Botanical name

Lolium temulentum

Family

Poaceae

Common Name

Darnel, Drabok
Lolium temulentum *

Description

Robust annual; culm solitary or tufted. Leaves soft, 15-30cm x 3-7mm. Inflorescence is a flattened green spike 15-25cm long with a gently wavy stem; spikelets 10-20mm long, alternate on opposite sides of the stem; membranous ligule and auricles.

The grain is often infected with a fungus, producing a poisonous alkaloid 'Loline' or 'Temuline' for which the grass is notorious.

Naturalized from the Mediterranean region.

Habitat

Locally common in gardens, cultivated and disturbed areas

Flower Date

September to February

Introduced Plant

Yes