:Plant morphology Category:Plants by habit