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Edgar, E.; Connor, H. E. 2000: Flora of New Zealand Vol. V. Gramineae. Manaaki Whenua Press, Lincoln, New Zealand.

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Edgar, E.; Connor, H. E. 2000: Flora of New Zealand Vol. V. Gramineae. Manaaki Whenua Press, Lincoln, New Zealand.
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Festuca novae-zelandiae var. grandiflora (Howarth) St.-Yves
Festuca ovina subsp. novae-zelandiae var. novae-zelandiae subvar. novae-zelandiae Howarth
Festuca ovina subsp. novae-zelandiae var. novae-zelandiae subvar. pruinosa Howarth
Festuca ovina subsp. matthewsii var. eu-matthewsii Howarth
Festuca ovina subsp. novae-zelandiae var. eu-novae-zelandiae Howarth
Festuca ovina subsp. novae-zelandiae var. grandiflora Howarth
Festuca ovina subsp. matthewsii var. grandiflora Howarth
Poa matthewsii (Petrie) Hack. var. matthewsii

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Tall, openly caespitose sometimes ± rhizomatous naturally occurring hybrid. Leaf-sheath glabrous. Branching intravaginal and extravaginal. Ligule 1-1.5 mm. Auricles stiff, 1 or 2, clasping, hairs few or glabrous. Leaf-blade c. 30 cm × 4 mm, multiribbed, midrib conspicuous, adaxially finely prickle-toothed, abaxially shining and smooth, margins prickle-toothed. Culm 50-70 cm, ribbed, nodes and internodes glabrous. Panicle 12-20-(30) cm, strict of 10-20 nodes, branches binate, the longer with up to 5 spikelets or more the shorter with 1 spikelet though sometimes > 1, uppermost 5-8 with solitary spikelets; rachis and branches prickle-toothed on margins. Spikelets 10-20 mm of 4-8 florets. Glumes unequal; lower 4-6 mm, 3-nerved, upper 5-8 mm, 5-nerved of which 1-3 are usually prominent. Lemma 6-8.5 mm, 5-nerved, rounded, small prickle-teeth scattered throughout, denser laterally below and on membranous margins; apex with hyaline lobes, awnless or awn to 3 mm. Palea 6-7.5 mm, apex bifid, ciliate, keels finely toothed almost to base, interkeel hairs few at apex. Callus 0.25 mm, glabrous. Rachilla 1-1.5 mm, short finely stiff hairy. Lodicules 1-2 mm, deeply lobed, sometimes twice-lobed; glabrous. Anthers 2.5-3 mm, caudate, sometimes malformed. Gynoecium: ovary c. 1 mm, apex glabrous; stigma-styles c. 2 mm.
Caespitose, tall, stout, bright green perennial with intravaginal branches with slender purpled inflorescences and cleistogenes in leaf-sheaths at the base. Leaf-sheath 10-20 cm, tough, glabrous, purpled below, margins long hairy above, apical tuft of hairs to 2 mm. Ligule c. 1 mm. Leaf-blade to 50 cm × 3 mm, ± rolled, glabrous, becoming very narrow and finely pointed, abaxially ribbed, glabrous, adaxially with many small prickles on ribs; margins with scattered long (1-1.5 mm) straggling hairs and prickle-teeth. Culm erect, to 1 m, nodes swollen, glabrous, internodes glabrous. Inflorescence to 30 cm, narrow, subtended by tufts of hairs, branches to 10 cm in fascicles similarly subtended, compound; rachis ridged, smooth; branches and pedicels short stiff hairy, naked below. Glumes ± equal, 7-8 mm, including lemma, conspicuously 3-nerved, awn tipped (1.3-1.5 mm), keel short stiff hairy, small prickles in internerves, centrally purple, hyaline elsewhere turning brown, margins ciliate below. Lemma 5-5.5 mm, fusiform, 5-nerved, purple towards margins, fading brown, lobes minute or 0, coma 0.5-1.0 mm, margins contiguous, keel and outer margins long (0.5-0.7 mm) hairy, minutely tuberculate elsewhere; awn to 18 mm, 1-geniculate, column 6-9 mm, arista to 10 mm. Palea 4.5-5 mm, lightly purpled, 2-nerved, internerve hairs reaching almost to ciliate apex. Callus to 1 mm, ± blunt, hairs to 1 mm. Lodicules 3, 1.2-2.0 mm, nerved. Anthers 2.5-3 mm in chasmogamous flowers, penicillate. Gynoecium: ovary 0.75-1.0 mm, trigonous; stigma-styles 1.75-2.0 mm, eccentric. Caryopsis 3 mm, obovate, irregularly ribbed, bases of old style eccentric, keeled opposite linear hilum to 2.5 mm, faintly rugose; embryo 1 mm. Chasmogamous in aerial inflorescences; cleistogamous in reduced inflorescences at culm nodes; cleistogenes in basal leaf-sheaths.
Perennial with intra- or extravaginal branching. Inflorescence an open or narrow panicle; branches scabrid. Glumes > lemma, 1- and 3-nerved, hyaline. Lemma cylindrical, thickly membranous, margins meeting, hairy throughout or almost so, apex comate, not thickened. Palea ≤ lemma, nerves 2, hairy throughout. Callus short. Cleistogenes present or not.
Loose to dense perennial tufts to c. 100 cm, often forming a dense turf or loose sward, spreading by very short rhizomes; branching intra- and extravaginal, the intravaginal shoots erect or sometimes decumbent or forming trailing stolons, the extravaginal shoots subterranean, bearing pale scale-leaves. Leaf-sheath glabrous, greenish to purplish. Ligule 0.6-2 mm, truncate to rounded, in non-flowering shoots shorter than wide. Leaf-blade (1.5)-2-13-(15) cm × 1-2.5-(5) mm, flat or ± involute, ± scabrid, acute. Culm erect or geniculate, often procumbent and branching then erect or ascending, sometimes remaining ± horizontal, internodes usually smooth, rarely scabrid below panicle. Panicle 2-15-(28) cm, oblong to ovate or pyramidal, usually very lax with many spreading branches; rachis smooth or sometimes scabrid above, branches and pedicels smooth or slightly scabrid. Spikelets 1.5-3.5 mm, purplish brown to greenish. Glumes subequal, lanceolate, acute; lower slightly scabrid above on midnerve, upper smooth. Lemma 1.5-2.5 mm, smooth or sparsely scabrid, ovate or elliptic, obtuse or truncate, 3-nerved with marginal nerves sometimes slightly excurrent and midnerve not usually reaching lemma tip, or rarely 5-nerved with midnerve produced to an awn arising middorsally and occasionally geniculate and projecting slightly beyond tip of lemma. Palea usually ½-⅔ length of lemma, apex usually bifid. Callus glabrous or with very short hairs. Anthers 1-1.5 mm. Caryopsis c. 1 × 0.4 mm. Plate 3B.
Grey-green, rather fine-leaved perennials, forming tufts 30-90 cm, with long slender rhizomes; branching intravaginal. Leaf-sheath glabrous, brownish green or purplish. Ligule 0.7-2 mm, or up to 3 mm in culm leaves, taller than wide, somewhat tapered or rounded, minutely ciliate. Leaf-blade 4-16 cm × 1.5-4 mm, flat, finely scabrid, adaxially finely ribbed; margins scabrid, tip acute. Culm erect, internodes glabrous. Panicle 10-24 cm, linear-lanceolate to spreading, later more contracted; rachis, branches and pedicels sparsely scabrid to almost smooth. Spikelets 2-3 mm, grey-green to purplish; terminal spikelets usually with awned, 5-nerved lemmas, and lateral spikelets with awnless, 3-5-nerved lemmas. Glumes subequal, elliptic-lanceolate, acute or acuminate; lower with keel scabrid in upper ½, upper slightly shorter, smooth to scabrid on keel near tip. Lemma 1.6-2.2 mm, (3)-5-nerved, ovate-oblong, truncate-lobulate, the outer lateral nerves usually minutely excurrent, awned lemmas often with a few hairs in lower ½ near margin, awnless lemmas glabrous; awn, when present, from near base of lemma and ˜ lemma or up to twice length of lemma, occasionally awn very minute, middorsal or subapical and not projecting beyond lemma. Palea ½-⅔ length of lemma, apex shallowly bifid. Callus with minute tufts of hairs on either side, or sometimes glabrous in spikelets with awnless, 3-nerved, glabrous lemmas. Rachilla sometimes prolonged and tipped with a small tuft of hairs in awned spikelets. Anthers 1-1.5 mm. Caryopsis c. 1 × 0.4 mm.
Tufts usually stiff, occasionally laxer with wide leaves, (10)-15-55 cm, with culms usually much overtopping leaves; branching intravaginal. Leaf-sheath firmly membranous, light green to light greyish brown, distinctly ribbed, smooth, or scabrid above near ligule, or scabrid throughout, or only basal sheaths scabrid, later shredding into fibres. Ligule 0.8-2.2 mm, truncate, erose to lacerate, abaxially smooth or scabrid. Leaf-blade 3.5-10-(17.5) cm × 1-2.5-(4) mm, usually flat, abaxially smooth or finely scabrid on ribs, very rarely densely scabrid throughout, adaxially finely scabrid, tip acute to acuminate. Culm erect or geniculate at base, internodes glabrous. Panicle (4)-5-12-(20) cm, narrowly branched, lanceolate, either contracted after flowering but > 5 mm wide, or remaining open; rachis smooth, branches and pedicels filiform, sparsely scabrid. Spikelets c. 3-3.5-(4) mm, green to brownish purple. Glumes ± equal, smooth, elliptic-lanceolate, acute, keel finely scabrid above, margins scabrid near tip. Lemma 2.3-3.3 mm, glabrous, 5-nerved, ovate-elliptic, truncate, minutely denticulate; awn 0, or rarely fine, straight, scabrid, to c. 2 mm, arising from midpoint to upper ⅓ of lemma, scarcely or not projecting beyond glumes. Palea 0.5-0.8 mm, ovate. Lodicules ≤ palea. Callus with small tuft of hairs or only a few minute hairs below each lemma margin. Anthers 0.6-1.2 mm. Caryopsis 1-1.8 × 0.3-0.5 mm. 2n= 42.
Tufted, bright green, wide-leaved perennials, 60-120 cm, with strong rhizomes; branching intra- or extravaginal, with the extravaginal shoots spreading underground as long rhizomes. Leaf-sheath smooth, or very minutely scabrid, especially near margins. Ligule 1.5-6 mm, denticulate, taller than wide. Leaf-blade 6-15 cm × 3-8 mm, flat, finely scabrid on ribs and on margins, tip acute. Culm erect or geniculate at base, sometimes trailing, internodes glabrous. Panicle 18-30 cm, pyramidal, erect, branches spreading almost horizontally; rachis usually scabrid above, branches and pedicels closely scabrid. Spikelets 1.8-2.2 mm, green or purplish. Glumes subequal, lanceolate, acute; lower = spikelet, scabrid on upper ½ of midnerve, upper usually slightly shorter, scabrid towards tip with less noticeable prickle-teeth. Lemma 1.5-2 mm, glabrous, ovate, truncate, 3-5-nerved, lateral nerves usually very shortly excurrent, midnerve sometimes produced to very short awn subapically, or dorsally ± at midpoint, usually not projecting beyond lemma tip. Palea ½-⅔ length of lemma, bifid or ± truncate. Callus usually with very short hairs. Anthers 1.3-1.6 mm. Caryopsis c. 1 × 0.5 mm.
Very slender, lax, perennial tufts, 15-35 cm, with long, very slender, spike-like panicles on slender culms much overtopping leaves; branching extravaginal. Leaf-sheath narrow, membranous, light creamish brown to reddish, glabrous, distinctly ribbed. Ligule 0.8-1.6 mm, obtuse, often erose, abaxially glabrous. Leaf-blade 2-13 cm × 0.2-0.4 mm diam., involute, filiform, flaccid, abaxially finely striate and, in young leaves, finely scabrid, later smooth, adaxially scabrid on ribs; margins scabrid, tip fine, blunt. Culm almost filiform, erect or geniculate at base, internodes glabrous. Panicle (2.5)-5-9 cm × 2-3 mm, contracted, extremely narrow-linear; rachis and few short erect branches and pedicels sparsely, finely scabrid, often pale purplish. Spikelets 1.5-2.4 mm, pale greenish purple to straw coloured. Glumes ± equal, lanceolate, minutely scabrid on keel and on margins near acute tip. Lemma 1.5-1.9 mm, at times ≈ glumes, glabrous, faintly 5-nerved, ovate-oblong, apex denticulate, awnless, or rarely a few lemmas subapically awned, awn straight, fine, up to 1 mm, scarcely projecting beyond glumes. Palea 0.1-0.2 mm, ovate. Lodicules 0.3-0.4 mm. Callus with few very minute hairs. Anthers 0.6-1 mm. Caryopsis 1-1.4 × 0.3 mm.
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Tufted leafy perennials, very variable in size, usually ± erect, but occasionally with prostrate culms, 5-45 cm, leaves overtopping panicles, or panicles projecting beyond leaves; branching extravaginal. Leaf-sheath firmly membranous, very pale creamy brown, closely ribbed, glabrous, later shredding into fibres. Ligule 1-5 mm, truncate, irregularly denticulate, abaxially scabrid. Leaf-blade 2-16 cm × 0.5-1 mm diam., folded and inrolled, sometimes flattish and up to 2 mm wide, tough, abaxially smooth with midrib prominent only near base and scabrid near acute tip, adaxially strongly, closely ribbed, ribs finely prickle-toothed; margins scabrid. Culm erect or slightly geniculate at base, internodes finely scabrid below panicle or occasionally smooth. Panicle 2-10-(12) cm, contracted, erect, densely elliptic- or linear-oblong; rachis, branches, and pedicels erect and closely scabrid. Spikelets 3.5-5 mm, greenish purple. Glumes subequal, usually finely scabrid especially near acuminate tip, keel strongly scabrid throughout or only above. Lemma (1.5)-1.8-2.2-(2.5) mm, glabrous, 5-nerved with nerves thickened and sometimes minutely scabrid above, ovate, truncate and shortly 4-toothed, always awned; awn 3-4-(5) mm, middorsal, scabrid, very fine, usually flexuous and twisted near base, often projecting well beyond glumes. Palea 0.4-0.7 mm, ovate-elliptic. Lodicules 0.5-0.6 mm. Callus with minute tufts of hair on either side of lemma base. Anthers 0.5-0.9 mm. Caryopsis 1.2-1.6 × 0.4-0.5 mm. 2n= 84.
Dense, often small, dull green, usually strict, perennial tufts, (3)-5-30 cm, with narrow, usually dark purplish, sometimes green spike-like panicles on slender culms much overtopping to scarcely overtopping leaves; branching intravaginal. Leaf-sheath ± membranous, light green or pale brownish, glabrous, ribs few distinct, rarely minutely scabrid above. Ligule 1-2-(3) mm, acute to truncate, usually fimbriate to lacerate, abaxially scabrid. Leaf-blade 1-7 cm × 0.4-0.7 mm diam., folded with involute margins, often filiform, or strict and firm, ± erect, sometimes more flattened and wider, to 2 mm, abaxially smooth or finely scabrid, adaxially finely scabrid on ribs; margins finely scabrid, narrowed to fine subobtuse tip; uppermost culm leaves abaxially scabrid. Culm erect, internodes glabrous. Panicle 1-4.5-(10) cm, contracted, erect, densely narrow-linear, longer panicles densely oblong, > 5 mm wide; rachis smooth or obscurely scabrid, branches and pedicels short, erect, capillary, finely scabrid. Spikelets (1.5)-2-3-(3.5) mm. Glumes ± unequal, lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate, acute to subobtuse, usually tinged deep reddish purple, occasionally entirely green, margins colourless or purplish, usually finely scabrid on keel and at times near tip, otherwise smooth or papillose; lower = spikelet, upper (1.4)-2-2.5-(3) mm. Lemma 1.4-2 mm, glabrous, 5-nerved, lateral nerves often faint, oblong-ovate, obtuse or truncate, usually minutely denticulate; awn 0, or present and dorsal, from midpoint or from just below upper ⅓, 0.5-2-(2.5) mm, delicate, usually projecting beyond glumes. Palea c. 0.4 mm, ovate. Lodicules 0.3-0.4 mm. Callus with very few minute hairs or glabrous. Anthers 0.4-1 mm. Caryopsis c. 1 × 0.3-0.5 mm.
Small, tight, pale green or glaucous perennials, forming rounded cushions or mats 0.6-2-(6) cm high and up to 10 cm diam., with many culms, much-branched at base; branching intravaginal. Leaf-sheath hyaline, whitish, glabrous, conspicuously, sparsely ribbed, usually completely concealing culms, much wider than and sometimes longer than leaf-blade. Ligule 0.5-1.5-(4) mm, truncate to acute, usually lacerate or fimbriate, abaxially with scattered prickle-teeth. Leaf-blade (0.1)-0.4-1.2-(4) cm × 0.2-0.4 mm diam., involute, spreading and recurved, abaxially smooth, adaxially ribbed, finely scabrid on ribs; margins minutely scabrid, tip obtuse. Culm erect, internodes glabrous. Panicle usually almost hidden among leaf-sheaths, often recurved, contracted to a minute, dense, ovate head 3.5-7 mm, with few or many spikelets; rachis, branches and pedicels very short, minutely, sparsely scabrid. Spikelets 1.5-2 mm, greenish. Glumes ± equal, ovate-lanceolate, acute, keel green, scabrid, margins wide, glabrous, hyaline, minutely ciliate near tip. Lemma 1.2-1.4 mm, glabrous, faintly 5-nerved, ovate-oblong, truncate, awnless. Palea 0.2-0.4 mm, orbicular or ovate. Lodicules 0.2-0.3 mm. Callus glabrous. Anthers 0.4-0.6 mm. Caryopsis 0.7-1 × 0.3-0.4 mm. 2n= 42.
Bright green perennial tufts 5-25 cm, with culms overtopping leaves, occasionally stoloniferous; branching intravaginal. Leaf-sheath hyaline, light green to light brown, prominently ribbed, usually smooth, rarely with sparse prickle-teeth. Ligule 1-4.5 mm, truncate to obtuse, denticulate or entire, glabrous. Leaf-blade 2-7 cm × 1.5-2 mm, flat, or folded and c. 0.5 mm diam., abaxially smooth, rarely uppermost leaf scabrid, adaxially prominently ribbed, ribs usually scabrid; margins often entirely smooth, sometimes sparsely, or rarely densely, minutely scabrid, tip fine, blunt, scabrid. Culm erect, internodes glabrous. Panicle (1.5)-2-6 cm, open, laxly oblong to pyramidal, with spreading sometimes flexuous branches; rachis smooth, branches and pedicels smooth or scabrid. Spikelets 2-2.5-(3) mm, usually purplish. Glumes ± unequal, acute to acuminate, keel finely scabrid near tip, margins smooth, rarely scabrid at tip; lower = spikelet, ovate-lanceolate, upper 1.7-2.5-(2.9) mm, elliptic-lanceolate. Lemma 1.5-2 mm, glabrous, faintly 5-nerved, ovate, obtuse; awn (1.5)-2-3 mm, usually middorsal, usually geniculate, sometimes ± straight, slightly projecting beyond glumes. Palea c. 0.5 mm, ovate. Lodicules c. 0.3 mm. Callus with minute hairs. Anthers (0.4)-0.6-0.9 mm. Caryopsis c. 1.5 × 0.7 mm.
Small, finely rhizomatous tufts 3-5-(20) cm, with fine, pale green or blue-green, to light brown leaves, and narrowly branched, delicate panicles usually scarcely overtopping leaves; branching extravaginal at base, intravaginal above. Leaf-sheath ± hyaline, light green to light brown, glabrous, ribs few, prominent. Ligule 0.1-0.6 mm, truncate, minutely ciliate or erose, abaxially glabrous. Leaf-blade 0.8-2.5 cm × 0.2-0.4 mm diam., narrow-linear, involute, filiform, abaxially smooth except near blunt, minutely scabrid tip, adaxially usually finely scabrid on ribs. Culm slender, erect, internodes glabrous. Panicle 0.6-2-(3) cm, open, ovate to pyramidal, with few, minutely, sparsely ciliate branches each tipped by a single spikelet. Spikelets (1.2)-1.5-2 mm, pale green to light creamy brown, sometimes purplish. Glumes ± equal, and usually ≈ lemma, ovate-lanceolate, subobtuse, keel scabrid near tip, margins sometimes finely ciliate near tip. Lemma 1.2-1.8 mm, glabrous, faintly 5-nerved, ovate, obtuse or almost truncate, awnless. Palea 0.4-0.6 mm, ovate. Lodicules 0.2-0.4 mm. Callus glabrous. Anthers 0.4-0.7-(1) mm. Caryopsis c. 1 × 0.5 mm.
Lax, slender tufts 6.5-30-(60) cm, with delicate panicles equalling or overtopping the usually soft flaccid leaves; branching extravaginal. Leaf-sheath membranous, light green to light brown; lower sheaths often with minute retrorse prickle-teeth or hairs, upper sheaths glabrous. Ligule 0.8-2 mm, truncate to ± obtuse, slightly erose, abaxially finely scabrid. Leaf-blade 2-8 cm × 0.5-1.5-(3) mm, flat, or folded and inrolled at margins, abaxially smooth, or sometimes scabrid, especially towards tip and on uppermost culm-leaves, adaxially ciliate-scabrid on ribs; margins sparsely scabrid, occasionally almost smooth, tip acute, scabrid. Culm usually geniculate at base or erect, internodes glabrous. Panicle (2)-4.5-8.5-(16) cm, ovate-lanceolate to pyramidal with filiform branches naked below and spreading widely at maturity; rachis, branches and pedicels sparsely scabrid. Spikelets c. 2-2.5-(3) mm, purplish green. Glumes subequal, acute, with greenish central portion and wide, colourless to purplish margins scabrid near tip; lower narrow-lanceolate, keel scabrid in upper ⅔, upper ovate-lanceolate, keel scabrid in upper ⅓ to ½. Lemma 1.4-2-(2.2) mm, glabrous, 5-nerved, ovate-oblong, truncate, ± denticulate, awnless or with delicate awn 1-3 mm, inserted at c. midpoint to c. upper ⅓ of lemma. Palea 0.3-0.6 mm, orbicular. Lodicules 0.3-0.6 mm, = or usually > palea. Callus with tufts of minute hairs. Anthers 0.4-0.7-(0.9) mm. Caryopsis 1-1.5 × 0.4-0.6 mm. 2n= 42.
Perennial, loose, tussocky, bluish green or greyish green clumps (15)-30-55 cm, with slender, strictly involute, finely scabrid leaves « culms; branching extravaginal. Leaf-sheath firm, light brown; lower sheaths minutely scabrid, upper sheaths smooth, sparsely ribbed. Ligule 1-4.5 mm, obtuse to truncate, denticulate, abaxially scabrid. Leaf-blade 4-10.5-(18) cm × 0.3-1 mm, stiff and wiry, densely minutely papillose-scabrid throughout, tip obtuse. Culm erect or geniculate at base, internodes glabrous. Panicle 4-16 cm, laxly oblong; rachis smooth, branches and pedicels ± spreading, very delicate, reddish brown, finely, sparsely scabrid. Spikelets 2.5-3.4 mm, pale greenish to brownish, sometimes purplish. Glumes ± equal, lanceolate, keel and margins usually finely scabrid near acute tip. Lemma 2-2.6 mm, glabrous, 5-nerved, ovate, obtuse to truncate, minutely denticulate; awn (1.5)-2-3 mm, middorsal, straight or slightly flexuous, sometimes 0. Palea 0.2-0.4 mm, orbicular. Lodicules 0.2-0.4 mm. Callus with very few short hairs. Anthers (c. 1)-1.3-1.8 mm. Caryopsis c. 1.5 × 0.5 mm.
Perennial tufts of variable habit, to c. 100 cm, spreading by long stolons, sometimes low-growing and trailing, or turf-forming, sometimes loosely or densely tufted; branching intra- and/or extravaginal, the intravaginal shoots often trailing and elongating as stolons or sometimes erect, the extravaginal shoots at once ascending with 2-3 scale leaves at base. Leaf-sheath smooth or slightly scabrid, green or purple-tinged. Ligule (1)-2-6 mm, rounded, fimbriate, taller than wide. Leaf-blade 1-20 cm ×c. 1-8 mm, flat, minutely scabrid on ribs, tip acute. Culm geniculate to rarely erect, or trailing and branching, rooting at lower nodes, internodes glabrous. Panicle 3-28 × 0.5-2.5-(6) cm, lanceolate to ovate, lax at flowering, later ± contracted with branches ± erect and appressed to rachis; rachis smooth, branches and pedicels scabrid. Spikelets 1.5-2.5-(3) mm, greenish or yellowish, becoming brownish or purplish. Glumes ± unequal, elliptic-lanceolate, sometimes slightly scabrid above, acute to acuminate, midnerve scabrid above. Lemma 1.3-2 mm, ± truncate, smooth to ± scabrid below, 5-nerved, nerves sometimes scabrid, outer lateral nerves usually slightly excurrent, apex minutely lobed above inner lateral nerves, midnerve not reaching lemma apex, usually terminating as an extremely minute projection in upper ⅓ of lemma, or midnerve rarely produced as a short, subterminal awn. Palea usually ½ to ⅔ length of lemma, apex usually obtuse, rarely shallowly notched. Callus glabrous or with very few minute hairs. Anthers 0.9-1.5 mm. Caryopsis c. 1 × 0.4 mm. Plate 2B.
Small, dense perennials, forming tufts 3-9 cm, with strict leaves often overtopping the light green spike-like panicles; branching intravaginal. Leaf-sheath ± hyaline, light brown, strongly ribbed, finely scabrid especially near margins above. Ligule 0.8-1-(1.6) mm, denticulate, abaxially scabrid. Leaf-blade 1.5-4 cm × 0.3-0.6 mm, firm, inrolled, strongly ribbed, minutely, closely scabrid, tip blunt. Culm hidden among leaves, erect, internodes scabrid. Panicle 1-2 cm, contracted, densely oblong; rachis, branches, and pedicels erect and closely short-scabrid. Spikelets 2-3.3 mm. Glumes subequal, lanceolate, pale green, rarely tinged light purple, with antrorse prickle-teeth or minute hairs, but glabrous near base. Lemma 1.3-1.6 mm, glabrous, distinctly 5-nerved, ovate, truncate, minutely denticulate, margins minutely scabrid near apex, usually awnless, but occasionally with delicate awn to 2 mm from upper ⅓ of midnerve. Palea 0.3-0.4 mm, ovate. Lodicules 0.4 mm. Callus glabrous. Anthers (0.4)-0.5-0.7 mm. Caryopsis c. 1 × 0.5 mm.
