Where do plants in the Poaceae grass family grow around the world?

Plants in the Poaceae grass family are remarkably adaptable and possess a global distribution, growing on every continent. They inhabit a vast range of environments, from deserts to freshwater and marine habitats, and are found at all but the highest elevations.12

While grasses are found from the Arctic to the Equator, their distribution is often characterized by specific patterns:

• Dominance: Grass-dominated communities, such as prairies, pampas, veld, and steppes, cover approximately 24 percent of the Earth’s vegetation.12
• Regional Concentration: Nearly three-quarters of grass genera are confined to one of seven primary centers of distribution, including Africa, Australia, Eurasia, North America, South America, and Southeast Asia.3
• Specialized Habitats: While most grasses thrive in open areas, some species are adapted to the understory of tropical and temperate forests. Others, such as the bamboos, are prevalent in tropical regions, though they can extend into areas with snowy winters.23
• Endemism: Restricted geographic distribution is common, particularly on mountain ranges and at the southern tips of continents.3