grass

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grass Herbaceous plants with fibrous roots that have long, narrow leaves enclosing hollow, jointed stems. The stems may be upright or bent, lie on the ground, or grow underground. The flowers are small, without petals and sepals. The leaves grow from the base, and so removal of the tips does not inhibit growth, making grass suitable for lawns and pastures. Cereal grasses, such as rice, millet, maize and wheat, are cultivated for their seeds. Others are grown as food for animals and for erosion control and ornament. There are c.9000 species. Family Poaceae/Gramineae. See also monocotyledon

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