Grey-green to reddish green, erect, slender, variable in height, consisting of a single delicate culm or a tuft of numerous culms; branching intravaginal. Leaf-sheath membranous to submembranous, ribs well-spaced, minutely scabrid above. Ligule 3-4.5-(6) mm, tapered, shortly denticulate, abaxially very sparsely scabrid. Leaf-blade 0.5-6-(12) cm × 0.5-1 mm diam., inrolled, ribs minutely scabrid; margins and subobtuse tip minutely scabrid. Culm internodes glabrous. Panicle 2-11 × 1-6 cm, ± ovate, lax; branches spreading, filiform, often flexuous, sparsely scabrid, naked at base with pedicelled spikelets clustered at tips. Spikelets silvery green or purplish. Glumes 1-(3)-nerved, shining, ovate-lanceolate, acute, keel sparsely scabrid, margins very finely ciliate-scabrid. Lemma firmly membranous and brownish below, colourless, hyaline, scabrid above; awn from lower ⅓ of lemma, projecting beyond glumes, column dark brown, twisted. Palea narrower than lemma, keels rounded, glabrous. Callus ringed by minute hairs. Rachilla minute, glabrous, not prolonged. Anthers 0.4-0.5-(0.6) mm. Caryopsis c. 1.5 × 0.4-0.5 mm.
Plants usually 4-35 cm. Longer spikelet pedicels usually > 5 mm. Glumes 2.5-3.5 mm. Lemma 2-2.5 mm; awn 2.5-3.5 mm. Plate 4F.
Slender, erect, reddish green tufts 5-25-(30) cm, with very delicate loose panicles; branching intravaginal. Leaf-sheath submembranous, rather closely distinctly ribbed, ribs minutely scabrid almost to base. Ligule 1.5-4 mm, smooth, tapered, minutely denticulate, abaxially occasionally sparsely scabrid. Leaf-blade 1-6.5 cm × 0.2-0.3 mm diam., inrolled, abaxially minutely scabrid on ribs, adaxially with minute hairs; margins minutely scabrid, tip subacute to obtuse. Culm internodes glabrous. Panicle 2-10 × 2-8 cm, ovate, very lax; branches smooth to sparsely scabrid, capillary, spreading, pedicels » spikelets. Spikelets silvery green. Glumes 1.5-2.5 mm, 1-nerved, shining, ovate-lanceolate, acute, keel sparsely minutely scabrid, margins very finely ciliate-scabrid. Lemma 1.2-1.5 mm, firmly membranous, brownish, hyaline near apex, upper ½ minutely scabrid; lower lemma sometimes awnless, upper lemma, or both lemmas, with awn 1.8-2.5 mm, from lower ⅓ of lemma, projecting beyond glumes. Palea narrower than lemma, keels rounded, glabrous. Callus ringed by minute hairs. Rachilla minute, glabrous; prolongation vestigial. Anthers c. 0.3 mm. Caryopsis c. 1 × 0.3 mm.
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Small, erect, reddish green or greyish green tufts, 3-20-(25) cm, with spike-like panicles. Leaf-sheath firmly membranous, sparsely ribbed, very minutely scabrid below ligule or entirely smooth. Ligule (0.6)-1.5-3.2 mm, tapered, shortly denticulate, abaxially usually sparsely scabrid. Leaf-blade 0.5-4 cm × 0.3-0.5 mm diam., inrolled, smooth, or abaxially sparsely scabrid on ribs; margins minutely scabrid, tip obtuse. Culm internodes usually densely scabrid below nodes, or smooth throughout. Panicle (0.5)-1-4.5 cm × 3-9 mm, oblong or lanceolate; rachis, short erect branches and pedicels rather sparsely, finely scabrid. Spikelets green, tinged purple. Glumes c. 3 mm, 1-3-nerved, elliptic-lanceolate, acute, often scabrid near tip, keel scabrid, margins minutely ciliate-scabrid. Lemma 2.5-3 mm, ˜ glumes, smooth and firmly membranous in lower ½, densely minutely scabrid towards bifid hyaline apex; awn 3.2-4.2 mm, from lower ⅓ of lemma, column brown, finely twisted. Palea narrower than lemma, keels glabrous, rounded. Callus ringed by minute hairs. Rachilla very short, glabrous, prolonged. Anthers c. 0.3 mm. Caryopsis 1.5-2 ×c. 0.5 mm.
Annuals or short-lived perennials, with culms usually many-noded and ascending from a geniculate or prostrate base, often rooting at nodes. Leaf-sheath very light brown, glabrous, striate, subhyaline, lower sheaths usually purplish. Ligule (1)-2.5-5 mm, membranous, obtuse, entire, glabrous, but abaxially with short fine hairs near base. Leaf-blade 3.5-8 cm × 1-2.5 mm, flat, finely ribbed, minutely scabrid on ribs and margins, tapering to acute, long-triangular tip. Culm 15-25-(35) cm, internodes ridged, glabrous. Panicle 2-5.5 cm, spike-like, with densely crowded silver-green spikelets. Glumes 1.5-2.5 mm, ± equal, 3-nerved, narrowly elliptic-oblong, blunt, membranous, with scattered hairs, keeled, keel silky-ciliate, margins united near base. Lemma ≈ glumes, 4-nerved, broadly elliptic, very blunt, thinly membranous, glabrous, keeled, margins united below for c. ½ length; awn 0.8-1.5 mm, delicate, inserted near midpoint of keel, scarcely reaching top of lemma or projecting c. 0.5 mm beyond glumes. Palea 0. Anthers 0.6-1.2 mm, bright orange or golden-yellow. Caryopsis 1-1.6 × 0.7-0.8 mm.
Perennials; culms spreading from geniculate base and rooting at nodes. Leaf-sheath light green, glabrous, striate, lower sheaths purplish. Ligule (1.5)-2-4.5 mm, membranous, blunt, or tapering above to a point, entire, glabrous, but abaxially with short fine hairs near base. Leaf-blade 4-12 cm × 1.5-2.5 mm, flat, dark green to occasionally glaucous, finely ribbed, finely scabrid on ribs and margins, prickle-teeth not so evident abaxially, tapering to acute tip. Culm (12)-20-30 cm, internodes ridged, glabrous. Panicle 2-4 cm, spike-like, with densely crowded light green to purplish spikelets. Glumes (2)-2.5-3 mm, ± equal, 3-nerved, narrowly elliptic-oblong, blunt, membranous, short hairy, keeled, keel silky-ciliate, margins united near base. Lemma 2-3 mm, ≈ glumes, 4-nerved, broadly oblong or ovate, thinly membranous, glabrous except for a few hairs on margins at very blunt apex, keeled, margins united for short distance below; awn fine, 2.5-4.5 mm, inserted near base, projecting 1.4-2.5 mm beyond glumes. Palea 0. Anthers 1-1.7 mm, yellow or purple. Caryopsis 1.2-1.5 × 0.5-0.8 mm.
Low growing to moderately tall perennials or annuals. Leaf-sheath open. Ligule membranous. Leaf-blade flat, striate, midrib inconspicuous. Culm few- to many-noded, sometimes geniculate at base. Panicle cylindric, spike-like; rachis stout, culm-like, branches and pedicels very short and slender. Spikelets 1-flowered, protogynous, strongly laterally compressed, disarticulating below glumes, falling entire at maturity. Glumes similar, ≈ lemma, keeled, 3-nerved, margins often united below. Lemma membranous, 4-5-nerved, margins often united below, usually awned dorsally from near midpoint or below, awn included within glumes, or often projecting beyond spikelet. Palea 0. Lodicules 0. Callus glabrous. Rachilla not prolonged. Stamens 3. Ovary glabrous; styles fused near base. Caryopsis lenticular; embryo small; hilum punctiform to very short; endosperm liquid or solid.
Loosely or compactly tufted tall perennials, often shortly rhizomatous. Leaf-sheath green, glabrous, striate, lower sheaths dark brown, sometimes purplish. Ligule (0.5)-1-2-(2.8) mm, membranous, blunt, sparsely ciliate, abaxially very minutely hairy. Leaf-blade 10-20-(30) cm × 2-5 mm, flat, finely ribbed, finely scabrid on ribs and margins, or almost glabrous, tapered to fine pointed tip. Culm 30-100 cm, erect or geniculate at base and rooting at lower nodes, nodes few, internodes ridged, glabrous. Panicle 3.5-9.5 cm, spike-like, with densely packed silvery green to purplish spikelets. Glumes 4-6 mm, ± equal, 3-nerved, margins united for ¼ length, acute, firm, finely hairy below, keeled, keel and lateral nerves fine-ciliate. Lemma 4-5.5 mm, 4-nerved, ovate or elliptic, blunt, membranous, keeled, keel finely hairy, margins united below midpoint; awn fine, 4.5-8-(9.5) mm, inserted near base, projecting 3-4 mm beyond glumes. Palea 0. Anthers 2-3.5 mm, yellow to purple. Caryopsis 1-1.2 × 0.6-0.8 mm.
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Slender, tufted perennials, sometimes stoloniferous, with culms decumbent and rooting at nodes, or rhizomatous. Leaf-sheath rounded. Ligule membranous. Leaf-blade linear, narrow, flat or inrolled. Culm erect or geniculate at base, occasionally with corm-like swellings at lower nodes. Panicle narrow, loose, elongated; rachis terete and smooth below, becoming angled and scabrid towards apex, branches erect, slender, often flexuous. Spikelets 3-10-flowered, ☿, or uppermost ♂, solitary at branchlet tips, pedicelled; disarticulation above glumes and between lemmas; rachilla prolonged. Glumes unequal to subequal, submembranous or hyaline, ± keeled; lower shorter, (1)-3-(5)-nerved, upper broader, 3-7-nerved. Lemma > glumes and firmer, rounded, 5-7-nerved, 2-4-toothed or -lobed, lobes aristate to obtuse; awn dorsal, ± geniculate, ± recurved, arising from near midpoint to just below lemma apex. Palea hyaline, 2-keeled, apex bifid. Callus prominent, hairy. Lodicules membranous, glabrous, spathulate to narrow-triangular, sometimes with a lateral lobe. Ovary glabrous, or slightly hairy at apex; styles free. Caryopsis terete; embryo small, to ⅓ length of caryopsis; hilum linear, to ½ length of caryopsis; endosperm solid. Chasmogamous or cleistogamous.
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Erect, coarse, perennial tufts, 50-70 cm, light greenish brown, tinged reddish; branching intravaginal. Leaf-sheath keeled, strongly folded, firmly chartaceous, light green to straw-coloured, glabrous but margins long-villous. Ligule c. 0.5 mm, a ciliolate rim. Leaf-blade 5-20 cm ×c. 2-5 mm, linear, coriaceous, flat or folded, somewhat keeled with prominent midrib, abaxially glabrous, adaxially finely scabrid on ribs and long-villous towards base; margins finely scabrid. Culm c. 25 cm, compressed, internodes glabrous. Inflorescence 25-40 cm, narrow-linear, interrupted; branches slender, erect, subtended by spathe-like leaves and bearing a few spatheate clusters of racemes at apex; upper spathes 3-6 cm, acuminate, tawny. Racemes fragile, c. 2 cm, 2-4 on a very short common peduncle, shorter than and mostly included within spathe; rachis very slender, long-villous. Pedicelled spikelet: usually reduced to villous pedicel, rarely with 1-2 glumes. Sessile spikelet ☿: c. 3 mm, concealed by hairs, lanceolate, pale greenish; glumes very narrow, keels minutely scabrid; lemma of upper floret with very delicate straight awn, 10-15 mm; anthers and caryopsis not seen.
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Annuals, 9-20 cm, with culms often much-branched near base, faintly coumarin-scented. Leaf-sheath submembranous, strongly ribbed, sometimes sparsely villous above. Collar hairs long, in small lateral tufts. Ligule 0.7-2 mm, glabrous, tapering, becoming erose. Leaf-blade 1-5.5 cm × 1-2.5 mm, thin, scabrid, sometimes sparsely hairy, tip narrow, subacute. Culm erect or spreading, branched, almost filiform, internodes glabrous. Panicle 1.5-2.4 × 0.5-1.2 cm, ovate- or lanceolate-oblong, rather lax or more dense, with few to numerous spikelets; rachis glabrous, branches and pedicels very short, scabrid or minutely hairy. Spikelets 5.5-7 mm, green or brownish green. Glumes glabrous, acute to acuminate, keels green, thickened, sparsely scabrid; lower ½-⅔ length of upper, 1-nerved, ovate, upper > florets and enclosing them, 3-nerved, elliptic-ovate. Ø florets: lemma 2.6-3.5 mm, 4-5-nerved, oblong, firmer and brown below with rather stiff silky hairs, apex glabrous, hyaline, bilobed, or entire and shortly toothed; awn of lower floret 3.6-4.6 mm, fine, ± straight, inserted above midpoint, awn of second floret 7-8.8 mm, stouter, geniculate, inserted near base, dark brown in lower ½, projecting beyond spikelet; palea 0 in both florets. ☿ floret: lemma 1.5-1.8 mm, 5-nerved, firmly membranous, orbicular, brown, shining, glabrous; palea = lemma; anthers c. 3 mm; caryopsis 1.1-1.3 × 0.6-0.7 mm.
Perennials or annuals, ± fragrant with coumarin. Leaf-sheath rounded. Ligule membranous. Leaf-blade flat, usually ± flaccid. Culm slender. Panicle narrow, spike-like. Spikelets with 3 florets, the lower 2 Ø or rarely ♂, the third much shorter, ☿, protogynous; disarticulation above glumes; rachilla not prolonged. Glumes unequal with the lower shorter, membranous, 1-3-nerved, keeled. Lemmas of Ø florets equal, keeled, hairy, dorsally awned; lemma of ☿ floret hyaline, 1-7-Anthoxanthum L. nerved. Palea 1-nerved. Lodicules 0. Stamens 2 in ☿ florets, sometimes 3 in ♂ florets. Ovary glabrous; styles free. Caryopsis terete; embryo ¼ length of caryopsis; hilum punctiform or shortly elliptic; endosperm solid.
Tufted perennials, 12-50-(90) cm, strongly coumarin-scented. Leaf-sheath firmly membranous, glabrous or sparsely hairy, especially towards ligule, ± bearded on margins near collar, sometimes with one minute lateral auricle. Ligule 0.6-5 mm, truncate to somewhat tapered, minutely ciliate. Leaf-blade (1)-3.5-18-(25) cm × 2-6.5-(10) mm, glabrous or hairy, ribs smooth or minutely scaberulous, tip acute to acuminate. Culm erect or spreading, simple, internodes glabrous. Panicle 1.5-10-(16) × (0.5)-1-2-(4) cm, cylindric to ± ovate, dense, branches very rarely obvious; rachis glabrous, branches and pedicels short-hairy or very rarely glabrous. Spikelets 7-9.5 mm, green or brownish green, sometimes proliferous. Glumes ± hairy, very rarely glabrous or minutely scabrid, acute to shortly mucronate; lower c. ½ length of upper, 1-nerved, ovate, upper > florets and enclosing them, 3-nerved, ovate-lanceolate. Ø florets: lemma 3-3.5 mm, oblong, firmly membranous, brown and hairy below, hyaline above, apex bifid, with short obtuse lobes; awn of lower floret 2.4-3.8 mm, straight, inserted above midpoint, awn of second floret 6.3-8.5 mm, curved near base, inserted near base of lemma and often slightly projecting beyond upper glumes; palea 0 in both florets. ☿ floret: lemma 1.4-2.2 mm, orbicular, smooth; palea = lemma, narrow-lanceolate; anthers (2.5)-3.5-4.7 mm; caryopsis 1.4-1.9 × 0.5-1 mm. Plate 4E.
Annual or perennial tufts, usually with wiry culms and leaves either basal or mostly cauline. Ligule shortly ciliate. Leaf-blade narrow, linear, flat or rolled. Panicle contracted or open, sometimes spike-like. Spikelets 1-flowered, ☿, narrow, pedicelled; disarticulating above glumes. Glumes equal or unequal, usually 1-nerved, keeled, ± mucronate to shortly awned. Lemma 3-nerved, ± coriaceous, narrow, convolute or involute, terminating in a 3-fid awn, with or without a column. Palea « lemma, 2-nerved. Callus sharp, shortly bearded. Stamens 3, or 1. Lodicules 2 or 3. Caryopsis terete, or grooved; embryo small; hilum linear, almost = caryopsis. Fig. 18.
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Loosely tufted, coarse perennials, (40)-60-150 cm. Leaf-sheath ± chartaceous, smooth, or rarely minutely scabrid, sometimes with scattered long fine hairs. Ligule 1-3-(4) mm, truncate to ± obtuse, erose, ± ciliate, abaxially minutely scabrid to minutely hairy. Leaf-blade 15-30-(50) cm × 2-12 mm, minutely scabrid on ribs, to ± smooth, adaxially often with scattered long fine hairs; margins minutely, closely scabrid, tip acute, scabrid. Culm erect or ± spreading, stout. Panicle (4)-14-32 cm, erect or nodding, dense or lax, slender and lanceolate or with lower branches spreading; rachis smooth below, scabrid above, branches and pedicels slender, scabrid. Spikelets 7.5-9.5-(11) mm, shining, green or purplish. Glumes acute, sometimes finely scabrid, nerves finely scabrid; lower (3.5)-4.5-6-(6.8) mm, lanceolate, 1-nerved, upper ≤ spikelet, ovate-lanceolate, 3-nerved. Lemma (7)-8-9 mm, 7-nerved, ovate-lanceolate, hyaline near acute tip, nerves distinct, finely scabrid, upper or both lemmas with scattered fine hairs in lower ½; awn of lower lemma 8-16.5 mm; awn of upper lemma 0.5-10 mm, or 0. Palea narrower than lemma, keels finely ciliate, interkeel minutely scabrid, apex shortly bifid. Callus usually ringed by short stiff hairs. Rachilla prolongation 1.5-2.5 mm, delicate, glabrous. Anthers 3.5-5 mm. Gynoecium: ovary 0.6-0.8 mm; stigma-styles 1.5-1.8 mm. Caryopsis 2.5-3.8 × 0.8-1.2 mm.
Culm nodes glabrous, or occasionally hairy; internodes glabrous, basal internodes of uniform width throughout, sometimes with sparse, long, retrorse hairs.
Culm nodes densely hairy; internodes sometimes with scattered long fine hairs above and below nodes, basal internodes swollen, bulbous or pear-shaped.
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Caespitose, extravaginally branching perennial. Leaf-sheath hairy. Auricles short clasping. Ligule short, lacerate. Leaf-blade hairy. Culm short stiff erect, internodes usually hairy. Inflorescence short, spike-like raceme of imbricate, pedicelled spikelets broadside to tough hairy rachis; rachis prolonged. Spikelets appressed or becoming reflexed, laterally compressed; disarticulation flat, and above glumes. Glumes persistent, rigid, shining or dull, indurate or foliaceous, patent or reflexed; awn-like; adaxially antrorsely hairy. Lemma 5-7-nerved, variously ornamented, terminated by sharp, shining or dull awn. Palea keels denticulate. Anthers 1-3 mm. Ovary with hairy apical corona 0.5-1 mm, apex with hispid hairs. Caryopsis linear, adhering to anthoecium. Chasmogamous or cleistogamous.
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Tall, stout. Leaf-blade adaxially long hairy; culm internodes glabrous except short hairy below inflorescence; rachis antrorsely short hairy; lemma abaxially with long stiff teeth.
Shorter and finer than typical subspecies. Leaf-blade shortly toothed on ribs; culm internodes glabrous; rachis glabrous but margins toothed; lemma abaxially shortly stiff toothed.
Compact coarsely hairy, extravaginally branched perennial with shining reflexed spikelets in a pectinate raceme. Leaf-sheath 3-4 cm, striate, minutely densely and retrorsely villous. Auricles 1.5 mm, glabrous, clasping. Ligule 0.5 mm, glabrous. Collar broad, with some long hairs. Leaf-blade 7 cm × 3 mm, flat, rough, abaxially, adaxially and on margin coarsely stiff hairy with scattered broad-based hairs to 0.5 mm, apex blunt. Culm to 35 cm, internodes antrorsely long stiff hairy below inflorescence, retrorsely soft hairy pubescent elsewhere, nodes evident, geniculate below; culm-sheath glabrous. Inflorescence a spike-like raceme 3-6 cm; spikelets 14-17; rachis internodes 2-5 mm, sulcate, antrorse long and short hairs mixed; pedicels c. 1 mm, shortly hairy, swollen and pulvinus-like diverting spikelets to reflexed habit. Spikelet 14 mm, of 5 florets on short sparsely hairy pedicel broadside to tough rachis, patent or becoming widely reflexed. Glumes ± equal, 5-7 mm, coriaceous, asymmetric, patent or retrorse, apex awn-like, sharp, glabrous, linear triangular acute, abaxially toothed on keel, adaxially very short hairy. Lemma 11 mm, 5-7-nerved, rounded, abaxially with scattered long stiff hairs, adaxially with short scattered hairs; awn stiff glabrous shining indurate ± 4 mm. Palea 5-6 mm, antrorse denticles (0.3 mm) spaced on keel, apex ciliate, interkeel and flanks adaxially with scattered short hairs. Callus 0.2 mm, glabrous, disarticulation oblique. Rachilla 1.5 mm, finely short stiff hairy. Lodicules 0.8 mm, ligulate, ciliate. Anthers 1.3-1.5 mm. Gynoecium: ovary 1 mm; stigma-styles 2.5-3.0 mm, stigmas sparsely branched. Caryopsis 2.8-3.25 mm, linear; embryo 0.8-1.2 mm; hilum linear = caryopsis.
Leaf-sheath 4-5 cm, coarsely pilose with long dense retrorse or mixed hairs, striate. Auricles 1.0 mm, clasping, glabrous. Ligule 1.5 mm, erose, glabrous. Collar white, margin sparsely hairy. Leaf-blade 3-6 cm × 2 mm, rough, hairs coarse long (0.5 mm) and shorter, margin long-hairy, prow-tipped. Culm 10-25 cm, internodes glabrous, nodes evident some geniculate, inflorescence node with long soft hairs. Inflorescence a spikelike raceme 2-5 cm, spikelets c. 6, rachis retrorse hairy on margin, elsewhere hairs mixed, internodes c. 2 mm. Spikelets to 15 mm, florets 4-8, ± appressed broadside to rachis; pedicel 0.5 mm, hairy. Glumes ± unequal, 6-8 mm, nerves 1-3, indurate, shining, glabrous, becoming reflexed, swollen at base, awn-like above, linear triangular, asymmetrical, adaxially with short white hairs, margins chartaceous. Lemma 7.5-10 mm, narrowing into glabrous shining indurate awn ± 4 mm, keeled, ± glabrous or with scattered prickle-teeth, adaxially with short white hairs above, margin chartaceous. Palea 5-6 mm, denticles long and stout on upper keels, interkeel with few short white hairs. Callus 0.15 mm, broad, disarticulation flat. Rachilla 0.75 mm, finely short stiff hairy. Lodicules 0.7-0.8 mm, hairy. Anthers 0.7-1.5 mm. Gynoecium: ovary 1.0 mm; stigma-styles 2-2.5 mm. Caryopsis c. 4 mm; embryo 0.6 mm; hilum = caryopsis.
Tussock-forming perennials, moderately tall, rhizomatous; branching intravaginal. Leaf-sheath open, glabrous. Ligule short, submembranous, truncate, shortly ciliate, abaxially glabrous. Leaf-blade stiff, rolled. Culm internodes glabrous. Panicle contracted, almost spike-like; branches short, stiff. Spikelets 3-6-flowered, pedicelled, laterally compressed; disarticulation above glumes; rachilla prolonged, ± hairy. Glumes 3-5-nerved, subequal, ≈ lemma of proximal floret, coriaceous, keeled, acute. Lemma 5-7-nerved, coriaceous, keeled; apex obtuse, or minutely notched with midnerve minutely excurrent. Palea subcoriaceous, keels 2, stiffly ciliate. Lodicules 2, bilobed, ciliate, and with a few minute hairs centrally. Callus ringed by short, stiff hairs. Stamens 3. Ovary glabrous, styles free to base, stigmas plumose, whitish. Caryopsis elliptic to cylindric, adaxially longitudinally grooved; embryo small; hilum oval, c. ¼ length of caryopsis.
Dense, very stiff, rhizomatous tussocks, to 100 cm, with pungent leaves usually overtopping culms. Leaf-sheath light brown to grey-brown, coriaceous, striate, glabrous. Ligule 0.7-1 mm, asymmetrical, stiffly membranous, ciliate. Leaf-blade 10-60 cm ×c. 1 mm diam., inrolled, wiry, abaxially glabrous, adaxially densely minutely pubescent. Culm (8)-12-50 cm, erect, internodes glabrous. Panicle (3.5)-6-25 cm, stiff, erect, contracted, almost spike-like; rachis glabrous, branches erect, pedicels with dense stiff minute hairs and prickle-teeth. Spikelets 9-16 mm, 3-6-flowered, greenish brown. Glumes almost equal, coriaceous, elliptic-lanceolate, acute, minutely prickle-toothed above, densely prickle-toothed on keel; lower 5.5-10 mm, (3)-5-nerved, upper 6.5-11 mm, 3-(5)-nerved; margins finely prickle-toothed. Lemma 6-11.5 mm, 5-7-(9)-nerved, elliptic-lanceolate, obtuse or with shortly excurrent midnerve, ± covered with very dense, stiff prickle-teeth, often minutely hairy on nerves below. Palea 5-8 mm, subcoriaceous, keels very densely, short, stiff hairy, interkeel and flanks minutely prickle-toothed. Lodicules c. 1.5 mm, bilobed, ciliate. Callus ringed by short, stiff hairs. Rachilla sparsely to densely hairy especially near apex. Anthers (1.5)-2-3 mm. Gynoecium: ovary c. 2 mm; stigma-styles c. 3 mm. Caryopsis 2.5-4 ×c. 1 mm. 2n= 28. Plate 5B.
