Brachypodium distachyon, commonly known as Purple False Brome, is a deciduous perennial grass native to a variety of habitats including open grasslands, light woodlands, and plains across North Africa, the Middle East, and India. This species typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet and a width of 1 foot. It is characterized by its slender stems and purplish-green leaves, which contribute to its common name. Purple False Brome flowers in the summer, producing modest inflorescences that are not particularly showy. Despite its unassuming appearance, it is closely related to major cereal grain species such as wheat, barley, oats, maize, rice, rye, sorghum, and millet.

Purple False Brome is valued for its use in scientific research rather than for ornamental purposes. It is an excellent model organism for functional genomics due to its small genome, diploid and polyploid accessions, compact stature, self-fertility, short lifecycle, simple growth requirements, and efficient transformation system. In cultivation, it adapts to a range of light conditions from full sun to full shade and tolerates various soil types with different drainage capabilities. However, it is known to be invasive in regions outside its native range, such as California, Australia, and Northern Europe, where it can outcompete native vegetation and disrupt local ecosystems. Gardeners should be cautious and check local regulations before planting to avoid contributing to its spread.CC BY-SA 4.0