LOOSE PANIC-GRASS 1872 John Edward Sowerby PLANT PRINT

Original 1872 6 1/2 inch x 9 7/8 inch coloured print titled ECHINOCHLOA CRUS-GALLI. LOOSE PANIC-GRASS.

Echinochloa crus-galli is a type of wild grass originating from tropical Asia that was formerly classified as a type of panicum grass. It is commonly known as cockspur (or cockspur grass), barnyard millet, Japanese millet, water grass, common barnyard grass, or simply "barnyard grass". This plant can grow to 60" in height and has long, flat leaves which are often purplish at the base. Most stems are upright, but some will spread out over the ground. Stems are flattened at the base. The seed heads are a distinctive feature, often purplish, with large millet-like seeds in crowded spikelets.
Considered one of the world's worst weeds, it reduces crop yields and causes forage crops to fail by removing up to 80% of the available soil nitrogen. It acts as a host for several mosaic virus diseases.[3] Heavy infestations can interfere with mechanical harvesting.

Drawn by John Edward Sowerby (1825 - 1870). A British botanical illustrator and publisher born in Lambeth, London.

From a disbound copy of English Botany; or, Coloured Figures of British Plants edited by John T. Boswell Syme

Third Edition Published in London in 1872 by by Robert Hardwicke, 192 Piccadilly.

The print is in very good condition. Reverse side blank.