Tall, erect, fine, perennial tussock, shoots very close set, slightly swollen at base; branching extravaginal; cataphylls hairy. Leaf-sheath to 10 cm, thin, very shortly retrorse pilose, occasionally with some long hairs. Ligule 0.2 mm, ciliate. Leaf-blade to 25 cm × 1 mm diam., stiff, weakly rolled, ribs few, abaxially finely retrorsely scabrid from columns of small prickle-teeth between ribs, abundant prickle-teeth adaxially and some few long hairs; margins with antrorse prickle-teeth and occasional long (1 mm) hairs. Culm to 60 cm, nodes retrorsely pilose, internodes below nodes densely retrorse-pilose, elsewhere sparsely scabrid. Panicle to 30 cm, narrow, subtended by tuft of hairs to 1.5 mm; branches short; rachis, branches and pedicels short stiff hairy. Glumes unequal, purple fading brown below, produced into hyaline awn-like processes to 2 mm, scabrid on nerves and above, > awn column; lower to 20 mm, 3-nerved, upper to 14 mm, 5-nerved. Lemma to 7 mm, clothed in dense white hairs, lobes minute (0.1 mm) ciliate; coma to 2 mm; awn to 50 mm, 1-geniculate, column to 10 mm tightly twisted, short hairy, arista to 40 mm. Palea weakly 2-nerved, internerve hairs few, apex ciliate. Callus to 2 mm, hairs to 3 mm. Lodicules 3, ligulate or emarginate, posterior and anterior equal, to 1.3 mm, or posterior shorter. Anthers to 4 mm, penicillate.
Tall, coarse, dense, erect or slightly decumbent perennial shortly rhizomatous tussock with close-set, white shoots, swollen at base; branching extravaginal; cataphylls numerous. Leaf-sheath to 2 cm, finely scabrid, terminating in a tuft of hairs to 1.5 mm. Ligule to 0.2 mm, ciliate. Leaf-blade to 10 cm × l mm diam., tightly rolled, rigid, abaxially scaberulous with short retrorse prickle-teeth, adaxially papillate and with occasional hairs and prickles, more so near collar; margins antrorsely scabrid. Culm to 50 cm, nodes pubescent, internodes below nodes pubescent, glabrous elsewhere. Panicle to 20 cm, contracted, verticels with many branches; rachis, branches and pedicels short stiff hairy. Glumes unequal, purple-suffused, green below, produced into fine hyaline awn-like processes 1 mm long; lower to 16.5 mm, 3-nerved, glabrous below ± reaching top of awn column, upper to 10 mm, 5-nerved, nerves with short stiff hairs below, becoming scabrid above except at tip. Lemma to 6 mm, 7-nerved, cylindrical, clothed in grey hairs becoming golden brown at maturity, lobes small (0.2 mm) or absent; coma to 2 mm; awn to 40 mm, 2-geniculate, column short hairy, tightly twisted, to 8 mm, loosely twisted to 8 mm above, arista to 25 mm. Palea weakly 2-nerved, internerve hairs few, apex ciliolate. Callus to 1.6 mm, hairs to 2.5 mm. Lodicules 3, ligulate, to 2 mm. Anthers to 2 mm, penicillate.
Tall, erect, light-green, perennial tussock with fine crowded shoots and broad culm leaf-sheaths; branching intravaginal. Leaf-sheath to 10 cm, glabrous, auricular lobes to 2 mm, subtended by row of long hairs, symmetrical or asymmetrical, apex ciliate. Ligule 0.7 mm, fimbriate. Leaf-blade to 30 cm × 0.5 mm diam., inrolled, few-nerved, abaxially with antrorse prickle-teeth between veins and some short stiff hairs, adaxially with abundant short hairs, margins with antrorse prickle-teeth. Culm to 60 cm, nodes glabrous, internodes shortly pubescent below nodes, elsewhere glabrous. Panicle to 20 cm, contracted; rachis, branches and pedicels short stiff hairy. Glumes subequal, purple below, produced into long fine hyaline awn-like processes, 3-nerved, > awn column; lower to 15 mm, upper to 12 mm. Lemma to 4.5 mm, sparsely hairy becoming scabrid above, lobes to 0.5 mm; coma obscure or of few short hairs; awn to 40 mm, falcate, column 10 mm, arista to 30 mm, short hairy, lightly twisted. Palea internerve sparsely hairy, apex glabrous. Callus to 1.5 mm, hairs to 1.5 mm. Anthers 1.75 mm, penicillate. Our specimens are immature.
Perennial, caespitose or rhizomatous; branching intravaginal or extravaginal. Culm simple or bambusiform, sometimes branching at nodes. Inflorescence a narrow or open, much-branched panicle. Spikelets 1-flowered; disarticulation oblique above persistent glumes. Glumes 2, equal or unequal, enclosing the floret, lower longer, 1-3-5-nerved, acute, acuminate, rarely mucronate, awned, or erose. Flower ☿. Lemma cylindrical, coriaceous, indurated, fusiform, pyriform or turbinate, pubescent, hairy or tubercular-scabrid or both, 5-nerved (7- in A. flavescens), margins overlapping, terminating in a rim with or without a coma of longer hairs; lobes small or 0. Awn 0-1-2-geniculate, often very long; column twisted, arista straight or curved. Callus sharply pointed (blunt in A. verticillata), hairs usually different in colour and density from those of lemma, extending over lemma base. Palea enclosed by lemma, membranous, hyaline or ± indurated, ≤ lemma, 2-nerved, internerve hairy or glabrous. Lodicules 2 or 3, hyaline, glabrous. Stamens 3, anthers penicillate or naked at apex and/or caudate at base; in cleistogamous flowers reduced to 1 small fertile anther and 2 sterile small anthers. Gynoecium: ovary glabrous, stigmas plumose. Caryopsis tightly enclosed and conforming to shape of lemma; embryo to about ⅓ of caryopsis; hilum linear, ≈ caryopsis. Flowering chasmogamous or cleistogamous in aerial inflorescences. Fig. 5.
Densely tufted, fine-leaved, perennial tussock with many innovation shoots; branching intravaginal. Leaf-sheath to 2 cm, with abundant retrorse short hairs, terminating in tuft of hairs to 1.5 mm subtending auricular lobes; auricular lobes symmetrical or asymmetrical to 0.5 mm. Ligule to 1.5 mm, shortly ciliate. Leaf-blade to 30 cm × 0.5 mm diam., inrolled, weakly acicular, abaxially very scabrid from short (0.25 mm) antrorse hairs and prickle-teeth in columns between ribs, adaxially with abundant short hairs; margins with antrorse prickle-teeth. Culm to 50 cm, pubescent below nodes, elsewhere glabrous. Panicle to 30 cm, sometimes subtended by long hairs or a bract; rachis, branches and pedicels short stiff hairy. Glumes subequal, purple below, tapering to hyaline awn-like processes, scabrid, > awn column; lower to 15 mm, 3-nerved, upper to 12 mm, 3-5-nerved. Lemma to 5 mm, clothed in white appressed hairs, less so above and becoming scabrid, lobes minute (0.25 mm); coma a few short hairs; awn to 65 mm, exceedingly falcate, ± 1-geniculate, column tightly twisted, short hairy, to 10-15 mm, arista to 50 mm. Palea internerve hairs long, apex glabrous. Callus to 1.5 mm, hairs to 2 mm. Lodicules 3, to 2 mm, ligulate. Anthers to 1.5 mm in cleistogamous, and to 3.5 mm in chasmogamous florets, penicillate. Fig. 5.
Panicle dense, spikelets close-set; longer auricular lobes of culm-leaf 2-4 mm, usually with some long hairs between leaf-blade and lobe.
Panicle open, spikelets spreading, longer auricular lobe of culm-leaf to 1 mm, usually subtended by a row of hairs ≥ lobe; culm more slender than in subsp. scabra.
Tall, caespitose, stiff, erect perennial with swollen bases occasionally with elongating basal internodes and branching at nodes; branching intravaginal; cataphylls small. Leaf-sheath to 25 cm, smooth, very short hairs often between ridges. Ligule 3-7 mm, decurrent, symmetrical or asymmetrical, nerved, subacute. Leaf-blade to 60 cm × 0.7 mm diam., rigid, folded but appearing terete, abaxially glabrous, sharply acicular, adaxially with abundant short white hairs and some prickle-teeth towards base. Culm to 1 m, internodes glabrous, nodes concealed. Panicle to 20 cm, narrow; branches ascending; rachis, branches and pedicels glabrous. Glumes ± equal, to 20 mm, 3-nerved, produced into awn-like processes ± 1 mm, or acuminate, > awn column. Lemma 8-10 mm long, fuscous, hairs white or brown (± 2 mm), lobes hairy, 1-2 mm; coma to 3 mm; awn to 35 mm, short stiff hairy, 1-geniculate, column strongly twisted to 10 mm, arista to 25 mm. Palea with abundant long internerve hairs, few elsewhere, entire or shallowly lobed, apex shortly ciliate. Callus to 1.5 mm, hairs to 1.5 mm. Lodicules 3, usually 1-2-nerved, acute, ligulate, to 2.5 mm, often 1- or 2-fid, adhering to caryopsis. Anthers apically and basally caudate, to 7.0 mm. Plate 5C.
Tufts green to dark green, often very slender, 65-100-(170) cm, erect or drooping above in taller plants. Leaf-sheath smooth, or slightly scabrid above, occasionally red-tinged. Ligule 2.7-5-(9) mm, obtuse, denticulate, abaxially finely scabrid. Leaf-blade 12.5-30 cm × 2-8 mm, finely scabrid on ribs and margins. Culm internodes glabrous. Panicle (12)-18-40 cm, very lax, equilateral; rachis smooth, branches and pedicels very filiform, finely scabrid. Spikelets 40-50 mm, 2-(3)-flowered; disarticulation below each floret at maturity. Glumes 7-9-nerved. Lemma 12-18 mm, narrow-lanceolate, light brown, with long stiff reddish hairs below level of awn insertion, green and scabrid above, each lobe-tip produced to a fine bristle (2-3 mm); lemmas awned, awns 30-36 mm, geniculate, column very dark brown, twisted. Palea keels with 1-2 rows of cilia, interkeel glabrous, flanks sometimes sparsely scabrid. Callus long hairy, with horse-shoe shaped scar. Rachilla long hairy. Anthers 2-3 mm. Caryopsis 5-7 × 0.8-1.3 mm, light brown, silky hairy.
Tall, green or light green tufts to 1.5 m, robust, or sometimes with rather slender culms. Leaf-sheath slightly hairy, upper sheaths glabrous. Ligule 2-7 mm, truncate to oblong and obtuse, denticulate, abaxially scabrid. Leaf-blade 15-50 cm × 4-15 mm, scabrid on ribs and margins, often with scattered hairs, especially on margins. Culm erect or occasionally geniculate at base, internodes glabrous. Panicle (15)-20-38 cm, lax, equilateral, ± nodding; branches widely spreading, slender, drooping, scabrid. Spikelets 35-50 mm, 2-3-flowered, pendulous on fine unequal pedicels; disarticulation below each floret at maturity. Glumes 9-11-nerved. Lemma 15-17.5 mm, narrow-lanceolate, light brown at first becoming tough and darker brown at maturity, stiffly hairy below level of awn insertion, or sometimes glabrous, scabrid on nerves above, narrowed to bidentate scarious apex; awn 30-40 mm, geniculate, stout, column dark brown, twisted. Palea keels with one row of cilia, interkeel scabrid. Callus with horse-shoe shaped scar densely bordered by long hairs. Anthers 2.5-3.5-(4) mm. Caryopsis 6-8 × 1.8-2.2 mm, light grey, densely hairy.
Annuals or biennials, with solitary culms or tufted. Leaf-sheath chartaceous, striate, rounded. Ligule membranous. Auricles 0. Leaf-blade flat, rarely convolute. Panicle loose to sometimes contracted or secund with large nodding spikelets. Spikelets with 1-6 ☿ florets and 1-(2) ♂ or rudimentary florets; disarticulation below each floret, or only above glumes, or not at all in cultivated spp.; rachilla prolonged. Glumes usually equal and equalling spikelet, 3-11-nerved, rounded, lanceolate, acuminate, herbaceous to thinly chartaceous with thick scarious margins. Lemma usually coriaceous at maturity, bidentate to biaristulate and then rarely with 2 additional setae, rarely subentire; awn middorsal, stout and geniculate, column usually twisted, cultivated spp. often with reduced awns or awnless. Palea tough, ≤ lemma, 2-keeled, keels ciliate. Lodicules 2, linear-lanceolate, or unequally bilobed or with a rudimentary side-lobe. Callus hairy or glabrous. Stamens 3. Ovary hairy; styles free. Caryopsis terete, grooved; embryo relatively small to very large; hilum linear; endosperm solid.
Erect, green to glaucous tufts, 50-150 cm. Leaf-sheath glabrous or slightly hairy. Ligule (2)-3-5 mm, ± rounded, finely denticulate, abaxially finely scabrid. Leaf-blade 15-40 cm × (2.5)-7-15 mm, ± finely scabrid on ribs; margins finely scabrid, sometimes with a few scattered hairs. Culm erect or decumbent and rooting at base, internodes glabrous. Panicle 14-32 cm, very variable in shape, loose or contracted, equilateral to secund; branches horizontal to ± erect, slender, finely scabrid. Spikelets (15)-20-30-(40) mm, 2-(3)-flowered, pendulous on fine unequal pedicels; falling intact at maturity. Glumes 9-11-nerved. Lemma 10-18 mm, ovate-lanceolate, glabrous, or with a few hairs towards base, apex obtuse or shallowly notched, red-brown, grey, yellow, white or blackish, usually awnless, but lowest or sometimes all florets in certain cultivars bearing a weak, straight or curved awn, not geniculate and scarcely twisted at base. Palea keels with 1 row of cilia, interkeel scabrid or glabrous. Anthers 2-4.2 mm. Caryopsis 4-9 × 1.5-3 mm.
Strong, rather stiff, erect green tufts to 150 cm, with heavy panicles. Leaf-sheath glabrous, or rarely with scattered soft hairs. Ligule 3-8 mm, truncate, or more tapered centrally, shortly denticulate, finely ciliate. Leaf-blade 15-45 cm × 3-15 mm, very finely scabrid on ribs, adaxially sometimes smooth, rarely with scattered hairs; margins minutely scabrid. Culm internodes glabrous. Panicle 20-40 cm, equilateral, lax; rachis smooth, branches few, widely spreading, filiform, scabrid. Spikelets often drooping; disarticulation above glumes; rachilla tough and continuous between florets. Glumes 9-11-nerved. Lemma elliptic-lanceolate, tough and hairy below level of awn insertion, greenish above and scabrid on nerves, narrowed to scarious bidentate apex; lower 1-2 lemmas awned; awn geniculate, column red-brown, twisted. Palea keels with 1-3 rows of cilia, interkeel usually minutely hairy above. Callus bordered by dense short hairs.
Spikelets 6-8 cm, 3-5-flowered, often drooping. Lemma 25-30 mm, light reddish brown, with dense stiff reddish brown hairs below awn insertion; awn very stout, 60-70 mm. Anthers 3-4 mm.
Spikelets 3.5-6 cm, 2-3-flowered, spreading. Lemma 18-20 mm, light brown or greyish, with ± dense light brown or whitish hairs below awn insertion; awn ± slender, 25-50 mm. Anthers 2-5 mm.
Rather slender, erect, glaucous tufts, 80-120 cm. Leaf-sheath glabrous or finely hairy. Ligule 2.5-5.5 mm, obtuse, denticulate, abaxially minutely scabrid. Leaf-blade 15-30 cm × 4.5-13.5 mm, finely scabrid on ribs and margins, occasionally with scattered sparse hairs. Culm internodes glabrous. Panicle (12)-18-26 cm, erect or drooping at tip, rather dense, equilateral, rather narrow; rachis smooth, branches and pedicels fine, minutely scabrid. Spikelets 35-40 mm, 2-flowered, falling at maturity only after fracture of rachis. Glumes 7-(9)-nerved. Lemma 11-15 mm, narrow-lanceolate, light brown or straw-coloured, later becoming darker, smooth and shining below level of awn insertion, green and scabrid above, often with a very few fine hairs near base of awn, each lobe-tip produced to a fine purplish bristle 5-7.5 mm, and often with lateral setae to 1 mm; both lemmas awned, awn 25-35 mm, geniculate, column mid-brown, twisted. Palea keel with one row of cilia, interkeel finely scabrid to minutely hairy above. Callus glabrous or with a few short hairs. Rachilla prolongation glabrous, tipped by few to numerous short hairs. Anthers 2.2-4 mm.
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Dense clump-forming; habit spreading. Culms very numerous, 3-5 m × 1-2 cm diam. (except in small cultivated forms), many uniformly deep green but always some with prominent yellow stripes or bands. Culm-sheath with caducous black hairs; ligule short, inconspicuous; auricles 0; sheath-blade triangular. Branches several at each node, often branched secondarily, forming a tuft, the central branch largest. Leaf-sheath with long white apical bristles. Ligule abbreviated. Auricles present. Leaf-blade 6-15 × 0.6-1.5 cm, linear-lanceolate, acuminate, glaucous, abaxially finely puberulent. Inflorescence culms short, arising from periphery of clump, very slender. Spikelets sessile, several-flowered, in small distant clusters; bracts ensheathing clusters 1.3-1.8 cm. Lemma = palea. Lodicules membranous.
Large, clump-forming. Culm usually 10-13 m (often taller in cultivation) × 4-8 cm diam., not narrowing for many metres, dark green. Culm-sheath very large, ephemeral dark appressed hairs on the larger shoots only; ligule very short; auricles very small or 0; sheath-blade to c. 13 × 10 cm, broadly triangular. Branches several from each node, usually ≤ 1 m long (plant appearing fastigiate), 1 branch much stouter than others. Leaf-sheath glabrous. Oral bristles prominent. Auricles small. Ligule small. Leaf-blade 8-18 × 1.5-3 cm, ± oblong-lanceolate, glabrous, abaxially green, adaxially darker and ± shining green. Inflorescence culms to c. 1 m, from periphery of clump. Spikelets sessile, in small clusters, 3-4 cm, laterally flattened with glumes appearing plaited, shining purple or greenish purple.
Medium-sized to large bamboos, rarely climbing, with very short sympodial rhizomes forming dense clumps. Culms terete. Culm-sheaths deciduous, broad, triangular, thick; auricles usually present. Branches many at each node, sometimes with branch thorns. Leaf-blades small to medium-sized, usually not tessellate. Inflorescence stems often short, with dense tufts of 1-many spikelets at nodes. Spikelets sessile, 2-many-flowered. Glumes 1-3. Stamens 6. Stigmas usually 3.
Tufted, winter dormant, to 1 m, with greenish or glaucous leaves; branching extravaginal. Leaf-sheath straw-coloured, subcoriaceous, scarcely keeled above, glabrous. Ligule 0.5-1 mm, truncate, short-ciliate. Leaf-blade 10-20 cm × 2.5-3.5 mm, smooth or scabrid, keel and ribs prominent; margins minutely scabrid, sometimes a few, long, fine, tubercle-based hairs near ligule, long-tapered to fine, acicular tip. Culm to c. 90 cm, often branched above, nodes hairy, internodes glabrous. Racemes 5-8, very slender, dark reddish purple, paniculately arranged, 2-4 cm, naked below for 1-1.5 cm, short hairs in axils; spikelet pedicels c. 2 mm, margins densely ciliate. Pedicelled spikelet ♂: c. 3 mm, glumes, lower lemma and 3 stamens as in sessile spikelet; or Ø and composed of lower glume only and very reduced upper glume. Sessile spikelet: c. 3 mm surrounded by callus hairs c. 0.5 mm; glumes submembranous, lower = spikelet, 5-7-nerved, elliptic-oblong, obtuse, with hairs on keels and scattered in lower ½, elsewhere glabrous, slightly depressed at centre, upper slightly shorter, lanceolate, acute, finely scabrid on keel near tip and minutely sparsely hairy near margins, elsewhere glabrous; lemma of lower floret ≤ glumes, ± oblong, tip erose; lemma of upper floret narrow at base and topped by a stout brown geniculate 12-15 mm awn; palea 0; stamens 3, anthers c. 1 mm; caryopsis c. 1.3 × 0.5 mm, brownish; embryo c. 0.6 mm; hilum basal, 0.2 mm.
Tufted, usually erect perennials with slender, simple or branched culms. Ligule membranous, ± ciliate. Leaf-blade linear, flat or revolute. Inflorescence of subdigitate or paniculate racemes on short peduncles. Racemes bearing paired spikelets, naked below; rachis fragile, rachis segments and spikelet pedicels filiform, ± hairy, longitudinally grooved, groove ± hyaline. Spikelets ± hairy, one sessile, one pedicelled, each spikelet pair deciduous with adjacent segment of rachis attached. Pedicelled spikelet Ø, lemma, if present awnless, hyaline and nerveless. Sessile spikelet dorsally compressed, with small, obtuse, bearded callus, 2-flowered; lower floret Ø, upper floret ☿, awned. Glumes very dissimilar, ± membranous; lower 2-keeled, 5-9-nerved, sometimes with circular depression (pit) about the middle, upper narrower, 1-keeled, 1-4-nerved. Lower floret: lemma hyaline, nerveless. Upper floret: lemma reduced to a hyaline base topped by a twisted awn; palea small, or 0; lodicules distally fleshy, glabrous; stamens 3, or 1; ovary apex glabrous, styles ± terminal, free; caryopsis turgid, embryo ½ length of caryopsis, hilum punctiform or shortly elliptic.
Loosely or densely tufted, sometimes rather straggling, geniculate at base with erect culms; branching intravaginal. Leaf-sheath pale creamy green to light brownish, subcoriaceous, keeled, glabrous, rarely with one or two long, fine, tubercle-based hairs towards base near margin, or sparsely hairy throughout. Ligule 0.5-1 mm, finely ciliate. Leaf-blade 4.5-8 cm × 2-3 mm, lanceolate, scabrid-papillose and with long, fine, sparse, tubercle-based hairs, keel prominent; margins minutely scabrid, often with a few, long, fine, tubercle-based hairs near ligule; long-tapered to acuminate tip; culm-leaves subpseudopetiolate. Culm (15)-20-60-(80) cm, nodes usually pubescent, internodes occasionally with scattered hairs below inflorescence. Racemes (2)-3-(4), subdigitate, 2-6 cm, naked near base for c. 0.5 cm, erect or curving but not spreading, shortly pedunculate, peduncles 2-5.5 mm, occasionally sparsely hairy, usually with a few hairs in axils between racemes; spikelet pedicels 3-4 mm, margins densely ciliate. Pedicelled spikelet Ø: 2.5-4.5 mm, consisting of glumes only; lower glume 7-9-nerved, linear-lanceolate, subobtuse, margins and nerves near tip ciliate-scabrid, upper usually much shorter, hyaline; rarely lower pedicelled spikelets ♂ with small hyaline lemma and 3 stamens, anthers c. 2 mm. Sessile spikelet: 4.5-5.5 mm, greenish purple, surrounded at base by callus hairs to 1 mm, glumes thinly coriaceous, lower = spikelet, 5-7-nerved, linear-lanceolate, with scattered hairs especially in lower ½, tip obtuse with short stiff hairs, glume not pitted but sometimes with a depression at centre, upper slightly shorter, finely scabrid on keel near tip; lemma of lower floret c. ¾ length of glumes, ovate-lanceolate, tip erose; lemma of upper floret, narrow at base and topped by a stout, brown, geniculate 20-30 mm awn; palea 0; stamens 3, anthers 1.2-1.8 mm; gynoecium: ovary 1-1.2 mm, stigma-styles 3.5-4 mm; caryopsis c. 2.5 mm, purplish, embryo c. 1 mm, hilum basal c. 0.3 mm.
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Tufted perennials 30-65 cm, spreading by wiry, scale-covered rhizomes. Leaf-sheath rounded, glabrous or with long fine hairs, shortly pubescent at junction with leaf-blade. Ligule 1.4-1.6 mm, truncate, minutely ciliate. Leaf-blade 10-15 cm, c. 3.5 mm wide if flat, or inrolled and 1-1.5 mm diam., rather stiff, finely pointed, abaxially finely scabrid, adaxially with a few scattered hairs; margins finely scabrid. Culm erect, stiff, minutely hairy at, and near nodes, internodes otherwise glabrous. Raceme (3)-6-12 cm, spike-like, with spikelets partly overlapping and often projecting outwards; pedicels minutely pubescent, c. 1 mm. Spikelets 2-3 cm, 7-16-flowered. Glumes linear-lanceolate, acute, firm, glabrous; lower 4-4.6 mm, 3-5-nerved, upper c. 6 mm, 5-7-nerved. Lemma 8-8.5 mm, 5-7-nerved, oblong-lanceolate, subcoriaceous, abaxially smooth, or scabrid on nerves near apex, adaxially scabrid or with minute hairs just below awn base; awn 3.5-4.5 mm. Palea ≈ lemma, oblong, slightly emarginate to obtuse, keels and apex ciliate. Anthers 3.5-5 mm. Caryopsis not seen.
Soft-leaved, densely tufted perennials 45-90 cm, occasionally very shortly rhizomatous. Leaf-sheath distinctly ribbed, becoming keeled above, usually with long soft hairs. Ligule 1.5-3.5 mm, truncate to rounded and ± erose, short- to long-ciliate, abaxially minutely pubescent and often with longer hairs. Leaf-blade 12-24 cm × 5.5-8.5 mm, flat, soft, loosely hairy, long-narrowed to fine tip. Culm erect or spreading, rather slender, hairy at, and near nodes, internodes otherwise glabrous. Racemes 8-18 cm, erect or nodding with spikelets slightly to closely overlapping on slender rachis; pedicels 0.5-1 mm, shortly pubescent. Spikelets 2-4.5 cm, 4-12-flowered. Glumes lanceolate, acute to acuminate, sometimes shortly awned, firm, pilose especially above near margin; lower 6-9 mm, 5-7-nerved, upper 7-11 mm, 7-(9)-nerved. Lemma 9-11.5 mm, 7-nerved, oblong-lanceolate, subcoriaceous, abaxially with short, stiff hairs, adaxially glabrous; awn 10-15 mm. Palea ≤ lemma, oblong, keels stiff-ciliate, apex truncate, shorter-ciliate. Anthers 2.8-3.8 mm. Caryopsis 6-7 × 0.6-1.2 mm. Fig. 13.
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Annual loose tufts or solitary shoots, (18)-25-65-(90) cm. Leaf-sheath papery, glabrous, finely ribbed, light green, light brown or purplish. Ligule 2-4-(5) mm, glabrous, denticulate, centrally tapered. Leaf-blade (2.2)-5-23 cm × 2-8 mm, thin, flat, finely ribbed, gradually tapered to fine acicular tip, abaxially occasionally sparsely prickle-toothed on ribs, adaxially ribs usually finely scaberulous; margins finely scaberulous. Culm (12)-20-50 cm, erect or geniculate at base, internodes glabrous. Panicle (2.2)-4-13-(16) cm, secund, nodding, of 1-12, rarely to 18, papery spikelets; branches few, sparsely scabrid, pedicels filiform, 0.5-2-(3) cm. Spikelets 1-2-(2.5) × 0.6-1.5 cm, 8-15-flowered, silvery, light green to golden-brown, often dark purplish at base. Glumes subequal, 5-6-(6.6) mm, (5)-7-9-nerved, spreading, firmly membranous, concave, suborbicular, smooth, often purplish. Lemma 6.5-8.5 mm, 7-9-(11)-nerved, centrally hardened and concave, glabrous, base cordate, sometimes with minute glandular hairs especially on auricle-like extensions, and appressed fine hairs on broad, firmly membranous margins, apex subacute. Palea 3-4 mm, to ⅔ length of lemma, orbicular, keels finely winged and densely short-ciliate, interkeel glabrous. Lodicules (1)-2-3 mm, lanceolate, obtuse. Anthers 1.5-2 mm. Gynoecium: ovary c. 1 mm; stigma-styles 2 mm. Caryopsis 2.5-3 × 1.5-2 mm; embryo 0.7-1 mm; hilum linear, 1.2-1.5 mm.
Shortly rhizomatous perennial, 30-55 cm. Leaf-sheath sub-membranous, glabrous, distinctly ribbed. Ligule 0.5-1 mm, blunt, glabrous. Leaf-blade c. 10 cm × 2.5 mm, flat to folded, glabrous; margins finely scabrid, tip narrow, acute. Culm 25-45 cm, erect, internodes glabrous. Panicle 10-16 cm, erect, ± pyramidal with numerous spikelets; rachis smooth to sparsely scabrid above; branches erect to spreading, scabrid, pedicels very filiform, curved or flexuous, smooth or sparsely scabrid, 5-10 mm. Spikelets 4-6 × 3-5.5 mm, pendent, broadly ovate, laterally compressed, usually purplish. Glumes subequal, 2.5-3 mm, 3-nerved, spreading, concave, suborbicular, subcoriaceous, glabrous; margins wide, whitish, membranous, apex hooded. Lemma 3-3.5 mm, 7-9-nerved, similar to glumes in texture and colour, cordate at base. Palea ≈ lemma, elliptic, flat, narrowly winged. Lodicules c. 1 mm, linear-lanceolate, acute. Anthers (1)-2-2.5 mm. Gynoecium: ovary c. 1 mm; stigma-styles 2-2.5 mm. Caryopsis c. 1 ×c. 0.8 mm; embryo c. 0.6 mm; hilum punctiform, c. 0.3 mm.
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Tufted perennial to 35 cm with short ascending rhizomes; branching extravaginal. Leaf-sheath submembranous, distinctly ribbed, keeled above, glabrous. Ligule 1-1.2 mm, rounded, erose, abaxially minutely hairy. Leaf-blade 2-15 cm × 1.5-7 mm, flat, striate; ribs and margins minutely prickle-toothed, tip subacute, hooded. Culm 10-28 cm, erect, internodes glabrous, pubescent near panicle. Panicle 1.2-5 cm, contracted; rachis sparsely pubescent, branches hidden by numerous, dense spikelets, pedicels very short, with few minute prickle-teeth. Spikelets 2-2.5 × 1.5-2 mm, 3-4-flowered, almost sessile, ovate, pale green, brownish near base. Glumes ± equal, 1.5-2 mm, 3-nerved, spreading, firmly membranous, concave, keeled, suborbicular, minutely prickle-toothed above with a few longer hairs on midnerve. Lemma c. 2 mm, 7-nerved, centrally hardened, concave, brown, shining, glabrous, apex hyaline, minutely papillose, margins minutely ciliate. Palea c. 1.5 mm, elliptic-suborbicular, keels ciliate. Lodicules c. 1 mm. Stamen 1; anther c. 0.3 mm. Gynoecium: ovary 0.4-0.5 mm; stigma-styles 0.5-0.7 mm. Caryopsis not seen.
Annuals, 20-80 cm, loosely tufted or consisting of a solitary culm, basal leaves withering early. Leaf-sheath densely villous. Ligule 1-2.6 mm, lacerate. Leaf-blade 7-30 cm × 1.7-5 mm, densely villous, hairs shorter near acute tip. Culm 15-60 cm, erect or geniculate-ascending, internodes ± pubescent below panicle. Panicle 7-26 cm, lax, nodding; branches filiform, curving, short-hairy. Spikelets 3-4 cm, 5-8-flowered, loosely hairy, oblong-lanceolate to wedge-shaped. Glumes unequal, acute to acuminate, chartaceous, with long fine hairs; lower 7.2-9.5 mm, 3-nerved, narrow oblong-lanceolate, upper 9.5-13 mm, 5-7-nerved, narrow elliptic-lanceolate. Lemma 11-14 mm, 7-9-nerved, rounded, chartaceous, oblong- to narrowly elliptic-lanceolate, with long fine hairs; apex hyaline, sometimes entire or with 2 acute lobes c. 0.5 mm; awn 14-20 mm, arising c. 2 mm below apex of lemma or at base of sinus. Palea c. ¾ length of lemma, keels sparsely long-ciliate, interkeel glabrous. Callus with minute hairs. Rachilla 1.2 mm, shortly pubescent. Anthers 0.8-1.5 mm. Caryopsis 7.5-8 × 1.3-1.6 mm.
Short, light green, rather stiffly erect, narrow-leaved perennial tufts, 30-75 cm. Leaf-sheath keeled above, ± densely hairy with long, soft hairs, sometimes reddish purple at base. Ligule 1.5-2.5 mm, denticulate, abaxially with long hairs near margins in lower ½. Leaf-blade 9-20 cm × 1.5-4.5 mm, with scattered to dense, long, soft, fine hairs; margins finely scabrid, tip fine, acute. Culm erect, internodes glabrous. Panicle 8-15 cm; branches ± compressed, erect, minutely hairy on angles. Spikelets 1-2 cm, narrow-oblong, light yellowish green. Glumes ± unequal, acute to acuminate, glabrous or sometimes with scattered short hairs, keel ciliate-scabrid; lower c. 4-4.5 mm, 3-5-nerved, upper 5-6 mm, 7-nerved. Lemma 8.5-10 mm, 7-9-nerved, keeled, with very short, silky, scattered, appressed hairs in upper ⅔, acute or shortly mucronate or with very short awn 0.5-0.8 mm. Palea ⅔ length of lemma and much narrower. Callus almost glabrous, with a few, very minute hairs. Rachilla with very short hairs. Anthers 0.2-0.5 mm in cleistogamous flowers, 1.5 mm in chasmogamous flowers. Caryopsis c. 6 × 2 mm.
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Annuals, 20-90 cm, loosely tufted or consisting of a solitary culm. Leaf-sheath with soft, short, spreading hairs; upper sheaths ± glabrous near base. Ligule 1.5-4 mm, denticulate to lacerate. Leaf-blade 4-30 cm × 2-7 mm, with short, ± scattered hairs, scabrid near acute tip. Culm 10-65 cm, erect or ascending, internodes with very short hairs below nodes and below panicle. Panicle 10-28 cm, very lax and nodding; branches spreading, slender, scabrid, tipped by 1-(2) spikelets. Spikelets 5.5-9.5 cm, 5-8-flowered, oblong-lanceolate to later wedge-shaped and gaping, greyish green to purplish. Glumes unequal, very narrow, acuminate, membranous, glabrous, but sparsely scabrid on keels and nerves in upper ½; lower 13-22 mm, 1-(3)-nerved, upper 20-30 mm, 3-(5)-nerved. Lemma 20-35 mm, 7-nerved, rounded, lanceolate, minutely scabrid, tapering to 2 acute to acuminate, hyaline, smooth to finely scabrid lobes 4-5 mm; awn 30-60 mm. Palea c. ⅔ length of lemma, keels sparsely ciliate. Callus with minute hairs. Rachilla 4-6 mm, finely, minutely scabrid. Stamens 2-3; anthers 1-3 mm. Caryopsis 11-13 × 1.5-2.8 mm. Plate 3A.
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Light green, perennial tufts to 100 cm, with creeping rhizomes. Leaf-sheath glabrous; basal sheaths sometimes reddish purple. Ligule 0.5-2 mm, truncate, ciliate. Leaf-blade 10-16 cm × 4-9 mm, glabrous; margins finely scabrid. Culm erect, internodes glabrous. Panicle 10-20 cm, open or contracted, erect; rachis slightly compressed, scabrid on angles, branches filiform, finely scabrid. Spikelets 15-25 mm, 3-5-flowered, parallel-sided, compressed, brownish green. Glumes unequal, subobtuse, glabrous, keel minutely scabrid near apex; lower 4-4.5 mm, 1-nerved, upper 6-6.5 mm, 3-nerved. Lemma 8-10 mm, 5-7-nerved, rounded, usually glabrous but sometimes finely pubescent at base, apex obtuse, hyaline; awn 0, or rarely 1-2 mm. Palea ≈ lemma. Callus glabrous. Rachilla finely scabrid or with minute hairs. Anthers 4.3-5.5 mm. Caryopsis c. 7.5 × 2 mm. Chasmogamous.
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Soft-leaved, green to bluish green perennial tufts, 3-100-(165) cm, with spreading culms. Leaf-sheath rounded, with dense, fine, soft, horizontally projecting hairs. Ligule 1-1.5 mm, rounded or truncate, shortly denticulate, sometimes with scattered fine hairs at margins or abaxially; in uppermost culm leaves tapered and more lacerate. Leaf-blade 10-20 mm × 3-7 mm, villous; margins finely scabrid, tip subobtuse. Culm usually geniculate at base, usually ascending, to ± erect, internodes glabrous. Panicle 10-20-(35) cm, nodding; branches slender, finely scabrid, lower branches becoming strongly reflexed and drooping, upper branches ascending. Spikelets 2-3.5 cm, 5-7-flowered, linear-lanceolate, usually purple-suffused, sometimes light green. Glumes unequal, acute, with dense, short, soft, straight hairs throughout; lower 6-7.5 mm, 3-5-nerved, narrow-lanceolate, upper 8-9.5 mm, 5-7-nerved, ovate-lanceolate. Lemma 9-12 mm, 7-9-nerved, keeled, densely, shortly hairy throughout, evenly light green to usually purple-suffused; awn 4-6 mm. Palea = or slightly > lemma. Callus with minute hairs. Rachilla scabrid to minutely pubescent. Anthers 0.5-0.8 mm in cleistogamous flowers, c. 3 mm in chasmogamous flowers. Caryopsis 8.1-8.8 × 1.5-1.8 mm.
Annuals, 30-55 cm, loosely tufted. Leaf-sheath softly short-pubescent; upper sheaths glabrous. Ligule 1-2 mm, denticulate. Leaf-blade 5-10 cm × 1.5-3 mm, short-hairy or ± glabrous; tip acute. Culm 5-45 cm, erect or ascending, internodes glabrous. Panicle 5-10 cm, erect, rather dense, fan-shaped, or nodding and slightly spreading; branches usually « spikelets, filiform, minutely scabrid, tipped by 1-2 spikelets. Spikelets 3.5-6 cm, 5-8-flowered, oblong-lanceolate to later wedge-shaped and gaping, light green to purple-suffused. Glumes unequal, very narrow, acuminate, membranous, glabrous or with short to long hairs; lower 8-11 mm, 1-nerved, subulate, upper 10-14 mm, 3-nerved, linear-lanceolate. Lemma 12-20 mm, 7-nerved, rounded, narrowly oblong-lanceolate, scabrid or with short to long hairs, membranous with hyaline margins, narrowed above to 2 acute to acuminate lobes, 2-3 mm; awn c. 20 mm. Palea c. ¾ length of lemma, keels sparsely ciliate, interkeel glabrous or minutely hairy. Callus with minute hairs. Rachilla 2-2.5 mm, scabrid. Anthers 0.7-1 mm. Caryopsis c. 13 × 1.8 mm.
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Annuals or biennials, 30-75 cm, loosely tufted or consisting of a solitary culm. Leaf-sheath densely short-pubescent; upper sheaths often ± glabrous. Ligule 1.5-2.5 mm, lacerate. Leaf-blade 6-25 cm × 2-6 mm, flaccid to firm, with short soft hairs; margins and acute tip finely scabrid. Culm (10)-25-55 cm, erect or geniculate-ascending, internodes glabrous or with minute fine hairs. Panicle 15-20 cm, nodding; branches usually >, or = spikelets, few, scabrid, widely spreading and drooping, tipped by 1-3 spikelets. Spikelets 3.5-6.5 cm, 4-14-flowered, oblong-lanceolate to later wedge-shaped and gaping, light green to purple-suffused. Glumes unequal, membranous, glabrous, but sparsely scabrid on keel and nerves above; lower 8-12.5 mm, 1-(3)-nerved, subulate, acuminate, upper 12.5-16 mm, 3-nerved, linear-lanceolate. Lemma 14-22 mm, 7-nerved, rounded, narrowly lanceolate, minutely scabrid, narrowed above to 2 acute to acuminate, hyaline, glabrous to finely scabrid lobes, 1-2 mm; awn 15-25-(30) mm. Palea c. ⅔ length of lemma, keels sparsely ciliate. Callus with minute hairs. Rachilla c. 2 mm, very sparsely minutely scabrid. Anthers 1-2 mm. Caryopsis 8.5-12 × 1-1.8 mm.
Annuals, 9-55-(80) cm, loosely tufted or consisting of a solitary culm. Leaf-sheath densely, shortly pubescent, with some longer soft hairs; upper sheaths sometimes ± glabrous. Ligule 0.4-3.5 mm, lacerate. Leaf-blade 1-14 cm × 1.2-5.5 mm, shortly pubescent but with some longer hairs on margins towards base, tip subacute. Culm 6-35-(65) cm, slender, erect, internodes glabrous or minutely hairy. Panicle 3.5-25 cm, lax or contracted, nodding, secund; branches filiform, flexuous, spreading, short-hairy, lowermost bearing 4-8 spikelets. Spikelets 2.2-3.5 cm, 4-8-flowered, lanceolate to later gaping, light green to purple-suffused. Glumes very unequal, lanceolate, acute, membranous, usually pubescent with minute and longer hairs, or rarely glabrous; lower 6.5-9.5 mm, 1-nerved, upper 8.5-12 mm, 3-nerved. Lemma 10-16 mm, 7-nerved, rounded, lanceolate, later wedge-shaped, pubescent or sometimes only slightly scabrid, membranous, with shining hyaline margins tipped by 2 acute lobes, to c. 1 mm; awn 12.5-19 mm. Palea c. ¾ length of lemma, keels ± sparsely ciliate. Callus with extremely minute hairs. Rachilla 2-3 mm, with ± scattered, minute, appressed hairs. Anthers 0.6-0.9 mm. Caryopsis 6-8.5 × 0.9-1.5 mm.
Light green, rather slender, perennial tufts, 40-90 cm, with drooping panicles bearing noticeably bicoloured cream and green spikelets. Lower leaf-sheaths rounded, upper sheaths obviously keeled above, very densely villous. Ligule 1.5-2 mm, denticulate, abaxially often with long hairs near base and margins, or scabrid. Leaf-blade 12-22 cm × 3-7 mm, with ± scattered, fine, soft, straight hairs; margins very finely scabrid, tip subobtuse. Culm geniculate at base to erect, internodes glabrous, but slightly pubescent just below nodes. Panicle 12-30 cm, nodding, with slender, finely scabrid branches. Spikelets 1.5-3.5 cm, 5-9-flowered, elliptic-lanceolate to ± oblong, pale cream with noticeably green-tipped lemmas. Glumes very unequal, acute or subacute, with very short, appressed, silvery hairs, hyaline margins minutely scabrid; lower 4-4.5 mm, 3-(5)-nerved, elliptic-lanceolate, upper 6-6.5 mm, 7-nerved, more broadly ovate-lanceolate. Lemma 9.5-10 mm, 7-9-nerved, keeled, very shortly appressed-pubescent throughout, later papillose on basal cream to yellowish green portion, brighter green above, upper ⅓ of nerves reddish or bordered with green, margins and awn often reddish-tinged; awn 4.5-5 mm. Palea ≥ lemma. Callus with extremely minute hairs. Rachilla extremely minutely appressed-pubescent. Anthers 0.7 mm in cleistogamous flowers. Caryopsis 5.8-6.4 × 1.1-1.4 mm.
Coarse green to yellowish green perennial tufts, 30-120 cm, with heavy panicles. Leaf-sheath keeled above, lower sheaths with fine, silky hairs, the hairs more scattered in upper sheaths. Ligule 3-5 mm, ± tapered, denticulate. Leaf-blade 15-40 cm × 8-15 mm, abaxially smooth, or minutely scabrid on ribs, adaxially with scattered fine hairs; margins finely scabrid, tip acute to acuminate. Culm stout, ascending to erect, internodes glabrous. Panicle 15-35 cm, erect or nodding above, pyramidal with scabrid branches in threes or pairs from the distant nodes; lower branches ascending, horizontal or sometimes drooping, upper branches ascending to erect. Spikelets 2.5-4 cm, 5-9-flowered, elliptic-oblong to ± cuneate, light green, sometimes purple-suffused. Glumes ± unequal, subacute to acute, keel minutely scabrid; lower 10-14 mm, 5-7-nerved, upper c. 15 mm, 9-nerved. Lemma 17-23 mm, 9-13-nerved, keeled, nerves scabrid, internerves smooth to slightly scabrid; awn 0.5-4-(5) mm. Palea c. ⅔ length of lemma or shorter. Callus with minute hairs. Rachilla scabrid or sparsely minutely pubescent. Anthers 0.5-1 mm in cleistogamous flowers, c. 4.5 mm in chasmogamous flowers. Caryopsis 7.1-7.2 × 1.5-2.2 mm. Fig. 12.
Annuals. Ligule membranous. Leaf-blade flat, convolute when dry. Inflorescence a panicle with short, stiff branches, or a spiciform raceme. Spikelets 5-14-flowered, laterally compressed, shortly pedicelled, disarticulating tardily, or above glumes. Glumes subequal, ± coriaceous, (1)-3-5-nerved, acute to obtuse. Lemma 5-nerved, with inner lateral nerves sometimes indistinct, glabrous, rounded, or keeled near firm, acute to obtuse, or sometimes emarginate and apiculate tip. Palea ≈ lemma, 2-keeled, apex sometimes shortly bifid. Lodicules 2, membranous, glabrous, entire or bidentate. Callus glabrous. Stamens 3. Ovary glabrous; styles free to base. Caryopsis narrowly ellipsoid-oblong; embryo small; hilum punctiform.
Annual, erect or spreading, rigid tufts, from narrow base, 5-40 cm; branching intravaginal. Leaf-sheath glabrous, ribbed; margins wide, hyaline. Ligule 1.5-3.8 mm, glabrous, truncate, erose. Leaf-blade (0.5)-4-17 cm × 0.6-2.4 mm, flat, finely ribbed and often scabrid on ribs; margins minutely scabrid, narrowed to long, acute tip. Culm (2)-5.5-25 cm, erect, or geniculate at base, internodes glabrous. Panicle (2.3)-4-11 cm, linear-lanceolate to ovate, secund, often rather narrow, sometimes more open, rigid, shortly branched; branches and pedicels angled, scabrid on angles. Spikelets 3.5-10 mm, 4-9-flowered, greenish or sometimes purplish. Glumes subequal, lanceolate, acute, almost hyaline but midnerve prominent, scabrid; lower 1.2-2 mm, 1-3-nerved, upper 1.5-2.5 mm, 3-nerved. Lemma 1.8-2.6 mm, faintly 5-nerved, rounded, obtuse, coriaceous with narrow membranous margins. Palea ≈ lemma, keels minutely scabrid. Anthers 0.4-0.5 mm. Caryopsis 1.5-2 × 0.4-0.6 mm.
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Annuals or perennials. Leaf-sheath compressed. Ligule reduced to ciliate rim. Leaf-blade flat or involute. Culm terete, solid. Inflorescence a solitary spike-like panicle of prickly glomerules, composed of coalescing spines; spikelets sessile, solitary, or in clusters of 2-5 surrounded by, and deciduous with the sessile or minutely peduncled involucre of ± connate, often rigid, antrorsely or retrorsely scabrid spines or bristles. Spikelets 2-flowered; lower floret ♂, or Ø and reduced to a lemma, upper floret ☿. Glumes usually dissimilar, rarely subequal, hyaline or thinly membranous; lower often 0, or if present, 1-5-nerved, upper ≤ spikelet, 1-5-(7)-nerved. Lower floret: lemma usually similar in texture to upper glume and ≈ spikelet, 3-7-nerved; palea ≈ lemma, 2-keeled. Upper floret: lemma = spikelet, firmly membranous, chartaceous or coriaceous, 5-7-nerved; palea = lemma; lodicules 0; stamens 3; ovary apex glabrous, styles terminal, free, or connate below; caryopsis dorsiventrally compressed, glabrous, embryo c. ⅔ length of caryopsis, hilum basal, punctiform.
Small to medium-sized bamboos of rather diffuse habit, with rhizomes monopodial and running freely. Culm-internodes grooved or flattened, at least on one side; nodes very swollen, lower nodes often with rootlet thorns. Culm-sheaths ± persistent; sheath-blades very small. Branches 3 at each node, subequal; smaller secondary branches often present. Inflorescence diffuse. Spikelets many-flowered, sessile. Stamens 3. Stigmas 2.
Diffuse bamboo with extensively running rhizomes. Culm 3-6 m, dark green; nodes swollen and prominent; internodes obtusely quadrangular in cross section; lower internodes less obviously so; lowest nodes with short indurated adventitious rootlets which become spiny. Culm-sheath to 12 × 8 cm, triangular, tardily deciduous, purple with dark purplish tessellations; auricles and oral bristles 0; sheath-blades very small. Branches spreading widely and ± drooping above, sometimes purplish. Leaf-sheath with long bristles at apex. Leaf-blade 9-24 × 0.7-2 cm, narrow lanceolate or linear-lanceolate, deep green on both surfaces, tessellate, ± drooping.
Tall, slender, erect, pedicelled tussock, with sharp-pointed, glabrous, deciduous leaves. Leaf-sheath to 12 cm, dark above, pale shining below, persistent, becoming chartaceous, keeled, clothed with long (3 mm) abundant deciduous hairs, apical tuft of hairs to 7 mm. Ligule to 0.5 mm. Leaf-blade to 50 cm × 1 mm diam., acicular junceous, thickened at midrib, disarticulating at ligule, abaxially glabrous, adaxially with dense very short stiff hairs below, papillae and occasionally some prickle-teeth above; margin smooth. Culm to 60 cm, long and short hairs below inflorescence otherwise glabrous. Inflorescence to 10 cm, spikelets few; rachis, branches and pedicels abundantly long hairy especially at branch axils. Spikelets of up to 7 golden florets. Glumes becoming acute or mucronate, glabrous, > adjacent lemma lobes; lower to 11 mm, 3-nerved, upper to 13 mm, 5-nerved. Lemma to 5 mm; dense hairs at margin and erect hairs aside central nerve or rarely between all nerves, ± reaching sinus; lateral lobes to 4 mm, triangular-acute; central awn to 14 mm from divergent flat column to 2 mm. Palea to 7 mm. Callus to 1 mm, hairs to 2.5 mm. Rachilla to 0.5 mm. Lodicules to 1 mm. Anthers to 4 mm. Gynoecium: ovary to 0.8 mm; stigma-styles to 2 mm. Caryopsis to 3 mm. 2n= 42. Plate 8F.
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Mat-forming grass with persistent, short leaves densely crowded in tight shoots among many old sheaths, and much shorter than flowering culms; hairy prophylls evident. Leaf-sheath to 7 cm, imbricate, persistent, entire, becoming fibrous and separating into two distinct layers when old, shiny, glabrous, long (7 mm) entangled hairs at apex usually spreading across proximate sheath, adaxially with antrorse, soft, internerve hairs to 0.25 mm; margins undulating and usually glabrous. Ligule to 1.5 mm, often obscured by hairs of sheath and leaf-blade. Leaf-blade to 10 cm × 0.8 mm diam., acicular junceous, persistent, navicular, ± terete, distichous rarely mono-stichous, abaxially shining, glabrous, adaxially with a dense weft of long hairs at base, hairs gradually becoming fewer and shorter above, usually projecting beyond leaf margin, abundant papillae above; margin smooth. Culm to 40 cm, internodes glabrous except for short hairs below nodes and long hairs below inflorescence. Inflorescence to 5 cm; 3-5 solitary spikelets on short, flexuous, long hairy, pulvinate branches. Spikelets of up to 8 often purpled florets. Glumes to 14 mm, glabrous, acute or mucronate, frequently purpled, > adjacent lemma lobes; lower 3-nerved, upper 5-nerved. Lemma to 5 mm; hairs dense at margin and erect aside main nerve, usually absent or fewer elsewhere, ≈ sinus; lateral lobes to 7 mm including awn up to 4 mm, sometimes shortly lobed again, glabrous except for prickle-teeth above; central awn to 15 mm, reflexed from flattened to strongly twisting column to 4 mm. Palea to 7 mm. Callus to 1 mm, hairs to 2.5 mm. Rachilla to 1 mm. Lodicules to 1 mm. Anthers to 4 mm. Gynoecium: ovary to 0.8 mm; stigma-styles to 3 mm. Caryopsis to 3 mm. 2n= 42. Plates 8H, 9C.
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Leaf-sheath long hairy. Leaf-blade with 3 conspicuous ribs, abaxially with some long hairs below near keel, adaxially with weft of long hairs at base. Glumes with prickle-teeth above; lower 1-3-nerved, upper 3-5-nerved. Lemma with prickle-teeth on lobes and margins; lateral lobes to 6.5 mm including awn to 2.5 mm. Palea internerve with few prickles or hairs at apex. Anthers to 3.5 mm. Plates 8C, 10C.
Leaf-sheath glabrous. Leaf-blade with up to 5 conspicuous ribs, glabrous but occasionally with some long hairs adaxially. Glumes with abundant prickle-teeth abaxially and adaxially; lower 3-5-nerved, upper 5-7-nerved. Lemma with prickle-teeth abaxially and adaxially; lateral lobes to 2.5 mm including awn to 1 mm. Palea internerve with conspicuous prickles or hairs. Anthers to 4.5 mm.
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Short, stout, robust tussocks. Leaf-sheath to 8 cm, glabrous, pale or dark brown. Ligule to 1 mm. Leaf-blade to 30 cm × 6 mm, very coriaceous, curved, shortly tapering to very pungent apex, adaxially with abundant prickle-teeth at base. Lemma to 4.5 mm; hairs dense on margin and aside central nerve, few or absent elsewhere.
Short, slender tussock with long prostrate stems often forming large patches. Leaf-sheath to 10 cm, glabrous, frequently reddened. Ligule 0.25 mm. Leaf-blade to 25 cm × 3 mm, drawn out into long tapering, thin, straight or often somewhat twisting, pointed apex. Culm to 50 cm, internodes glabrous. Lemma to 5.5 mm with dense hairs only on margin and aside central nerve. Plate 8E.
Short, stout, robust tussock. Leaf-sheath to 12 cm, sometimes purpled, usually with many short interrib hairs. Ligule to 0.5 mm. Leaf-blade 30 cm × 6 mm, drawn out into long tapering, twisting or curling, pointed apex; adaxially with few prickle-teeth near ligule. Culm to 65 cm, internodes often hairy. Lemma to 6 mm; hairs dense on margin and in all internerves though sometimes absent from some. Plate 1B.
Tussocks of variable stature, some robust with long leaves, others slender with shorter, narrow leaves; culm internodes hairy; leaves stiff, scabrid, deciduous. Leaf-sheath to 25 cm, fracturing into short segments, shining light brown at base, long (4 mm) and short deciduous interrib hairs above, margin long hairy above, apical tuft of hairs to 4 mm. Ligule to 0.8 mm. Leaf-blade to 75 cm × 1.3 mm diam., acicular junceous, midrib evident, falling with part of sheath, abaxially with long hairs aside midrib below becoming very scabrid above, adaxially with weft of long hairs at base, abundant prickle-teeth and papillae above; margin thick, below with long (up to 4 mm) hairs interlocking across leaf-blade, scabrid above. Culm to 65 cm; lower internodes densely hairy, less so above, hairy below inflorescence. Inflorescence to 20 cm, narrow and strict, very scabrid and with a few long hairs at branch axils and below spikelets. Spikelets of up to 6 lightly purpled florets. Glumes acute or shortly awned, scabrid above, ≤ adjacent lemma lobes; lower to 11 mm, 3-nerved, upper to 13 mm, 5-7-nerved. Lemma to 5.5 mm; hairs dense at margin and aside central nerve, often in all internerves or sometimes few or absent, ≥ sinus; lateral lobes to 4.5 mm including awn to 2 mm, or acute, scabrid above; central awn to 11 mm from 2.5 mm twisting column. Palea to 8 mm. Callus to 1 mm, hairs to 4 mm. Rachilla to 1 mm, very occasionally short hairy. Lodicules to 1 mm. Anthers to 3.5 mm. Gynoecium: ovary to 1 mm; stigma-styles to 3.5 mm. Caryopsis to 3.5 mm.
Leaf-sheath to 20 cm, mostly purpled, internerves and margins hairy. Leaf-blade to 130 cm × 10 mm, adaxially with weft of short hairs at base and abundant prickle-teeth above. Inflorescence to 30 cm, glabrous except for long hairs at branch axils and some stiff hairs below spikelets. Lemma to 6 mm; hairs dense on margins and in internerves, > sinus; lateral lobes usually awned. Anthers 6 mm. Plate 10A.
Leaf-sheath to 20 cm, purpled, internerves and margins hairy. Leaf-blade to 70 cm × 10 mm, abaxially glabrous but sometimes with long hairs and forming contra-ligule, adaxially with dense weft of long hairs at base and abundant prickle-teeth above. Inflorescence to 25 cm, very long hairy. Glumes often awned. Lemma to 6 mm; hairs dense on margins, fewer in internerves, ≈ sinus. Palea to 7 mm, usually shorter than in other subspp. Anthers to 4.5 mm.
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Tussock of modest stature with persistent sheaths and soft leaf-blades weathering in situ. Leaf-sheath to 15 cm, dark brown below lighter above, persistent, interrib hairs minute or short, apical tuft of hairs to 2 mm. Ligule to 0.6 mm. Leaf-blade to 60 cm × 5 mm, flat or shallowly U-shaped, persistent, abaxially glabrous except for prickle-teeth towards apex and occasionally some long hairs towards base, adaxially with rows of short hairs at base, abundant prickle-teeth; margin with long hairs below, prickle-teeth above. Culm to 60 cm, glabrous, or sheath and internode long hairy, sometimes empurpled. Inflorescence to 25 cm, open, pulvinate, glabrous except for few long hairs at branch axils and some hairs occasionally below spikelet. Spikelet of up to 7 florets. Glumes subequal, to 13 mm, glabrous, acute or occasionally bifid or mucronate, > adjacent lemma lobes; lower 3-nerved, upper 5-nerved. Lemma to 5 mm; hairs dense at margin and aside central nerve, shorter in other internerves or rarely absent, > sinus; lateral lobes to 7.5 mm including 3 mm awn, infrequently long triangular-acute; central awn to 12 mm from twisting column to 3.5 mm. Palea to 7.5 mm. Callus to 1 mm, hairs to 3 mm. Rachilla to 1 mm. Lodicules to 1 mm. Anthers to 4 mm. Gynoecium: ovary to 1 mm; stigma-styles to 3 mm. Caryopsis to 3.25 mm. 2n= 42. Plate 9B.
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Stout tussock with many persistent, old, bladeless, straw-coloured or purple-suffused, keeled, entire, hairy sheaths. Leaf-sheath to 15 cm, apical tuft of hairs to 2 mm. Leaf-blade to 60 cm × 10 mm, twisting above, adaxially occasionally with some long hairs and abundant prickle-teeth, disarticulating at ligule. Culm to 1 m, sheath margins hairy. Inflorescence to 20 cm. Plate 10D.
Leaf-sheath to 20 cm, often purple; internerves and margins hairy, apical tuft of hairs to 2 mm. Leaf-blade to 70 cm × 8 mm, persistent, adaxially with scattered long hairs (4 mm) and prickle-teeth. Culm to 1 m, sheath margin hairy.
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Stout tussock with persistent leaf-blades. Leaf-sheath to 20 mm, pale straw coloured, internerves and margins glabrous, apical tuft of hairs small or absent. Leaf-blade to 1 m × 6 mm, persistent, adaxially with prickle-teeth or papillae. Culm to 1 m, sheath margins glabrous.
Tall, stout, golden tussock with hairy fracturing sheaths and narrow, sweeping, long, deciduous leaves which form a dense litter. Leaf-sheath to 30 cm, dark brown below, keeled, interribs with abundant long and/or short hairs occasionally forming a contra-ligule, fragmenting into short segments, apical tuft of hairs to 2 mm. Ligule to 2 mm. Leaf-blade tough, flat or shallowly U-shaped, adaxially usually with dense weft of short or long hairs at base, abundant prickle-teeth above; margin thick, long hairy below; falling with part of sheath. Culm to 1.5 m, internodes infrequently long hairy; sheath hairy. Inflorescence open, pulvinate. Spikelets of up to 8 florets. Glumes glabrous, acute or very shortly awned, ≥ nearest lemma lobes; lower to 14 mm, 1-3-nerved, upper to 16 mm, 5-7-nerved, very occasionally long hairy on margin below. Lemma densely hairy on margin and in all internerves, hairs rarely absent, > sinus. Palea to 8.5 mm. Callus to 1.5 mm, hairs to 3.5 mm. Rachilla to 1.5 mm. Lodicules to 0.75 mm. Gynoecium: ovary to 1 mm; stigma-styles to 3 mm. Caryopsis to 3.5 mm. 2n= 42. Fig. 16.
Leaf-sheath to 30 cm. Leaf-blade to 80 cm × 7 mm, abaxially glaucous, very occasionally with a few hairs aside midrib at base; margin thick, long hairy below sometimes hairs interlocking across leaf-blade, becoming scabrid. Inflorescence to 30 cm, glabrous except for some long hairs at branch axils. Lemma to 6 mm; lateral lobes to 7.5 mm including awn to 3.5 mm, or long triangular-acute; central awn to 12 mm from twisting column to 4 mm. Anthers to 5 mm. Plate 10B.
Leaf-sheath to 20 cm. Leaf-blade to 85 cm × 7 mm, abaxially with long hairs aside midrib at base; margin thick, long hairy below, becoming glabrous above. Inflorescence to 25 cm; rachis, branches and pedicels hairy or scabrid, sometimes glabrous below and ornamented above, long hairs below spikelets. Lemma to 6.5 mm; lateral lobes to 6 mm, triangular-acute or with awn to 2.5 mm, sometimes shortly lobed again; central awn to 16 mm from twisting column to 2 mm. Anthers to 4.5 mm.
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Leaf-blade greenish, adaxially papillate, margin smooth. Anthers to 5 mm.
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Leaf-blade red to red-brown, margin scabrid, adaxially with prickle-teeth. Lemma to 5 mm. Anthers to 3.5 mm.
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Slender tussock with stramineous, hairy sheaths. Leaf-sheath to 10 cm, hairy, entire, margins often undulating, apical tuft of hairs to 3.5 mm. Ligule to 0.5 mm. Leaf-blade to 30 cm × 2.5 mm, flat or ± U-V-shaped, keeled, twisting above, disarticulating at ligule, abaxially prickle-toothed above, adaxially with prickle-teeth; margin with long hairs below, becoming prickle-toothed or rarely becoming smooth. Culm to 60 cm, slender, internodes glabrous. Inflorescence to 13 cm, glabrous except for long hairs at branch axils. Spikelets golden and purple, of up to 8 florets. Glumes usually > nearest lemma lobes; lower to 10 mm, 1-3-5-nerved, upper to 11 mm, 3-5-7-nerved. Lemma to 5.5 mm; hairs dense on margin and aside central nerve, sparse or absent elsewhere; lateral lobes to 4 mm, shortly awned or triangular-acute; central awn to 7 mm from a flat, rarely twisting, column to 2 mm. Palea to 7 mm. Callus to 1 mm, hairs to 2.5 mm. Rachilla to 1 mm. Lodicules to 1 mm. Anthers to 3.5 mm. Gynoecium: ovary to 1 mm; stigma-styles to 2 mm. Caryopsis to 2 mm.
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Tufted perennials, brownish green, tough, branched above, to 1 m; stolons strong, wiry. Leaf-sheath keeled, chartaceous, often faintly purplish. Ligule 0.4-0.6-(0.8) mm, minutely ciliate. Collar hairs 3-5 mm. Leaf-blade 10-30 cm × (1.5)-3-6 mm, folded to flat, stiff, narrow linear-lanceolate, strongly keeled, minutely scabrid, adaxially sometimes with a row of long hairs at base; margins thickened, much-narrowed to fine acicular tip. Culm 60-80 cm, ± flattened and geniculate at base, internodes slightly scabrid below inflorescence. Racemes 7-18, spike-like, ± digitate, tawny brown, 4.5-7.5-(10) cm × 3-3.5 mm, erect, bunched together, bearing close-set shortly pedicelled green to golden-brown or brownish spikelets; rachis slender, short-scabrid, pubescent near base. Glumes unequal, membranous, 1-nerved, keel sparsely prickle-toothed; lower 1.2-1.7 mm, narrow-lanceolate, glabrous, acute, upper 2-3 mm, elliptic-lanceolate, sparsely scabrid, ± truncate above, midnerve excurrent forming awn 0.2-0.5 mm. Spikelets 3-flowered. Basal ☿ floret: lemma 2.5-3.5 mm, 3-nerved, lateral nerves and callus sparsely hairy with longer hairs near apex, midnerve scabrid above, awn fine, scabrid, 1.4-3 mm; palea 2.5-3 mm, keels purple, minutely scabrid in upper ½, interkeel ± smooth, minutely scabrid near notched apex; anthers 1.4-1.8 mm; gynoecium with ovary c. 0.4 mm, stigma-styles c. 1.5 mm; caryopsis not seen. Median Ø floret: lemma 2-3 mm, 3-nerved, oblong, scabrid near almost truncate apex, awn 0.4-1.5 mm, scabrid; palea 2-3 mm, similar to palea of basal floret but ± entire; anthers when present, pollen-sterile, 0.7-1.3 mm. Apical Ø floret: lemma empty, 0.3-1.2 mm, inrolled, truncate, minutely scabrid above, sometimes mucronate, borne at tip of glabrous rachilla 1.1-1.5 mm.
Tufted or stoloniferous perennials or annuals. Leaf-sheath glabrous, striate. Ligule ciliate. Collar often with hairs. Leaf-blade flat or folded, somewhat scabrid. Culm usually branched, often 1 m, or more, internodes glabrous. Inflorescence of 2-several digitate or subdigitate, erect or spreading, spike-like persistent racemes. Spikelets sessile or shortly pedicelled in 2 secund rows on continuous rachis, disarticulating above glumes; lowest floret ☿, upper 1-6 florets usually Ø, often truncate, and if more than one, ± enclosed by first Ø floret. Glumes unequal with the lower shorter, narrow, keeled, acute to acuminate. Lemma of ☿ floret keeled, usually broad, 1-5-nerved, outer nerves submarginal, keel or marginal nerves villous or long-ciliate, apex entire, or bilobed with midnerve extended to slender awn, sometimes reduced to a mucro; lemma of upper florets reduced, awnless or awned. Palea ≈ lemma, 2-keeled, narrow. Callus inconspicuous. Lodicules 2 in ☿ florets, fleshy, glabrous. Stamens 3. Ovary glabrous, styles free. Caryopsis ± compressed, ellipsoid and trigonous to lanceolate and subterete; hilum punctiform or shortly elliptic.
Light green, wiry, stoloniferous perennials to 50 cm; widely spreading racemes of inflorescence conspicuous at maturity. Leaf-sheath keeled, chartaceous, light green to light brown. Ligule 0.2-0.4 mm, minutely ciliate. Collar glabrous, sometimes with minute (0.1-0.5 mm) hairs, rarely with a few long (1-5 mm) hairs. Leaf-blade 6.5-12 cm × 2-2.5 mm, folded, linear, ± scabrid near base, adaxially rarely with sparse long (0.8-5 mm) hairs; margins finely scabrid, tip curved. Culm 20-40 cm, unbranched. Racemes 4-11, spike-like, digitate, 10-17 cm × 2.5-3.5 mm, bunched together and ± erect at first, later spreading, lowest racemes almost horizontal; rachis slender, pubescent near base, minutely scabrid above, bearing close-set, shortly pedicelled, light greenish spikelets maturing dark brown, almost black. Glumes unequal, hyaline, 1-nerved, narrow-lanceolate, acute, smooth, midnerve sparsely scabrid; lower 1.2-1.9 mm, upper 3-3.8 mm, deeper purple, margins scabrid near apex. Spikelets 2-3-flowered. Basal ☿ floret: lemma 2.7-3.6 mm, 3-nerved, sparsely, minutely scabrid, lateral nerves with short stiff hairs, callus hairs long, stiff, apex notched, bilobed, awn from notch 6.5-14 mm, slender, straight, scabrid, purple; palea 2.2-2.8 mm, narrow, entire, keels ciliate; anthers 0.5-0.8 mm, purple; gynoecium with ovary 0.4-0.5 mm, stigma-styles 1.2-1.5 mm; caryopsis 1.5-1.9 × 0.3-0.5 mm. Median floret: lemma 1.5-2.5 mm, 3-(5)-nerved, glabrous, truncate, awn c. 12 mm; palea shorter and much narrower; anthers when present, 0.5 mm, polliniferous. Apical Ø floret when present: lemma c. 1 mm, 3-nerved, truncate, always barren, awn 2.5-3.5 mm; rachilla glabrous, 0.5-0.8 mm.
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Very tall, stout, tussock with dark green, sharp, drooping leaves, and inflorescence initially violet but drying dirty brown. Leaf-sheath thin, rolling up and eventually fracturing into short segments; abaxially with scattered long hairs, adaxially with short soft hairs below ligule. Ligule to 4 mm. Collar white, sparsely prickle-toothed. Leaf-blade to 2 m × 2 cm, surfaces homochromous, arching and pendent from sheath, abaxially sparsely long hairy, adaxially with weft of short hairs on nerve at base, minute prickle-teeth throughout; margins long (2 mm) hairy below becoming scabrid from rows of prickles. Culm to 3.5 m; internodes finely scabrid. Inflorescence to 75 cm, plumose, dense, erect to drooping with flexible branches falling to one side, violet drying dirty dull brown; rachis finely scabrid, branches and pedicels violet and abundantly finely short stiff hairy, pedicels lacking long hairs below spikelets. Spikelets 20 mm, of up to 7 florets. Glumes unequal, to 10-13 mm, > florets, scabrid, produced into awn-like process, nerve becoming violet. Lemma to 12 mm, scabrid, drawn out into long awn-like process, nerves 3, violet; hairs to 10 mm, radiating from upper lemma; central awn a mucro to 0.3 mm, from between bifid lemma apex. Palea to 4 mm, attenuated, apex hair-tipped, violet, keels ciliate, interkeel and flanks scabrid. Callus to 1 mm, curved, hairs to 2 mm. Rachilla to 1.5 mm. Lodicules to 0.5 mm, lobed or simple, ciliate, nerved. Androecium of 3 staminodes to 0.15 mm on filaments to 0.8 mm. Gynoecium: ovary to 1.5 mm; stigma-styles to 2 mm. Caryopsis to 2.5 mm; embryo to 1 mm; hilum linear to 1 mm. 2n= 108.
Very tall, stout tussock with narrow, erect, sharp leaves, and narrow inflorescences. Leaf-sheath glabrous beneath white epicuticular wax. Ligule to 3.5 mm. Collar brown, abaxially glabrous, adaxially with ribs short stiff hairy. Leaf-blade to 2 m × 2.5 cm, stiff, abaxially very scabrid in upper ⅓, adaxially with thick weft of hairs at base becoming fewer up midrib, abundant minute prickle-teeth throughout; margins long (5 mm) hairy below becoming very scabrid. Culm to 2.5 m, internodes glabrous. Inflorescence to 1 m, plumose, stiff, erect to pennant-shaped and drooping; rachis glabrous, branches and pedicels scabrid, long hairs at axils and below spikelet. Spikelets to 25 mm, of 3 florets. Glumes equal, ≥ florets, transparent, acuminate, 1-nerved occasionally shortly 3-nerved; keel scabrid; sometimes long hairy on lower margin. Lemma to 10 mm, scabrid, long (7 mm) hairs radiating from base; lateral lobes to 3 mm; central awn to 15 mm from between lobes. Palea to 6 mm, attenuated, apex hair-tipped, keels ciliate, interkeel and flanks scabrid above. Rachilla to 1 mm, glabrous. Callus hairs to 2 mm. Lodicules to 0.7 mm, hair-fringed. Anthers of ☿ flowers to 4.5 mm, of ♀ flowers to 3 mm. Gynoecium: of ☿ flowers ovary to 1 mm, stigma-styles to 2.5 mm; of ♀ flowers ovary to 1.3 mm, stigma-styles to 4 mm. Caryopsis 3-4 mm; embryo to 1 mm; hilum to 2.0 mm. 2n= 90. Plate 8B.
Exceedingly tall, stout tussock with long rhizomes in sand hills and extravaginal branching. Leaf-sheath clothed in long hairs or occasionally only at margins, pale green under heavy white epicuticular wax; contra-ligule present. Ligule to 3 mm. Leaf-blade to 3 m × 3-5 cm, flexible, abaxially glabrous except for prickle-teeth at apex, adaxially with dense weft of long hairs at base becoming fewer on midrib, minute hairs throughout; margins long hairy below becoming slightly scabrid with blunt teeth. Culm to 6 m, white shining, internodes scabrid. Inflorescence to 1 m, erect or nodding, dense, shining, plumose; rachis scabrid below becoming shortly, stiff hairy above, branches and pedicels short stiff hairy, long hairs at axils and below spikelets. Spikelets to 4 cm, of 2-3 florets. Glumes equal, to 40 mm, produced to awn-like apex, > florets; short stiff hairy on keel, prickle-toothed elsewhere. Lemma to 11 mm, 3-nerved, scabrid; lateral lobes to 7.5 mm including awn to 3 mm; hairs to 12 mm, radiating from lower ⅓; central awn to 30 mm. Palea to 9 mm, attenuate, apex scarcely produced, keels ciliate, interkeel and flanks scabrid above. Callus hairs to 4 mm. Rachilla to 1 mm. Lodicules to 0.75 mm, hair-fringed. Anthers of ☿ flowers to 6 mm, of ♀ flowers to 4 mm. Gynoecium: of ☿ flowers ovary to 0.7 mm, stigma-styles to 2 mm; of ♀ flowers ovary to 1 mm, stigma-styles to 4 mm. Caryopsis 4-5 mm; embryo to 1 mm; hilum to 2 mm. 2n= 90.
Tall perennial tussocks with robust intravaginal shoots (extravaginal in C. splendens). Leaf-sheaths heavily coated in epicuticular wax or not, breaking into short segments or remaining entire. Ligule a rim of short hairs. Leaf-blade to 2 m long, tapering, 1-many evident ribs, scabrid and sharply cutting from many antrorse prickle-teeth or scarcely so, homo- or heterochromous. Panicle large, plumose, variously coloured subtended by long, hair-fringed bract, branches stiff to flexible. Glumes 1-nerved, transparent, minutely prickle-toothed. Spikelets with 3-7 florets. Flowers dimorphic on separate plants, ☿ and ♀, gynodioecious. Lemma 3-nerved, hairs abundant and radiating (except on ☿) awned from between bifid lobes or entire and mucronate. Lodicules 2, cuneate and irregularly lobed, hair-tipped. Androecium of male-fertile flowers with 3 long anthers, of male-sterile flowers reduced to small staminodes or shorter sterile anthers. Gynoecium with 2 plumose stigmas (and the remnant of a third), ♀ > ☿. Caryopsis free; hilum linear c. ½ caryopsis. Fig. 17.
Very tall, stout tussock with ivory sheaths and sharp leaves below a shining white culm bearing a large plumose panicle. Leaf-sheath glabrous, ivory beneath epicuticular wax, midrib green. Ligule to 4 mm. Collar dark brown, adaxially clothed in short hairs. Leaf-blade to 2 m × 3 cm; stiff, abaxially long hairy towards margins below, sharply scabrid from many prickle-teeth in upper ⅓, adaxially with thick weft of hairs at base becoming fewer above, minute stiff hairs throughout; margins long (5 mm) hairy below, becoming very scabrid with rows of prickle-teeth. Culm to 4 m, shining, waxy, internodes glabrous. Inflorescence to 1 m, stiff, erect, densely plumose, rachis smooth, branches and pedicels short stiff hairy, long hairs at axils and below spikelets. Spikelets to 25 mm, of 2-3 florets. Glumes equal, to 25 mm, > florets, 1-nerved, acuminate and awn-like above, scabrid. Lemma to 10 mm, 3-nerved, finely scabrid; hairs to 8 mm radiating from base; lateral lobes to 5 mm; central awn to 15 mm. Palea to 6.5 mm, attenuated, keels and apex ciliate, interkeel and flanks hairy. Callus hairs to 1.5 mm. Rachilla to 0.5 mm, glabrous. Lodicules to 0.5 mm. Anthers of ☿ flowers to 4.75 mm, of ♀ flowers to 2.75 mm. Gynoecium: of ☿ flowers ovary to 1 mm, stigma-styles to 1.8 mm; of ♀ flowers ovary to 1.3 mm, stigma-styles to 3.5 mm. Caryopsis to 2.5-3 mm; embryo to 0.75 mm; hilum to 1 mm. 2n= 90.
Very tall, stout, glaucous tussock growing on peat or in bogs. Leaf-sheath internerves and margins long hairy. Ligule to 2 mm. Collar glabrous abaxially, some few short hairs adaxially. Leaf-blade to 1.5 m × 1.5 cm, tapering to long, thin point; abaxially with long interrib hairs below becoming fewer and prickle-teeth becoming dense above, adaxially with dense weft of long interrib hairs at base becoming fewer and generally glabrous except near margins; margins scabrid below becoming very scabrid above. Culm to 2 m, internodes glabrous. Inflorescence to 70 cm, dense, plumose, branches and pedicels densely long hairy, rachis less so, hairs longer below spikelet. Spikelets with 2 ☿ florets. Glumes ± equal, to 25 mm, including florets, 1-nerved, thin; upper with hairs to 10 mm from below, lower with fewer or none, elsewhere minute scattered teeth. Lemma to 9 mm, 3-nerved, scattered prickle-teeth; lateral lobes to 2 mm; hairs to 10 mm radiating from below and reaching tip of lemma, central awn to 9 mm. Palea to 7 mm, attenuated, long-hairy, apex hair-tipped, keels ciliate, interkeel and flanks glabrous above. Callus hairs to 3 mm. Rachilla to 1 mm, glabrous. Lodicules irregularly rhomboidal to 0.5 mm, hairs to 0.75 mm. Anthers 1.7-2.6 mm. Gynoecium: ovary to 0.8 mm; stigma-styles to 2.5 mm. Caryopsis ovate, rugose, shortly stipitate, to 3 mm; embryo to 1 mm; hilum to 1.5 mm.
Loosely tufted, bluish green annuals, 12-60 cm. Leaf-sheath straw-coloured, sometimes purplish, with auricles hyaline, glabrous, 1-3 mm, uppermost sheaths ± inflated. Ligule 0.4-0.6-(1.4) mm, truncate, denticulate and sparsely ciliate. Leaf-blade 2-12 cm × 1.5-5 mm, soft, flat, ± sparsely long hairy, abaxially scabrid on ribs near acute tip, margins finely scabrid. Culm 7.5-50 cm, erect or geniculate below, internodes glabrous. Racemes erect, very dense-flowered, green to purplish, sometimes dark brown when mature, 5-9.5 × 1.5-3 cm including the erect to somewhat spreading awns; rachis fragile, margins long hairy. Central spikelet ☿, pedicelled, the pedicel glabrous, polished, c. 1 mm, lateral spikelets ♂ or more often Ø, pedicels shortly pubescent, c. 1 mm. Lateral spikelets: glumes unequal and dissimilar, outer glume 20-24 mm, very narrow, awn-like, scabrid, inner glume 14-18 mm, slightly widened near base and with long (0.75 mm) hairs on margins, narrow, scabrid and awn-like above; lemma 10-12 mm, elliptic-lanceolate, abaxially smooth but with sparse prickle-teeth on nerves above, adaxially densely villous, awn 15-25 mm; palea ≈ lemma, villous, keels scabrid near bifid scabrid tip; rachilla prolongation 1.5-2.5 mm, sturdy, sparsely hairy below, yellow to orange; lodicules 1 mm; anthers 1.5-2 mm, yellowish. Central spikelet: glumes equal, similar, 12-15 mm, widened near base, margins long (0.75 mm) hairy, awn-like and scabrid above; lemma 7-10 mm, elliptic-lanceolate, smooth except for sparse prickle-teeth abaxially on outer lateral nerves just below awn, whitish green, to purplish above, adaxially glabrous except for hairs at apex, awn 13-25 mm; palea ≈ lemma, folded interkeel abaxially sparsely pubescent, nerves scabrid near produced ciliate tip, adaxially smooth but ciliate-scabrid apically; rachilla prolongation 3-5 mm, slender, pale green to dark green, short stiff hairy. Lodicules 1.0 mm, glabrous. Anthers 0.3-0.6 mm. Gynoecium: ovary 0.6-1.0 mm; stigma-styles 0.5-1 mm. Caryopsis 4-6 × 1-2 mm; embryo 0.8 mm.
Closely tufted, glaucous annuals, 7.5-40-(85) cm. Leaf-sheath green or straw-coloured, without auricles, lower covered with short, soft, horizontally spreading hairs, upper glabrous, the uppermost ± inflated. Ligule 0.2-0.6 mm, truncate, erose to ciliate. Leaf-blade 2-7-(14) cm × 1.5-2.5-(3.5) mm, flat, narrowed to acute tip, margins minutely scabrid, pilose or abaxially sometimes less densely hairy to ± glabrous. Culm 5-35-(80) cm, often decumbent, internodes glabrous. Raceme erect, glaucous, dense-flowered, ± oblong, 2-6 × 1-2 cm; rachis fragile but not disarticulating readily, margins finely ciliate. Central ☿ spikelet sessile; lateral spikelets Ø, on slender pedicels 0.5-1 mm. Glumes of all spikelets ± equal, 10-15 mm, scabrid, awn-like, glumes of lateral spikelets overtopping lemma awns, inner occasionally widened at base. Lemmas of lateral spikelets 2.5-5 mm, abaxially glabrous, with scabrid awn 2-7 mm, adaxially with scattered hairs; rachilla prolongation 1-3 mm. Lemma of central spikelet 5.5-7.5 mm, abaxially glabrous, scabrid awn 6-15 mm overtopping glumes, adaxially with scattered soft hairs above. Palea = lemma, folded, keels shortly excurrent and scabrid near tip, abaxially glabrous, adaxially with a few short hairs apically. Rachilla prolongation c. 2.5-4 mm. Lodicules 1 mm, glabrous. Anthers 0.75-1.3 mm. Gynoecium: ovary c. 0.5 mm; stigma-styles 1.2-1.5 mm. Caryopsis 3-5 × 1-1.5 mm; embryo 0.5 mm.
Slender, loosely tufted, light green to purplish perennials, 30-75 cm, with plume-like racemes. Leaf-sheath without auricles, with scattered fine, soft, straight hairs, c. 0.5 mm, in basal leaves, but sheaths glabrous in upper cauline leaves, uppermost dilated, often enclosing base of raceme. Ligule 0.3-0.7 mm, truncate, ciliolate, abaxially smooth. Leaf-blade 5-20 cm × 1.5-3 mm, ribs fine and finely scabrid, sometimes sparsely hairy abaxially, margins finely scabrid, tip acicular. Culm 20-65 cm, erect or geniculate below, internodes glabrous. Raceme nodding, dense-flowered, 7-14 cm, including fine, light yellow-green to purplish awns, and 9-12 cm wide when awns are fully spread; rachis very fragile, margin conspicuously hairy. Central ☿ spikelet sessile; lateral spikelets Ø, pedicelled. Glumes of all spikelets about equal, very fine, awn-like, scabrid, spreading, 4-7 cm. Lemma of lateral spikelets much reduced, scabrid, 2-3.5 mm; awn « glumes, or 0; palea vestigial, 0-0.5 mm. Lemma of central spikelet 4.8-6.2 mm, narrow-elliptic, abaxially finely scabrid above, adaxially with a few scattered hairs above, tapered to a very long, fine awn 3.5-7 cm. Palea ≈ lemma, ± folded, keels ciliate above near bifid apex, abaxially glabrous elsewhere, adaxially with scattered hairs above. Rachilla prolongation = lemma, sometimes recurved. Lodicules 0.7-0.6 mm, sparsely ciliate. Anthers (1)-1.2-1.8 mm. Gynoecium: ovary 0.5-0.7 mm; stigma-styles 1.25-2.0 mm. Caryopsis 2.8-3.5 × 1-1.3 mm; embryo 0.75 mm.
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Loosely tufted, light green annuals, 10-70 cm. Leaf-sheath green to light straw-coloured, with hyaline, clasping, glabrous auricles 1.5-3 mm, upper glabrous, uppermost ± inflated. Ligule 0.3-1 mm, rounded, minutely ciliate. Leaf-blade soft, flat, with scattered, long, fine hairs, ribs glabrous or very finely scabrid; margins very finely scabrid, tip acute. Culm 6-50 cm, erect or geniculate; internodes glabrous. Raceme very dense-flowered, oblong, 4-10 × 1-3.5 cm, including the erect or sometimes spreading awns; rachis fragile. Central ☿ spikelet sessile or pedicelled; lateral spikelets ♂ or Ø, pedicels 1-1.5 mm. Lateral spikelets: glumes unequal, ± dissimilar, outer very narrow, scabrid, ± awn-like throughout, inner slightly wider near base awn-like above; lemma adaxially copiously hairy, awned; palea = lemma, keels scabrid near minutely bifid ciliate apex; rachilla prolongation 2.5-3.5 mm; lodicules ciliate. Central spikelet: glumes equal, similar, 15-30 mm, widened near base, margins ciliate, awn-like and scabrid above; lemma 7-14 mm, lanceolate, long awned; palea = lemma, folded, keels scabrid above; rachilla prolongation 4-5 mm; lodicules 1.0-1.8 mm, ciliate. Gynoecium: ovary 0.6-1 mm; stigma-styles 1-2 mm. Caryopsis 5-9.5 × 1.5-2 mm; embryo 1.5 mm. Fig. 14. Plate 3C.
Lower leaf-sheaths glabrous, or with scattered, long, soft hairs. Leaf-blade 3-15 cm × 2-8 mm. Raceme erect or inclined, light green, sometimes with purplish or golden tinge; rachis margins ciliate. Central ☿ spikelet sessile or on pedicel c. 0.3 mm; lateral spikelets shortly pedicelled. Lateral spikelets: outer glumes 15-32 mm, inner 13-25 mm, sparsely hairy on the curved margin near base; lemma abaxially slightly ciliate on margins near base and scabrid above, awn 8.5-40 mm; palea adaxially copiously long hairy; lodicules 1.5-1.75 mm; anthers 0.4-1.3 mm. Central spikelet: lemma abaxially glabrous but scabrid on nerves near apex, adaxially short-ciliate towards apex, awn 15-45 mm, overtopping all glumes and awns; palea folded, keels scabrid near produced, minutely bifid, ciliate apex, interkeel glabrous. Anthers 0.7-1.6 mm.
Lower leaf-sheaths with ± dense, long, soft hairs. Leaf-blade 2-22 cm × 1.5-8 mm. Racemes erect, green to purplish, sometimes dark brown at maturity; rachis margins long hairy. Central spikelet ☿, on glabrous pedicel 0.5-1 mm; lateral spikelets on shortly pubescent pedicels, 1-1.5 mm. Lateral spikelets: outer glumes 17-24 mm, inner 15-18 mm and with long hairy margins near base; lemma abaxially glabrous and straw-coloured below, green and more distinctly nerved and scabrid on nerves above, awn 11-27 mm; palea adaxially villous; lodicules 2.5 mm, hairy; anthers 0.8-1.6 mm. Central spikelet: lemma smooth but sparsely scabrid below awn, pale whitish green, greenish to purplish above, awn 18-30 mm, ± reaching to top of awns of lateral spikelets; palea keels with a few prickle-teeth near rounded, produced or bifid, ciliate apex, interkeel long hairy, adaxially short-ciliate. Anthers 0.8-1 mm.
Tufted annuals or perennials. Leaf-sheath membranous to chartaceous, often with auricles. Ligule membranous. Leaf-blade flat. Inflorescence an oblong to linear, spike-like raceme, with spikelets in triads alternately at nodes of rachis, each triad consisting of a sessile to pedicelled ☿ central spikelet flanked by 2 pedicelled lateral spikelets, ♂ or Ø; rachis flattened; spikelets disarticulating as triads. Spikelets 1-flowered, dorsally compressed; rachilla prolonged. Glumes 2, anterior to spikelet, 1-nerved or faintly 3-nerved, linear, often awn-like, sometimes expanded at base, often with fine prickles in the 3 serrate lines. Lemma of central floret obscurely 5-nerved, rounded, awned or awnless; lemmas of lateral florets usually smaller to much reduced, sometimes larger. Palea ≈ lemma, 2-nerved, folded. Stamens 3. Lodicules 2. Ovary with hairy corona and long hispid hairs at apex. Caryopsis free, or adherent to anthoecium, elliptic, deeply furrowed adaxially; embryo c. ⅕-¼ caryopsis. Fig. 14.
Loosely tufted light green or greyish green perennials, to 50 cm. Leaf-sheath pale greyish brown or straw-coloured, lower with soft, shaggy long hairs and narrow auricles c. 0.5 mm, upper glabrous, not inflated, often without auricles. Ligule 0.4-0.6 mm, truncate, denticulate to ciliate, abaxially with sparse prickle-teeth. Leaf-blade 4-10 cm × 1-3.5 mm, abaxially very minutely scabrid, adaxially scabrid on ribs, with scattered hairs, tip acute. Culm 25-45 cm, erect or geniculate, slender, internodes glabrous. Raceme ± erect, dense-flowered, narrow, 2-4 ×c. 0.8 cm, including the scarcely spreading awns, pale greyish green; rachis fragile, margins ciliate. Central ☿ spikelet sessile; lateral spikelets Ø and much reduced, pedicels slender, c. 1 mm. Glumes of all spikelets about equal, fine, awn-like, scabrid, 10-13.5 mm. Lemmas of lateral spikelets 2.5-5.25 mm, shortly stiff hairy below the fine scabrid awn 1.5-3 mm; palea vestigial c. 0.8 mm, or = lemma. Lemma of central spikelet 7-8 mm, oblong-lanceolate, abaxially glabrous, adaxially villous, tapered above to fine scabrid awn 7.5-11 mm, overtopping glumes. Palea ≈ lemma, folded, minutely bifid, keels glabrous, but interkeel short stiff hairy near ciliate apex; rachilla prolongation 3-3.5 mm. Lodicules 1.5 mm, hairy, narrow. Anthers c. 3 mm. Gynoecium: ovary 1.0 mm; stigma-styles 1.5 mm. Caryopsis 4-6 × 1-1.3 mm; embryo 1.0 mm.
Mat-forming, green or glaucous, 10-55 cm, with long, scaly rhizomes and long-creeping, much-branched, strong, wiry stolons rooting and tufted at nodes. Leaf-sheath chartaceous, light green to straw-coloured, ± keeled. Ligule 0.1-0.2 mm, truncate, ciliate. Collar hairs 1-2 mm. Leaf-blade 1.6-9 cm × 1-3 mm, sometimes slightly wider, abaxially glabrous or with scattered hairs, adaxially finely ribbed, papillose to scabrid on ribs, with row of hairs at base to 2 mm, midrib scabrid near blunt tip. Culm 10-50 cm, erect from geniculate base, internodes glabrous. Racemes (3)-4-6-(7), 1.5-6 cm × 1-3 mm, erect to spreading; rachis 3-angled, short-scabrid on angles, pubescent at base, bearing scarcely pedicelled imbricate spikelets in 2 secund rows. Spikelets 2-2.5 mm, green or purplish. Glumes 1-2 mm, reflexed from rachis at maturity, membranous, narrow-lanceolate, keel scabrid. Lemma = spikelet, curved to the ± hooded, shortly mucronate apex, glabrous, keel and sometimes margins with short hairs. Palea keels minutely scabrid, interkeel glabrous. Anthers 1-1.5 mm. Gynoecium: ovary 0.3-0.5 mm; stigma-styles 1-1.2 mm. Caryopsis c. 1 × 0.5 mm.
Perennials, rhizomatous and stoloniferous, rooting at nodes and sending up tufts of erect flowering shoots. Leaf-sheath glabrous, short, ± rounded. Ligule membranous, often ciliate. Leaf-blade flat, glabrous to loosely short-hairy; margins scabrid. Culm erect or geniculate at base, internodes glabrous. Inflorescence of 2-6 narrow, digitate, slender, persistent, spike-like racemes; rachis with 2 secund rows of imbricate spikelets. Spikelets ± sessile, laterally compressed, 1-flowered, ☿, rarely with a second vestigial floret; disarticulation above or between glumes. Glumes ± equal, acute, keeled; lower 1-nerved, subpersistent, upper 1-3-nerved, usually deciduous with lemma. Lemma > glumes, naviculate, firmly membranous, 3-nerved, lateral nerves close to margins, awnless, keel ciliate, wingless or narrowly winged. Palea ≈ lemma, 2-keeled. Lodicules 2, minute, obovate-cuneate, glabrous. Stamens 3. Ovary glabrous; styles free to base; stigmas plumose. Caryopsis oblong, subterete; embryo c. ⅓ length of caryopsis; hilum linear, c. ⅔ length of caryopsis.
Compactly tufted perennials, 10-75-(85) cm. Leaf-sheath sub-coriaceous, smooth below, minutely scabrid and keeled above near ligule. Ligule 0.4-1.8 mm, truncate, erose to ciliate. Leaf-blade (2.5)-7-24 cm × 1-4 mm, glabrous, or adaxially with minute prickle-teeth or hairs; margins glabrous, narrowed to long, scabrid, acuminate tip. Culm 2-70 cm, erect, internodes glabrous. Panicle 2-10-(15) cm, to 12 mm wide but usually quite narrow, secund, linear, spike-like, stiff, narrow-oblong, erect or slightly curved; rachis and very short branches with minute prickle-teeth or hairs. ☿ and Ø spikelets mixed together in dense clusters, green to purplish; occasionally proliferous: Ø spikelets 3.3-5.5 mm, persistent, ovate, flattened, of 7-10 acute to acuminate narrow bracts, 2.5-3.8 mm, 1-nerved, scabrid on nerve, margins hyaline; ☿ spikelets 4-6 mm, 2-5-flowered, elliptic-oblong. Glumes persistent, ± equal, 3-4 mm, 1-nerved, hyaline, midnerve scabrid above. Lemma 3-4 mm, faintly 5-nerved, scabrid above, subcoriaceous with very narrow hyaline margin; awn minute, 0.4-1 mm. Palea 2.5-3.5 mm, hyaline, keels minutely scabrid, interkeel papillose. Anthers 1-2.5 mm, purple or yellow. Caryopsis 1.4-2 × 0.6-0.7 mm.
Annuals, in tufts, or shoots solitary, 7-70-(110) cm. Leaf-sheath sub-membranous, smooth, or very minutely scabrid on ribs; upper sheaths ± inflated. Ligule (0.7)-2-6.5 mm, glabrous, rounded. Leaf-blade (2)-4-26 cm × 2-8 mm, abaxially mainly smooth, but finely scabrid on ribs above, adaxially finely scabrid on ribs, margins finely scabrid, tip finely tapered, acicular, scabrid. Culm 6-65-(100) cm, erect or geniculate at base, internodes glabrous. Panicle (1)-1.5-7.5 × (0.6)-1-4.5 cm, secund, spike-like, ovate to oblong or almost globose, bristly, shining; rachis and very short branches minutely scabrid-papillose on angles. ☿ and Ø spikelets mixed together in dense clusters, green to purplish; occasionally pro-liferous: Ø spikelets 6-11 mm, persistent, obovate, of 9-14 narrow-lanceolate, finely scabrid, rigid, finely awn-tipped bracts, 6-8.5 mm, spreading at maturity; ☿ spikelets 10-20 mm, 1-3-flowered, elliptic. Glumes persistent, ± equal and equalling spikelet, 1-nerved, hyaline, shining, narrow-lanceolate, midnerve and margins minutely scabrid, apex fine, acicular. Lemma 4-6.5 mm, faintly 5-nerved below, more obviously nerved above, submembranous, smooth in lower ½, scabrid above and on narrow hyaline margins; awn (5)-7-14.5 mm, strong, straight, scabrid. Palea ≈ lemma, scabrid near apex. Anthers 1.6-2.6 mm. Caryopsis 3-3.8 × 0.8-1.3 mm.
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Dense, coarse, often greyish green tufts, 25-120 cm; branching intra-vaginal, shoots compressed. Leaf-sheath green to pale brown, subcoriaceous, keeled, ribs finely prickle-toothed or minutely hairy. Ligule 3-10.5 mm, acute, erose or sometimes ciliate, abaxially smooth, or with minute hairs or prickle-teeth. Leaf-blade (7)-15-55 cm × 1.5-9 mm, flat, midrib strong, lateral ribs fine, ribs, margins and acicular tip scabrid. Culm 15-95 cm, erect or spreading, internodes glabrous. Panicle (5)-7-20-(45) cm, secund, with spikelets in dense spike-like clusters at tips of few, strong, scabrid branches; lower branches often distant, naked below. Spikelets 6-8 mm, 3-7-flowered, stiff, almost sessile, oblong or cuneate, light green or purplish; often proliferous. Glumes per-sistent, unequal, membranous, ovate-lanceolate, strongly keeled; lower 3-5 mm, acute, upper 4-6 mm, acuminate, keel scabrid to long-ciliate. Lemma 4.5-6.5-(7) mm, 5-nerved, ovate-lanceolate, sparsely pubescent, scabrid, papillose or glabrous, keel scabrid to long-ciliate, margins hyaline, scabrid; awn terminal 0.2-1.2 mm. Palea ≤ lemma, keels short-ciliate, interkeel finely scabrid. Anthers 2-3.5 mm. Caryopsis c. 1 × 0.5 mm.
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Stiff, yellow-green, sometimes bluish green leafy tufts or strong tussocks, 30-120 cm, with rigid panicles on erect culms often well overtopping leaves. Leaf-sheath subcoriaceous, keeled, glabrous, faintly ribbed. Ligule 2.5-7 mm, striate, sometimes almost keeled, acute. Leaf-blade (3)-5-45 cm × 2-3.5 mm, flat, stiff, sometimes folded or inrolled, abaxially smooth and shining, adaxially ribbed, ribs scabrid, tip acute, subpungent. Culm erect, or slightly geniculate at base, internodes glabrous. Panicle (3)-10-30 cm, ± erect, lax at anthesis, bearing spikelets near branchlet tips, later more contracted; rachis and branches sparsely to moderately, finely scabrid. Spikelets (3.5)-4-7 mm, yellow-green to brownish or purplish. Glumes ± equal, slightly overtopping or equalling florets, rarely overtopped by florets in 3-flowered spikelets, acute, keel often very sparsely scabrid; lower 1-nerved, upper 3-nerved. Lemma (2.3)-3-5 mm, oblong, often sparsely scabrid above, apex 4-toothed, margins in upper ½ finely scabrid; awn (0.5)-1-4 mm, fine, straight, minutely scabrid, insertion middorsal or ± basal or rarely in upper ⅓, slightly overtopping or ± reaching lemma apex, occasionally ± appressed to lemma and not reaching apex. Palea narrower than lemma, apex bifid, keels and margins in upper ½ finely scabrid. Callus hairs to 1.5 mm. Rachilla hairs to 2 mm, dense, silky. Anthers (0.8)-1.2-2.2 mm. Gynoecium: ovary c. 0.8 mm; stigma-styles c. 1.5 mm. Caryopsis 1.2-1.6 × 0.4-0.7 mm. 2n= 26.
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Tufts 30-75 cm, with numerous, short, very narrow, tightly rolled leaves much overtopped by culms; occasionally shortly rhizomatous. Leaf-sheath submembranous, rounded, finely scabrid, striate. Ligule (0.2)-0.5-1-(3) mm, truncate, or broadly and shallowly bilobed, abaxially scabrid, tip ciliate-scabrid. Leaf-blade 4.5-15 cm × 0.3-0.6 mm diam., strongly involute, smooth, scabrid near acute tip. Culm erect, or geniculate at base, internodes glabrous. Panicle 6-13.5 cm, ± erect, lax; branches few, very slender, flexuous, scarcely scabrid, naked for some distance towards base, tipped by few spikelets. Spikelets 4.5-6 mm, silvery greenish brown or light brown, purplish near base. Glumes subequal, hyaline, elliptic, sometimes sparsely scabrid above, margins very finely scabrid; lower 4-5 mm, 1-nerved, upper ≈ spikelet, 3-nerved but lateral nerves short. Lemma 4-5 mm, elliptic-oblong, tip ± truncate, irregularly minutely denticulate, minutely scabrid in upper ⅔; awn (3.5)-5-6.5-(7) mm, fine, geniculate, column dark brown, twisted, inserted near base of lemma. Palea narrower than lemma, apex slightly notched, keels minutely scabrid, interkeel minutely scabrid above. Callus hairs 0.7-1.2 mm. Rachilla hairs to 1 mm, fine, silky. Anthers 2-3.5 mm. Caryopsis 1.7-2.5 × 0.5-0.9 mm.
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Perennials, usually caespitose; branching intravaginal. Leaves flat, involute or setaceous. Ligule membranous, acute or obtuse. Inflorescence a lax or contracted panicle. Spikelets rather small, membranous, laterally compressed, pedicelled, 2- or sometimes 3-flowered, chasmogamous or cleistogamous; disarticulation above glumes; rachilla prolonged. Glumes subequal, ≤ florets, 1-3-nerved. Lemma rounded, truncate, irregularly toothed at apex, obscurely 5-nerved; awn dorsal or subapical, or 0. Palea ≈ lemma, 2-keeled. Lodicules 2. Stamens 3, sometimes 1-2. Caryopsis oblong; embryo small; hilum punctiform or shortly elliptic; endosperm solid.
Compact, leafy tufts, 2-4.5 cm, leaves often reaching to base of panicle. Leaf-sheath wider than leaf-blade, firmly membranous, light brownish grey, rounded, ribs few, inconspicuous. Ligule (1.5)-2-3.5 mm, tapered to acute tip. Leaf-blade 5.5-17 × 0.3-0.5 mm, involute, smooth; margins finely scabrid, tip subobtuse. Culm 1.2-2.5-(4) cm, branched at base, often almost completely hidden among leaves, internodes glabrous. Panicle (5)-8.5-18 mm, ± compact; branches few, sparsely, minutely scabrid. Spikelets 2.2-3 mm, greenish, shining. Glumes ± equal and equalling spikelets, keels sparsely scabrid above, tip subacute to acute to almost mucronate; lower 1-nerved, narrow-lanceolate, upper 3-nerved, elliptic-lanceolate. Lemma 1.5-2.2 mm, faintly 5-nerved, oblong, 4-5-toothed with short terminal mucro, 0.3-0.5 mm, in notch. Palea ≤ lemma, apex deeply bifid, keels finely scabrid. Callus hairs c. 0.2 mm. Rachilla hairs c. 0.2 mm, fine, or 0. Anthers (0.3)-0.5-0.6 mm. Caryopsis c. 1 × 0.4 mm. Cleistogamus.
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Open to dense, stiff tufts or small tussocks, 6-35-(55) cm; branching extravaginal. Leaf-sheath subcoriaceous, distinctly ribbed, smooth, or sparsely scabrid to densely scaberulous between ribs, light green to light brown, rarely purplish. Ligule 0.5-2 mm, truncate, abaxially smooth or rarely sparsely minutely hairy or scabrid. Leaf-blade 2.5-15 cm × 0.3-1.5 mm, folded with inrolled margins, setaceous to filiform or wiry, abaxially smooth, or rarely scabrid, adaxially scabrid on ribs, margins sparsely scabrid, narrowed to blunt tip. Culm 4-35 cm, erect or curved, sometimes geniculate at base, nodes usually inconspicuous, internodes either distinctly scabrid below panicle (most North Id plants), to slightly scabrid near panicle or completely smooth. Panicle 2-5.5-(11) cm × (2)-3-18-(22) mm, ± loosely spiciform, narrowly branched, widest at anthesis, later becoming contracted; rachis, branches and pedicels densely scabrid, or rachis smooth and branches scabrid or smooth. Spikelets 3-5.5 mm, greenish or purplish, becoming pale brown. Glumes 1-3-nerved, linear- to elliptic-lanceolate, acute, membranous, often scabrid near tip and on midnerve above. Lemma (2)-2.4-3.8 mm, usually ± ¾ length of glumes, submembranous, smooth to finely papillose, sometimes finely scabrid above, ovate-lanceolate, apex hyaline, truncate, denticulate; awn 2-4.5 mm, usually stout and reflexed, projecting from between glumes, occasionally slightly twisted at base, from upper ⅓ of lemma or c. middorsal. Palea ˜ lemma, keels scabrid in upper ½, interkeel sometimes sparsely scabrid, apex obtuse or bifid. Callus hairs rather dense, 1.5-2.5 mm, c. ½-⅔ length of lemma, very rarely = lemma. Rachilla prolongation 1-1.5 mm, tipped by a strong tuft of hairs 1-2 mm reaching lemma apex or slightly overtopping lemma. Lodicules 0.6-1 mm, lanceolate, subacute. Anthers 0.6-1.4 mm. Caryopsis 1.6-2.2 × 0.4-0.9 mm.
Dark green to grey-green usually slender tufts, (12)-20-110 cm; branching extravaginal. Leaf-sheath firmly membranous, obviously ribbed, smooth, or rarely scabrid near ligule, brownish, sometimes purplish. Ligule 0.5-4.5 mm, truncate or tapered, ciliate, abaxially with very minute hairs. Leaf-blade (2)-4-15-(24) cm × 0.3-1.5 mm diam., inrolled, abaxially smooth, very rarely scabrid, adaxially scabrid, margins scabrid, tip acute, scabrid. Culm (7.5)-15-75 cm, varying in diameter, usually 0.3-0.5 mm diam. in plants with cleistogamous flowers and 0.8-2.5-(3) mm diam. in plants with chasmogamous flowers, erect or curved upwards from decumbent base, internodes glabrous. Panicle (1)-3.5-20-(28) cm × 1.5-17 mm, erect or ± nodding, shining, lanceolate, cylindric above, narrowly branched with spikelets densely crowded throughout, lower branches ± distant; rachis smooth, branches and pedicels sparsely scaberulous. Spikelets 3-7 mm, 1-(2)-flowered, light green to purplish green. Glumes 1-nerved, lanceolate, acute to acuminate, smooth, midnerve minutely scabrid in upper ⅔. Lemma 2.8-5.3 mm, ≈ glumes, firmly membranous, minutely scabrid-papillose, narrow elliptic-lanceolate, involute, apex acute or occasionally finely bifid; awn 4.5-8.5 mm, from lower ⅓ of lemma and overtopping glumes. Palea ≈ lemma, keels scabrid in upper ⅔, tip acute to subacute. Callus hairs few, to c. 1 mm, ⅕-⅓ length of lemma or shorter. Rachilla prolongation (0.5)-0.8-1.5-(2) mm, tipped by an almost equally long, slender tuft of fine hairs reaching to ⅔ length of lemma. Lodicules 0.5-1 mm, ovate-lanceolate, subacute. Anthers 0.2-0.7-(1.2) mm in cleistogamous flowers, (0.5)-0.8-1.4-(2) mm in chasmogamous flowers. Caryopsis 1.5-2.3 × 0.4-0.9 mm.
Reddish green tufts 18-30 cm, with erect culms topped by dense cylindric panicles and much exceeding the leaves at maturity; branching extravaginal. Leaf-sheath chartaceous, glabrous, light green to light reddish brown, ribs more prominent above. Ligule 2-3 mm, erose, often tapered centrally to a fine tip, abaxially glabrous. Leaf-blade 2-9 cm × 1.5-2 mm, folded, abaxially smooth, adaxially slightly ribbed, sparsely scabrid on ribs; margins finely scabrid, tip hooded. Culm 10-24 cm, erect or geniculate at base, nodes hidden by leaf-sheaths, internodes glabrous. Panicle 1.5-4.5 cm × 5-8 mm, cylindric, dense; rachis smooth, branches and pedicels rather sparsely finely scabrid. Spikelets 5-7 mm, purplish green. Glumes subequal, 1-nerved, submembranous, elliptic-lanceolate, acute, smooth, keel finely scabrid on upper ⅔. Lemma 4-5 mm, ⅔-⅘ length of glumes, subcoriaceous, smooth below, finely papillose to prickle-toothed above, ± elliptic, apex shortly bifid; awn 3.5-4.5 mm, from upper ¼ of lemma, twisted about twice at base, ± recurved above. Palea c. ⅔ length of lemma, hyaline, keels thickened, faintly prickle-toothed above. Callus hairs 0.3-1 mm. Rachilla prolongation 0.5-1 mm, bearing minute hairs throughout except at glabrous tip. Lodicules 0.4-0.5 mm. Anthers 0.3-0.65 mm. Gynoecium: ovary 0.6 mm; stigma-styles 1.0-1.5 mm. Caryopsis c. 2 × 0.6 mm, with dehisced anthers entangled in stigmas. Cleistogamous.
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Variable, rather slender to robust, dense or lax tufts, 15-125 cm, with culms erect or curved upwards from base, much overtopping leaves; branching extravaginal. Leaf-sheath subcoriaceous, greenish brown, keeled above, distinctly ribbed, smooth or finely scabrid, or ribs rarely short-ciliate. Ligule 1.5-3.5-(6) mm, oblong, truncate, erose or finely ciliate, abaxially glabrous. Leaf-blade 2.5-15-(20) cm × 0.5-3.5-(6) mm, flat or inrolled, abaxially smooth or ribs finely scabrid, adaxially strongly ribbed, margins finely scabrid, tip long-tapered, acute to acuminate, finely scabrid. Culm (10)-15-105 cm, internodes smooth or faintly scabrid. Panicle 3-25-(35) × 0.4-2 cm, narrow-linear, cylindric, or up to 3.5 cm wide and lobed below; rachis smooth to scaberulous, branches finely scabrid, usually ± appressed to rachis or slightly spreading in larger panicles, densely covered with spikelets almost to base, pedicels scabrid. Spikelets (3)-3.5-4-(5) mm, greenish to purplish. Glumes 1-nerved, hyaline, elliptic-lanceolate, acute or acuminate, smooth or sometimes scabrid, midnerve scabrid, margins scaberulous. Lemma 2-3.5-(4) mm, c. ¾ length of glumes, submembranous to firm, smooth and shining below, and finely scabrid near apex, or lightly scabrid to distinctly scabrid-papillose throughout, narrow-lanceolate, apex denticulate with lateral nerves excurrent as 4 minute awns; central awn 1.6-6 mm, geniculate, usually arising from lower ⅓ of lemma, often subbasal, occasionally almost middorsal, ± enclosed within or projecting beyond glumes. Palea ˜ lemma, hyaline, keels faintly scabrid in upper ½. Callus hairs wispy, 0.4-1 mm, c. ⅓ length of lemma. Rachilla prolongation 0, or 0.05-0.3 mm, including hairs if any. Lodicules c. 0.3 mm, linear, obtuse. Anthers 0.3-1.3-(1.8) mm. Caryopsis 1.5-2 × 0.4-0.7 mm.
Tufts rather narrow, 30-130 cm; branching extravaginal. Leaf-sheath chartaceous with membranous margins, distinctly ribbed, glabrous or finely hairy, light green to light brown. Ligule 0.8-2.5 mm, truncate, ciliate to lacerate, abaxially smooth, or densely minutely pubescent-scabrid. Leaf-blade 12-35-(60) cm × 1-4 mm, stiff, flat to frequently rolled, especially towards tip, abaxially smooth, adaxially distinctly ribbed and finely scabrid on ribs; margins finely scabrid, tip filiform, acute. Culm 40-115 cm, nodes conspicuous, internodes mostly smooth, but sparsely scabrid below panicle. Panicle 7-16-(22) cm × 5-23 mm, linear-lanceolate, shortly and narrowly branched, or more open below; rachis smooth, branches slightly scabrid, with ± densely crowded spikelets on slightly scabrid pedicels. Spikelets 4.5-7.5 mm, light green or purplish. Glumes 1-nerved, submembranous, elliptic-lanceolate, acute, scabrid near apex, keel scabrid. Lemma (4)-5-6 mm, ≈ glumes, subcoriaceous, scabrid, elliptic-lanceolate, apex denticulate; awn (0.5)-1-3 mm, straight, from upper ⅓ of lemma or rarely middorsal, usually barely reaching but occasionally overtopping lemma apex, rarely awn 0. Palea ˜ lemma, keels and interkeel scabrid. Callus hairs fine, ± dense, c. ½ length of lemma. Rachilla prolongation 1.5-2.5 mm, tipped by dense tuft of fine hairs 2-3-(3.5) mm, almost reaching lemma apex. Lodicules 0.6-0.8 mm, linear, acute. Anthers 1.2-1.9 mm, penicillate. Caryopsis 2.5-3 × 0.7-1 mm.
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Sprawling annual tufts, rooting at nodes to form loose mats. Leaf-sheath folded, striate, stiff, light green with numerous, spreading to retrorse, fine tubercle-based hairs. Ligule 1-2 mm, membranous, glabrous, truncate to rounded, erose. Leaf-blade 3-6 cm × (3)-3.5-5-(6) mm, soft, linear, usually with scattered to dense fine hairs, ribs usually scabrid especially above, sometimes smooth; margins scabrid, narrowed rather abruptly to acute tip. Culm (15)-20-40 cm, erect to decumbent, internodes glabrous. Racemes 2-9, (3)-6-8.5-(11.5) cm, slender, closely digitate to approximate, spreading; rachis 3-angled, winged, 0.4-0.8 mm wide, scabrid on angles and often near base; pedicels scabrid on angles with longer prickle-teeth. Spikelets 2.5-3 mm, in pairs, lanceolate, acute, light green or purplish, laterally hairy, hairs fine, acute-tipped. Lower glume (0.2)-0.3-0.5 mm, triangular, acute to obtuse, nerveless, glabrous, upper 1.5-2.2 mm, c. ⅔ length of spikelet, 3-nerved, margins long-hairy. Lower floret: lemma = spikelet, 3-5-nerved, nerves glabrous, outer internerves long-hairy. Upper floret: lemma ≈ spikelet, acute, yellowish or purplish; palea ≈ lemma, acute; anthers 0.8-1.3 mm, purple; stigmas purple; caryopsis c. 1.5-2 mm, oblong.
Annual or perennial, often stoloniferous tufts, of moderate height or low-growing. Leaf-sheath submembranous or stiffly striate, rounded, midrib obvious above. Ligule membranous. Leaf-blade flat to involute, flaccid. Culm erect, or decumbent and rooting at nodes. Inflorescence a panicle of digitate or subdigitate racemes on a short rachis. Racemes slender, secund; rachis 3-angled, or flattened and winged, usually serrate, persistent, bearing along the two abaxial sides, alternate, appressed groups of 2, 3, or rarely solitary spikelets, usually one spikelet of each group ± sessile, and 1-2 shortly pedicelled; spikelets disarticulating below glumes and falling entire at maturity. Spikelets dorsally compressed, lanceolate or elliptic, ± planoconvex, variously pubescent, rarely glabrous, awnless, 2-flowered; lower floret Ø, upper floret ☿. Lower glume minute or 0, upper ≤ lemma of lower floret. Lower floret: lemma usually = spikelet; palea usually a minute scale, or 0. Upper floret: lemma chartaceous to cartilaginous, nerveless, or faintly 3-nerved, glabrous, hyaline margins enfolding palea; palea of similar texture to lemma, nerveless, or faintly 2-nerved; lodicules cuneate, 3-nerved; callus 0; stamens 3; ovary apex glabrous, styles 2, apical, shortly connate below; caryopsis planoconvex, embryo large, to ⅓ length of caryopsis, hilum punctiform.
Summer annuals, forming loose or compact dark purple-green tufts. Leaf-sheath submembranous, striate, glabrous or rarely with a few hairs on margins, light green, folded. Ligule 1-1.5-(2) mm, membranous, glabrous, ± truncate, erose. Leaf-blade 3-6 cm × 3-5 mm, lanceolate, ± rounded at base, glabrous; margins minutely scabrid throughout with a few long hairs near ligule. Culm 7-20-(30) cm, slender, geniculate-ascending, spreading or prostrate, internodes glabrous. Racemes 2-4-(5), 2.5-10 cm, subdigitate, very slender, spreading at maturity; rachis flat, 0.5-1 mm wide, narrowly winged, sparsely long-hairy at base, margins finely scabrid; pedicels ± 3-angled, rarely flattened, sparsely, finely prickle-toothed. Spikelets c. 2 mm, close-set in pairs or triplets, shortly, unequally pedicelled, elliptic or oblong-elliptic, hairs minute, numerous, swollen-tipped. Lower glume 0, or a minute scarious rim, upper c. 2 mm, ≈ spikelet, submembranous, 3-(5)-nerved, internerves with bands of dense short fine hairs. Lower floret: lemma = spikelet, submembranous, 5-nerved, nerves glabrous, outer internerves sparsely to densely fine-hairy; palea minute. Upper floret: lemma = spikelet, dark chestnut-brown, glabrous, acute, margins wide, hyaline, enfolding palea; palea of similar texture to lemma, margins widened below to enfold caryopsis; anthers 0.4-0.7 mm; stigmas purple; caryopsis c. 1.5 × 0.8 mm, oblong.
Summer annuals, forming loose, dull green to purplish tufts, ± creeping and rooting at lower nodes. Leaf-sheath submembranous, striate, light green, with few to numerous tubercle-based hairs. Ligule 0.5-1 mm, membranous, glabrous, truncate, erose. Leaf-blade (1.5)-3-6.5 cm × 3-9 mm, soft, narrow-lanceolate, rounded at base, flat, glabrous, or with long fine hairs; margins minutely scabrid, rather abruptly narrowed to acute tip. Culm (15)-20-30-(115) cm, ascending to erect from prostrate base, nodes loosely hairy, internodes glabrous. Racemes (2)-3-6-(8), (3.5)-5-15-(20) cm, slender, digitate or subdigitate, finally spreading; rachis 3-angled, winged, 0.7-1 mm wide, scabrid on angles; pedicels 3-angled, angles scarcely scabrid. Spikelets 2.5-3 mm, in pairs, ovate to oblong-elliptic, subacute, green to purplish, close-set, unequally short-pedicelled. Lower glume 0.2-0.5 mm, a minute ± triangular rim, rarely with a few hairs, upper 1-1.5 mm, to ½ length of spikelet, lanceolate, acute, 3-nerved, membranous, with fine hairs near margins. Lower floret: lemma = spikelet, 7-nerved, nerves minutely scabrid, a band of fine hairs just inside margin; palea minute. Upper floret: lemma = spikelet, grey-brown, firm, glabrous, acute, margins hyaline, enfolding palea; palea similar to lemma in texture but slightly smaller; anthers 0.7-1 mm; stigmas purple or brown; caryopsis 1.5-2 mm, oblong.
Annuals, with stems rooting at lower nodes, sprawling to form loose mats. Leaf-sheath folded, strongly ribbed, light green, with several long fine spreading tubercle-based hairs. Ligule (1)-1.5-2-(2.5) mm, membranous, glabrous, truncate, erose. Leaf-blade (3.5)-5.5-10 cm × 2-7 mm, soft, linear, usually with scattered fine hairs, sometimes glabrous, ribs and margins scabrid, tapering to long, finely pointed tip. Culm (10)-20-45 cm, ascending-erect or straggling, internodes glabrous. Racemes 3-5, (3.5)-5-9.5 cm, slender, digitate (on Kermadec Is plants normally remaining bunched together) rarely spreading; rachis 3-angled, winged, 0.3-0.8 mm wide, scabrid on wing margins and sometimes on central ridge; pedicels 3-angled, scabrid on angles, short-hairy at base. Spikelets 2.5-3.5 mm, in pairs, lanceolate, long-acute, laterally with fine acute-tipped hairs. Lower glume 0, or a minute rim or scale c. 0.1 mm, upper 0.6-1-(1.5) mm, c. ¼-(⅓) length of spikelet, 0-3-nerved, triangular, obtuse to subacute, glabrous, or with long hairs on margins overtopping glume. Lower floret: lemma = spikelet, (5)-7-nerved, nerves inaequidistant, glabrous, outer internerves with long hairs. Upper floret: lemma ≈ spikelet, glabrous, acuminate, yellowish or light brownish at maturity; palea ≈ lemma, similar in texture and shape; anthers 1-1.3 mm; stigmas brown; caryopsis c. 1.5 mm, oblong.
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Annual, or rarely perennial, sometimes very tall tufts, or straggling or decumbent, rooting at nodes, sometimes floating. Ligule 0, or a fringe of hairs, the ligule area always well defined. Leaf-blade broad, flat. Panicle of racemes densely or loosely arranged along a central rachis. Racemes bearing densely packed, secund spikelets almost to base; rachis hispid, 3-angled; spikelets ± sessile or pedicelled, clustered in pairs or in short secondary racemelets, falling entire at maturity. Spikelets often hispid, often cuspidate or awned, 2-flowered; lower floret ♂ or Ø, upper floret ☿. Glumes membranous to membranous-herbaceous, unequal; lower much shorter, ± broadly ovate from clasping base, 3-5-nerved, often mucronate, upper ≈ spikelet, very convex, 3-7-nerved, ± acute, mucronate, cuspidate, or shortly awned. Lower floret: lemma ≈ upper glume and similar in texture, rarely smooth and shining; palea = lemma, hyaline, 2-keeled, or reduced or 0 in Ø florets. Upper floret: lemma subcoriaceous or crustaceous, faintly 5-nerved, awn straight or curved, or 0; palea ≈ lemma and similar in texture, keels rounded, margins broadened towards base; lodicules 2, cuneate, fleshy, glabrous; stamens 3; ovary apex glabrous, styles subterminal, free, stigmas pink, red, purple or black; caryopsis compressed, glabrous, embryo > ½ length of caryopsis, hilum punctiform, subbasal.
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Tufted perennials. Leaf-sheath rounded. Leaf-blade flat, linear or linear-lanceolate. Panicle spike-like, oblong-cylindric or ovate, with densely crowded florets; branches short. Spikelets 1-flowered, shortly pedicelled or sessile; disarticulation above glumes; rachilla prolonged to a ± short bristle. Glumes subequal, 1-nerved, membranous, keeled, ≤ floret, acute to acuminate. Lemma 5-7-(11)-nerved, thinly coriaceous, apex bidentate, or setaceously bilobed, or rarely entire, stiffly awned apically or subapically, rarely mucronate. Palea ≈ lemma, 2-keeled. Lodicules 2, membranous, ciliate or glabrous. Callus ringed by short hairs. Stamens 3. Ovary apex hairy or glabrous; styles free. Caryopsis longitudinally grooved; embryo small; hilum linear; endosperm liquid, or solid.
N.: Auckland (Waimauku), Manawatu (Bulls, Foxton, Waitarere Beach), Wairarapa (Porangahau). Stabilised sand dunes or sandy places.
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Annual or perennial. Ligule membranous, short, or a ring of hairs. Leaf-blade flat to convolute. Inflorescence usually a contracted panicle, rarely a raceme, often secund. Spikelets pedicelled; disarticulation above glumes but not between florets; rachilla not prolonged. Glumes equal or unequal, usually ≤ spikelet and becoming widely reflexed. Lemmas of Ø florets usually unequal, glabrous or hairy, one or both often transversely rugose, awned or awnless; lower lemma ≤ glumes, upper usually > glumes, boat-shaped, frequently with basal appendages or tufts of hairs. Lemma of ☿ floret usually shorter, awned or awnless, very often with a knob-like appendage at base forming a hinge with the appendage of the upper Ø lemma. Palea ≈ lemma of ☿ floret, narrowly 2-nerved. Lodicules cuneate, finely nerved below. Stamens 6 or 3. Stigma branches aspergilliform. Caryopsis elliptic; embryo ¼-⅕ length of caryopsis; hilum ≈ caryopsis.
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Erect glaucous tussock from a narrow base, with intravaginal branching though sometimes rhizomatous; spikelets widely divergent from rachis, and anthesis occurring after complete spike emergence reveals long purple anthers. Leaf-sheath 7-10 cm, keeled, striate, becoming fibrous, glabrous or occasionally sparsely hairy or pubescent mixed with hairs 1 mm; margins chartaceous. Ligule 0.3-0.5 mm, ciliate. Collar thickened short stiff hairy, occasionally glabrous, margin hairs 1-1.5 mm. Auricles 0.3-0.5 mm, clasping, or absent, long (1-2 mm) hairs occasional. Leaf-blade 20-30 cm × 2-4 mm, glaucous, flat, ribbed, sometimes involute, abaxially glabrous, occasionally with hairs to 1 mm, adaxially densely hairy at base; margin prickle-toothed or becoming so, occasionally with hairs to 1 mm below. Culm 50-100 cm, erect, nodes conspicuous black to red brown, internodes glabrous. Inflorescence 18-25 cm, stiff, of 3-7 widely divergent spikelets; margin sparsely antrorsely toothed or short hairy. Spikelets 30-50 mm, of 6-12 florets occasionally more. Glumes ± equal, 5-10 mm, 3-nerved, acute or becoming shortly awned, margin chartaceous and ciliate. Lemma 10-14 mm, glabrous except for prickle-teeth above and on margin below, keeled above, apex occasionally bifid, awn 22-45 mm, ± recurved or straight. Palea 6-13 mm, apex bifid. Rachilla 2-3 mm, short stiff hairy. Callus 0.75 mm, incompletely and shortly bearded. Lodicules 1-2.5 mm. Anthers 4-9 mm, usually purple often yellow. Gynoecium: ovary 2 mm; stigma-styles 2-3 mm. Caryopsis 7-10 mm; embryo 1.6-2 mm. 2n= 42.
Small tufted or open, bronze flat-leaved grass rooting and shooting at nodes on stolons; culm slender and drooping, inflorescence often hidden in tussocks; branching extravaginal. Leaf-sheath 6-8 cm, long hairs retrorse or erect or pubescent; lobed at apex. Ligule 0.5-0.75 mm, erose, sometimes triangular. Collar slightly curved and thickened. Auricles small (0.75 mm), or minute. Leaf-blade 20 cm × 2-4 mm, flat, soft, abaxially densely retrorsely long hairy on and between ribs or glabrous, adaxially antrorsely prickle-toothed together with long hairs; margin prickle-toothed. Culm 25-80 cm, nodes few, ± geniculate below, internodes smooth or very slightly scabrid; upper internode elongating after flowering, sometimes reaching 60 cm. Inflorescence 5-13 cm, compact, of 10-18 spikelets. Spikelets 10-16 mm, shining, of 3-4 florets. Glumes ± equal, narrow, 6-9 mm, 1-3-nerved, scabrid, asymmetrically keeled, becoming awn-like, margin prickle-toothed. Lemma 7-10 mm, > palea, glaucous, glabrous except for prickle-teeth on nerves above; apex bifid; awn 1-3.5 mm; conspicuously indented at base. Palea 6-9 mm, keels toothed almost to base, apex shallowly bifid. Rachilla 1-2 mm, minutely stiff hairy. Callus 0.25 mm blunt, surrounded by minute hairs; disarticulation almost flat. Lodicules 1-1.25 mm, few apical hairs. Anthers 1.8-3 mm, yellow. Gynoecium: ovary 1.5 mm; stigma-styles 2-2.25 mm. Caryopsis 6 mm; embryo 1 mm. 2n= 28.
Small loosely hummock-forming low grass with short glaucous falcate or sinuous leaf-blades, and prostrate to ascending culms; branching intra- and extravaginal sometimes forming short stolons. Leaf-sheath 2-5 cm, striate, retrorsely pubescent or glabrous, sometimes with a few long hairs; forming a short lobe at apex. Ligule 0.3-0.5 mm, erose or finely toothed. Collar thickened, curved, glabrous or short hairy, margin hairs to 1.5 mm. Auricles absent or minute, with 1-2 long hairs. Leaf-blade 5-15 cm × 0.5-0.7 mm diam., ± terete, involute, keeled but only faintly ribbed, falcate, sinuous or irregularly curled or ± straight, abaxially glaucous with scattered to abundant stiff erect or somewhat retrorse hairs 0.5-1 mm, becoming glabrous, or pubescent below becoming glabrous, or glabrous throughout; adaxially with abundant hairs or shorter hairs and/or prickle-teeth; margin prickle-toothed or with hairs to 0.5 mm. Culms 10-35 cm, prostrate to ascending; internodes smooth, glaucous. Inflorescence 2-10 cm, of 1-4 spikelets; rachis margin often glabrous. Spikelets 40-50 mm, of 4-6 shining florets. Glumes ± equal, 4-9 mm, keeled, 3-nerved, sometimes becoming awned, glabrous, margin chartaceous. Lemma smooth except for prickle-teeth on keel above and on margins below extending into reflexed awn 30-50 mm; pruinose. Palea 7-10 mm, apex pointed, bifid. Rachilla 1.5-2 mm, short stiff hairy. Callus 0.75 mm, very shortly bearded, hairs ≤ callus. Lodicules 1.2-1.4 mm. Anthers 2.4-2.5 mm, yellow. Gynoecium: ovary 1.5 mm; stigma-styles 2.5 mm. Caryopsis 6-6.5 mm; embryo 1 mm. 2n= 42.
Tufted many-noded stoloniferous open grass with scabrid wide green leaf-blades often shorter than smooth culms; branching extravaginal. Leaf-sheath 6-10 mm, striate, margin chartaceous, glabrous or retrorsely short hairy. Ligule 0.2-0.5 mm, erose. Collar curved, thickened, infrequently bearing long hairs. Auricles 0.5-1.5 mm, clasping, glabrous or bearing long hairs. Leaf-blade 10-20 cm × 2-4 mm, flat usually bright green but sometimes glaucous, abaxially shortly antrorsely scabrid or occasionally glabrous, adaxially with antrorse short hairs or prickle-teeth on ribs or sometimes with longer hairs; margin shortly prickle-toothed. Culm 30-60 cm, often stout, internodes scabrid below inflorescence, otherwise smooth, nodes ± geniculate below; culm leaves often very broad. Inflorescence 10-25 cm, of 6-15 spikelets occasionally paired at base, rachis convex surface often sparsely prickle-toothed. Spikelets 14-25 mm, of 7-12 florets. Glumes ± equal, 5-9 mm, 3-5-nerved, eccentrically keeled, often broad, margins chartaceous, ciliate; keel and nerves prickle-toothed above elsewhere smooth, sometimes produced into short awn. Lemma usually with small scattered prickle-teeth above, glabrous below except on margin, apex often bifid when mucronate, awn absent or ≈ lemma, variable in one spikelet. Palea 9-12 mm, apex truncate or retuse, ciliate. Rachilla 1-2.5 mm, hairy. Callus 0.75-1 mm, incompletely shortly bearded. Lodicules 0.8-1.25 mm, simple, linear. Anthers 3-5 mm, purple or yellow. Gynoecium: ovary 1.5-2 mm; stigma-styles 1.75 mm. Caryopsis 7-10 mm; embryo 1 mm. 2n= 42.
Open coarsely hairy grass with long drooping inflorescences of many straight-awned spikelets; branching usually intravaginal but often extravaginal. Leaf-sheath to 10 cm, hirsute with erect or retrorse hairs 0.5-0.75 mm. Ligule 0.1 mm, truncate. Collar recurved, glabrous except for 1-2 very long hairs especially near auricles. Auricles 0.5-1 mm, clasping, glabrous. Leaf-blade 18 cm × 1-4 mm, everywhere coarsely hirsute, occasionally rough with prickle-teeth. Culm to 1.5 m, decumbent below, drooping above at maturity, internodes usually smooth but occasionally rough, irregularly hairy below lower nodes. Inflorescence 10-20 cm, up to 10 spikelets, convex surfaces fairly scabrid. Spikelets 40-55 mm, of 5-10 florets often purple flecked. Glumes unequal, 4-10 mm, 3-5-nerved, irregularly long triangular, centrally keeled, margins membranous, ciliate at apex, becoming awned and sometimes scabrid above. Lemma smooth below becoming prickle-toothed above, keeled above continuing into very scabrid straight awn 30-50 mm. Palea 9-11 mm, apex truncate to retuse. Rachilla 1.5-2.5 mm, hairs becoming long at apex. Callus 0.75 mm, surrounded by hairs > callus. Lodicules 1-1.25 mm. Anthers 1.8-2.3 mm, yellow or purple streaked. Gynoecium: ovary 1.25 mm; stigma-styles to 2.5 mm. Caryopsis 6-6.5 mm; embryo 1-1.2 mm.
Tufted or open branched with long, stout, many-noded shoots; branching intra- and extravaginal and shooting and rooting at nodes; prophyll keels hairy. Leaf-sheath 3-12 cm, abaxially striate, glabrous, adaxially with minute prickles, margins membranous often terminated by small lobe. Ligule 0.2-0.3 mm, united to leaf-sheath margins. Collar thickened, curved, usually sparsely villous. Auricles usually absent but often 1 small (0.25 mm) or 1 large (1 mm) and clasping, occasionally with 1-2 long hairs. Leaf-blade 10-80 cm × 0.5-0.7 mm diam., filiform, abaxially glaucous, ribbed, adaxially and on margin with dense weft of 1 mm hairs at base, often projecting, becoming shorter and less dense above. Culm 15-40 cm, erect, internodes glabrous. Inflorescence 5-20 cm, of up to 8 spikelets. Spikelets 40-60 mm, of 6-8 florets. Glumes unequal, usually produced into prickle-toothed awn up to 3 mm; lower 4.5-6.5 mm, 3-5-nerved, upper 7-11 mm, 5-7-nerved. Lemma with central nerve prominent and extending into recurved awn 25-60 mm, smooth except for prickle-teeth at base of awn and on margins. Palea 10-11.5 mm, apex pointed and bifid. Rachilla 2-3 mm, hairy. Callus 1-1.5 mm heavily bearded, hairs 1.5-2.5 mm ≥ callus. Lodicules 1.5-2 mm. Anthers 3.8-5.5 mm. Gynoecium: ovary 1.5 mm; stigma-styles 2.5-3.5 mm. Caryopsis to 6 mm; embryo 1.4-1.5 mm.
Open glaucous grass, prostrate to decumbent to ascending, erect, stoloniferous or tufted, intra- and extravaginally branching, rooting and shooting at nodes, leaf-blades flat to inrolled. Leaf-sheath to 5 cm, keeled, pubescent especially when young, hairy or glabrous, becoming fibrous. Ligule to 0.5 mm, truncate. Collar thickened, recurved, hairs (0.75 mm) dense or short and sparse; occasionally with long hairs on margin. Auricles 1-1.5 mm, clasping, hairs 1-1.5 mm. Leaf-blade 21 cm × 2-4 mm, glaucous, flat or folded or inrolling, abaxially ribbed, occasionally with some long retrorse hairs, adaxially short hairy or prickled on ribs, some long hairs forming a weft at base becoming short above; margin involute, glabrous or faintly toothed. Culm 40-100 cm, prostrate, erect or ascending, internodes glabrous. Inflorescence 8-20 cm, of 3-15 spikelets. Spikelets 25-80 mm, of 4-10 florets. Glumes unequal, keeled, margins membranous, sometimes produced to a point or becoming awned, prickle-toothed above, lower 3-11 mm, 3-nerved, upper 5-12 mm, 3-5-nerved. Lemma with central nerve prominent and extending into recurved awn 35-75 mm, smooth except for a few prickle-teeth on nerves below awn and along margins, sometimes toothed at apex. Palea 9.5-12 mm, apex pointed and bifid. Rachilla 1.5-3 mm, shortly stiff hairy. Callus 0.75 mm, hairs just reaching lemma. Lodicules 1.25-1.5 mm, ligulate. Anthers 3-5 mm. Gynoecium: ovary 1.5 mm; stigma-styles 2.5-3 mm. Caryopsis to 6.5 mm; embryo 1.5 mm. 2n= 42.
Prostrate flat, bronze-leaved stoloniferous open grass, rooting and shooting from nodes on stolons; branching extravaginal; upper culm internode greatly elongating after anthesis and the long weak culm trails along the ground. Leaf-sheath 5-7 cm, glabrous or sometimes retrorsely pilose. Ligule 0.25-0.3 mm, very finely ciliate. Collar glabrous, curved and thickened. Auricles ± 1 mm or smaller, clasping, with 1-2 long hairs. Leaf-blade 10-15 cm × 2 mm, bronzed, flat sometimes ± involute, abaxially glabrous, smooth, ribs evident, adaxially with short antrorse prickle-teeth; margins prickle-toothed. Culm to 2 m, slender, trailing along ground, upper internode elongating after flowering sometimes reaching 1.5 m. Inflorescence 10-15 cm, of up to 15 spikelets. Spikelets 25-40 mm, of 6-8 florets. Glumes 9-15 mm, produced into barbed awn up to 3 mm, 3-nerved, keeled; margins shortly toothed. Lemma 6-10 mm, smooth except for prickles on central nerve, near bifid apex and on margins below; awn 15-35 mm. Palea 7-10 mm, apex pointed and bifid. Rachilla 1.5-2.5 mm, short hairy. Callus 0.5 mm, surrounded by short hairs. Lodicules 1.5-1.7 mm, linear, irregularly hair tipped. Anthers 2-3 mm, yellow. Gynoecium: ovary 1.25-1.5 mm; stigma-styles 2-2.5 mm. Caryopsis 4.5-5 mm; embryo 1 mm. 2n= 56.
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Bluish grey, tufted, rigid perennial, 35-125 cm, sometimes forming large patches from strongly spreading wiry rhizomes. Leaf-sheath glabrous, subcoriaceous, greyish to light brown, auricles 0.5-1-(1.5) mm, submembranous sometimes long hairy. Ligule c. 0.5 mm, scarious. Collar finely hairy. Leaf-blade 5-20 cm, usually tightly inrolled, sometimes flat and up to 7 mm wide, stiff, abaxially smooth, adaxially with prominent close-set scabrid ribs, tip acute, hard, margins scabrid. Culm 25-75 cm, erect, or geniculate below, internodes glabrous. Spike 5-20 × 0.5-1-(2) cm, erect, with spikelets very close-set, but 1-2 lowermost more distant; rachis with a few prickle-teeth on margins. Spikelets 10-20 mm, pale green, oblong or elliptic-oblong, 3-10-flowered, > internodes. Glumes ± equal, disarticulating, 7-12 mm, 5-7-nerved, lanceolate-oblong, obtuse or acute, coriaceous and very tough, scabrid on mid-nerve almost throughout or near tip. Lemma 7.5-11 mm, 5-nerved, coriaceous, lanceolate-oblong, keeled above, smooth apart from a few prickle-teeth on keel near tip, obtuse to subacute, often mucronate, rarely with fine straight awn to 7 mm. Palea ≤ lemma, keels finely, closely ciliate-scabrid, glabrous elsewhere except adaxially hairy apex. Callus c. 0.3 mm, glabrous. Rachilla to 1.5 mm, shortly stiff hairy. Lodicules 1.5 mm, triangular, shortly ciliate. Anthers 5-6 mm. Gynoecium: ovary 0.7-1.0 mm; stigma-styles 2.5-3 mm. Caryopsis 4-6 mm; embryo 0.5 mm.
Perennial, 30-150-(200) cm, forming dull green, sometimes bluish green tufts from long-creeping rhizomes. Leaf-sheath glabrous or with ± scattered fine hairs, firmly membranous, light brown to light green. Auricles to 2 mm very fine, membranous. Ligule rim-like, 0.25-0.5 mm, scarious at tip. Leaf-blade 15-40 cm × (2)-3-10 mm, flat, soft to rather stiff, abaxially smooth or sparsely scabrid above, adaxially with slender inconspicuous ribs, usually sparsely long hairy, or glabrous, linear, ± abruptly narrowed to acute tip, margins white, prickle-toothed. Culm 20-150 cm, erect or geniculate below, internodes glabrous. Spike (5)-10-30 × 0.5-1.5 cm, erect, spikelets very close-set or sometimes more distant below; rachis scabrid on margins, otherwise smooth or sometimes abundantly softly hairy. Spikelets 10-20 mm, green or sometimes bluish green, oblong-elliptic or wedge-shaped, 3-8-flowered. Glumes ± equal, 7-12 mm, 5-7-nerved, lanceolate, obtuse or acute, coriaceous, scabrid on midnerve near tip, adaxially with many small white hairs. Lemma 8-13 mm, 5-nerved, coriaceous, rounded to ± keeled above, abaxially glabrous, adaxially clothed in small white hairs, awnless, mucronate or awned to 8 mm. Palea ≤ lemma, keels scabrid, apex entire, ciliate, flank margins wide, membranous ± contiguous, interkeel glabrous, adaxially clothed in short white hairs. Callus 0.2-0.3 mm, shortly bearded. Rachilla to 1.25 mm, shortly hairy. Lodicules to 1.6 mm, shortly ciliate, > ovary. Anthers 3.5-6 mm. Gynoecium: ovary 0.5-0.7 mm; stigma-styles 2.5-3.0 mm. Caryopsis 3.5-5.5 mm; embryo 1-1.25 mm; hilum = caryopsis.
Scrambling, shortly rhizomatous, variable in size, with ± trailing culms often rooting at lower nodes, branched near base; branching intravaginal. Leaf-sheath light green, becoming pale dull brown, closely enwrapping lower half of internode, later loose, submembranous, striate, with fine tubercle-based hairs, or glabrous with a fringe of tubercle-based hairs just inside margin. Ligule composed of hairs 0.3-1 mm, hairs extending as a contra-ligule. Collar hairs few, short. Leaf-blade 2.5-8-(15) cm × 3-8 mm, firm to rather rigid, linear-lanceolate, acuminate, truncate to ± rounded at base, flat, glabrous or with a few scattered tubercle-based hairs, adaxially minutely scabrid on ribs, shortly pubescent above ligule; margins somewhat thickened, minutely scabrid. Culm 20-85 cm, slender and wiry, nodes usually pubescent, internodes smooth, to finely scabrid above, with scattered, fine, tubercle-based hairs below panicle. Panicle (2)-3-10-(16) cm, ± erect, linear or lanceolate, with short, appressed to slightly spreading branches covered with spikelets to base; rachis ± planoconvex, occasionally with a few tubercle-based hairs near base; branches bearing a few short racemes or reduced to a single raceme, axils pubescent. Racemes 1-4 cm; rachis flattened, angled, finely scabrid. Spikelets c. 2.5-3 mm, pale green, elliptic-lanceolate, acute to subacuminate. Lower glume 0.7-1.2 mm, upper glume = spikelet. Lower floret: lemma = spikelet, 5-nerved, » lemma of upper floret and curved in above towards acute tip. Upper floret: lemma 1.7-2.3 mm, coriaceous, pubescent with fine white hairs; palea similarly pubescent as lemma; anthers 0.5-1 mm; caryopsis c. 1 × 0.8 mm, elliptic-oblong.
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Stiff, densely tufted perennials, to 70 cm; branching intravaginal, shoots ± thickened at base. Leaf-sheath coriaceous, strongly ribbed, light creamy brown at base, purplish above, with short, scattered, stiff hairs, lower sheaths tomentose near base. Ligule ciliate, hairs 0.8-1.4 mm. Collar hairs 2-5.5 mm. Leaf-blade 10-55 cm × 0.5-1.3 mm diam., narrowly involute or convolute, abaxially glabrous, adaxially ribbed, ribs minutely scabrid; margins minutely scabrid, long-narrowed to filiform, acute, scabrid tip. Culm 20-80 cm, rarely branched above, erect, internodes glabrous. Panicle 12-22 cm, lax, at first narrow-sagittate, later more open; branches ascending to later spreading, solitary or binate, ± scabrid, branch-axils at lower nodes with hairs (to 4 mm). Spikelets 4.5-6-(8) mm, 4-6-(8)-flowered, ± smooth, not very compressed, linear-lanceolate, olive-grey. Glumes unequal, hyaline, 1-nerved, oblong-lanceolate, apex subacute, minutely scabrid; lower 1.6-2 mm, upper 2.2-2.8 mm. Lemma 2.5-2.8 mm, 3-(5)-nerved, membranous, elliptic-oblong, obtuse, hardly keeled, minutely scabrid. Palea ≈ lemma, keels sparsely scabrid, apex truncate, ciliate. Rachilla glabrous, 0.6-0.8 mm. Stamens 3; anthers 0.9-1.6 mm. Caryopsis 1.4-1.6 × 0.6-0.8 mm.
Stiff, narrow, perennial tufts, to 100 cm. Leaf-sheath coriaceous, strongly keeled, striate, light creamy brown, glabrous. Ligule ciliate, hairs 0.2-0.4 mm. Collar hairs few, 1-1.8 mm. Leaf-blade 20-30 cm × 1-1.5 mm diam., coriaceous, folded, abaxially strongly densely ribbed, with few, very fine, scattered hairs 1-1.8 mm, adaxially finely ribbed, ribs minutely scabrid; margins minutely scabrid, long-narrowed to filiform tip. Culm 50-80 cm, erect, internodes glabrous. Panicle 15-27 cm, narrow; branches short, erect, stiff, almost filiform, sparsely scabrid to smooth, tipped by very narrow spikelets, branch-axils glabrous. Spikelets 9-14 × 1.5-2 mm, 9-12-flowered, glabrous, linear to narrow elliptic-oblong, greyish green. Glumes hyaline, « lemmas, nerve 1, smooth or scabrid; lower 0.4-0.6 mm, ovate-lanceolate, obtuse to acute, upper 0.8-1.4 mm, ± oblong, obtuse to truncate. Lemma c. 2.5 mm, 3-nerved, firmly membranous, elliptic, apex obtuse, sometimes very minutely scabrid. Palea ≈ lemma, glabrous. Rachilla 0.8-1 mm, sparsely scabrid. Stamens 3; anthers 1.2-1.8 mm. Caryopsis not seen.
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Slender tussock with intravaginal branches, with fine and long glaucous leaf-blades. Prophyll 3-5 cm, keels irregularly but mostly antrorsely ciliate. Leaf-sheath 5-10 cm, stramineous occasionally reddened, glabrous, striate, margins becoming membranous; apical auricles 0.4-0.7 mm, truncate or rounded, ciliate. Ligule as for auricles. Collar 0.6-1.7 mm, manifestly thickened, usually becoming brown coloured, adaxially with many small white hairs. Leaf-blade 20-60 cm × 0.4-0.7 mm diam., terete or hexagonal and ribbed, glaucous, glabrous except for prickle-teeth at pointed apex, disarticulating at collar, adaxially and on margin a multitude of small (0.1-0.15 mm) white hairs; TS: 5 vascular bundles, 7-11 sclerenchyma strands. Culm 25-60 cm, erect or geniculate at base, nodes 2-3 evident, internodes glabrous. Panicle 5-25 cm, with 7-9 nodes of 10-30 spikelets; basal branches 4-5 cm, binate, lax, of 2-6 spikelets and naked below, soon becoming single ascending branches, uppermost 3-5 spikelets solitary on pedicels; rachis glabrous or sparsely prickle-toothed below becoming more so, branches and pedicels prickle-toothed. Spikelets 10-17 mm × 6 mm, of 4-7-(12) florets. Glumes unequal, keeled, prickle-teeth on keel and at apex, variously elsewhere, usually green centrally lighter at margins, sometimes purpled, margin ciliate; lower 3-4.5 mm, 1-nerved, long triangular acute, upper 4.5-7.5 mm, 3-nerved occasionally 5-nerved, narrowly ovate, acute to obtuse. Lemma 6-9 mm, rounded, lobes small (0.1-0.2 mm), glaucous, prickle-teeth from outer nerve to ciliate margin, scattered elsewhere, denser near awn; awn 0.1-2.5 mm. Palea 6-8 mm, sometimes > lemma, deeply (0.4-0.6 mm) bifid, keels toothed to base or nearly so, flanks and interkeel hairy above. Callus 0.2-0.5 mm, margin very short stiff hairy; articulation flat. Rachilla 1-1.5 mm, very shortly antrorsely stiff hairy. Lodicules 0.7-1.5 mm, lobed or entire, hair-tipped. Anthers 3.5-4.4 mm, yellow. Gynoecium: ovary 0.5-1 mm, hispid hairs at apex (0.12 mm) in 2 lateral groups or occasionally surrounding apex and longer; stigma-styles 1.4-2.8 mm. Caryopsis 3-4.8 mm; embryo 1 mm; hilum 1.7-3 mm.
Tufted tussock with pale, flabellate intravaginal branches of many smooth leaf-blades often exceeding the compact, short, stiffly erectly branched purple suffused inflorescences of many few-flowered closely packed spikelets with shortly prickle-toothed lemmas. Shoots dimorphic, narrow if vegetative, swollen if reproductive. Prophyll 4-5 cm, stramineous, pointed, keels antrorsely ciliate, interkeel antrorsely hairy. Branching intravaginal. Leaf-sheath 5-10 cm, glabrous, stramineous, strongly nerved, margins membranous; apical auricles 0.4-0.5 mm, ciliate, symmetrical. Ligule as for auricles. Leaf-blade 12-25 cm × 0.8-1.0 mm diam., glaucous, glabrous, stiff, pointed, terete or shallowly compressed-terete, adaxially and on margins a multitude of short white antrorse hairs; TS: 7-8 vascular bundles, sclerenchyma discontinuous of up to 10-12 strands, costal sclerenchyma present. Culm 12-16-20-(40) cm, nodes hidden, internodes finely antrorsely prickle-toothed and very short hairy, almost always hidden. Panicle (5)-7-13 cm, narrow, compact, spike-like, with 13-15 nodes all hidden by 20-50 spikelets; branches mostly binate, erect, stiff, very close-set, imbricate, > nearest internode, not naked below, basal branch appressed, 2-4 cm, of 5-7 spikelets, uppermost 5-7 solitary, on short (1 mm) pedicels; rachis, branches, and pedicels shortly and densely prickle-toothed on margins, elsewhere frequently with antrorse short fine hairs. Spikelet 9-10-12 mm × 1.5-1.8 mm, narrow, of 3 florets; glumes, lemmas, paleas purple suffused above; lemma included, awns exserted. Glumes ± equal, 8-11 mm, 3-nerved, upper prominently so, centrally green, prickle-teeth on keel and above, margin hyaline, finely ciliate. Lemma 7 mm, lobes small (0.25 mm), 5-nerved sometimes evident, abundant small uniform prickle-teeth present throughout; awn 1.5-2.5 mm. Palea 6.5-7 mm, ≤ lemma, apex bifid (0.2-0.4 mm), ciliate; keels toothed ± to base, interkeel hairs to base, flanks shortly prickle-toothed in upper ½. Callus 0.1-0.2 mm, very shortly bearded near rachilla; articulation flat. Rachilla 1-1.25 mm, very shortly stiff hairy. Lodicules 0.6-0.8 mm, lobed, glabrous. Anthers 0.6-0.8 mm, purple; pollen shed from loculi. Gynoecium: ovary 1-1.25 mm, triangular turbinate, cap thickened, apex glabrous; stigma-styles 2-3 mm, stigmas sparingly branched. Caryopsis 2.7-3.0 mm, free but firmly enclosed by anthoecium; embryo 0.5-0.6 mm; hilum 2.0-2.5 mm. Cleistogamous. 2n=c. 170.
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Elegant tufted slender or ± stout extravaginally branching grass rooting at nodes with tall inflorescences of deflexed branches of spikelets borne high above fine glaucous leaf-blades. Prophyll 3-6 cm, keels predominantly antrorsely ciliate. Branching extravaginal. Leaf-sheath 3-7-12 cm, keeled, red, purple or stramineous, glabrous or with short fine prickles sparse on ribs, margins membranous, glabrous; apical auricles 0.4-0.7 mm, rounded or truncate, symmetrical, ciliate. Ligule shorter centrally, erose, ciliate. Collar triangular, thickened. Leaf-blade 15-25 cm × 0.4-0.7 mm diam., hexagonal in outline and ribs evident or rounded, glaucous, usually persistent, abaxially smooth but occasionally prickle-toothed below and very occasionally with retrorse hairs, abaxially and on margins a multitude of short antrose hairs at base becoming fewer above; TS: 5 vascular bundles, 7 sclerenchyma strands. Culm (15)-30-65 cm, erect, much exceeding leaf-blades, internodes glabrous, nodes evident. Panicle 7-16 cm, with 4-10 nodes, 7-25 spikelets; branches widely spaced, pulvinate and spreading to deflexed, basal branch solitary or binate 5-8 cm with 4-8 spikelets, naked below, uppermost 3-9 spikelets solitary on 4-6 mm pedicels; rachis smooth below becoming prickle-toothed on edges, branches and pedicels prickle-toothed. Spikelets 8-14 mm × 3-4 mm wide, of 5-7 florets, ripening golden-brown, often very distant. Glumes unequal, keeled or faintly so, prickle-toothed on keel above, margins ciliate, apex truncate and sometimes shallowly cleft or obtuse; usually green or light purple centrally, lighter or hyaline at thin margins; lower 3-4.5 mm, 1-nerved, upper 3.5-6.5 mm, usually 3-nerved often conspicuous. Lemma 5-6.75 mm, lobes 0 or minute, lightly purpled, nerves evident, slightly keeled above, prickle-toothed from outermost nerve to very shortly ciliate chartaceous margin and near awn; awn 0.2-1.75 mm, sparsely prickle-toothed. Palea 5.5-7.5 mm, ≥ lemma, apex deeply (0.2-0.5 mm) bifid, keels toothed sometimes to base, interkeel hairs in upper ⅓, margins of flanks very shortly toothed. Callus 0.2-0.75 mm, bearded near rachilla; articulation ± flat. Rachilla 1-1.5 mm, short stiff hairy. Lodicules 0.7-1.1 mm, lobed or entire, hair-tipped. Anthers (2)-3-4.0 mm, yellow or purple tinged. Gynoecium: ovary 0.6-1 mm, hispid hairs at apex; stigma-styles 1.5-2.5 mm, stigmas almost to base. Caryopsis 3-3.5 mm; embryo 0.75 mm; hilum 2 mm.
Tufts of scabrid very fine leaves overtopped by darkly coloured narrow inflorescences with many spikelets of awnless florets. Caespitose or shortly stoloniferous; branching intravaginal. Leaf-sheath 1-5 cm, » wider than leaf-blade, keeled, striate, open to base, glabrous or occasionally with scattered fine hairs; apical auricles c. 0.1 mm, finely ciliate. Collar thickened. Ligule 0.2-0.2 mm. Leaf-blade to 20 cm × 0.3-0.5 mm, elliptical to laterally compressed, capillary, abaxially scattered fine antrorse prickle-teeth, adaxially finely hairy; TS: 5-7 vascular bundles, 1 rib, sclerenchyma continuous. Culm to 30 cm, often a single internode, densely finely hairy or becoming glabrous, sometimes purpled. Panicle 2-4-8 cm, very narrow, of 10-12-14-(20) nodes, (10)-60 spikelets much overlapping; branches solitary, short, mostly appressed to rachis, scarcely naked below; basal branch 1.5-3 cm of 10-20 spikelets, uppermost 6-10 spikelets solitary on short pedicels; rachis prickled on angles below becoming dense above, branches and pedicels densely so. Spikelets 4-7 mm, 3-6 florets, widely opened at anthesis, sometimes bright violet. Glumes unequal, reflexed at anthesis, keeled, prickle-toothed above, margins shortly ciliate; lower 1.0-1.75 mm, 1-nerved, keeled, upper 1.75-2.5 mm, 3 evident or raised nerves, ± obtuse. Lemma 2.5-3 mm, 5-nerved, lobes minute or 0, rounded below, prickle-teeth above on midnerve and below on lateral nerves, margins ciliate below; awn 0, mucro, or 0.1-0.2-0.5 mm; golden to purple especially above. Palea 2.5-3 mm, ≥ lemma, broad, apex narrowed and bifid, keels toothed in upper ⅓, interkeel with some few hairs at apex. Rachilla 0.4-0.5 mm, short hairy. Callus 0.1-0.15 mm, shortly bearded laterally; articulation ± oblique. Lodicules 0.3-0.5 mm, entire or lobed. Anthers 1.4-1.8 mm, yellow or purple-suffused, or purple. Gynoecium: ovary 0.5-0.7 mm, glabrous; stigma-styles 1.0-1.25 mm. Caryopsis 1.4-1.75 mm, sulcate, free; embryo c. 0.3 mm; hilum linear.
Perennial caespitose, stoloniferous, or rhizomatous. Leaf-sheath split to base or margins fused, apical auricles small. Ligule ciliolate. Leaf-blade convolute, or folded; usually persistent; pungent in F. ultramafica; variable in TS. Culms unbranched; nodes glabrous. Inflorescence an open or contracted panicle of 2-many-flowered laterally compressed, pedicelled spikelets disarticulating above the glumes. Glumes unequal or subequal, persistent, ± keeled and ornamented, rarely exceeding lemmas. Lemma lanceolate-acute or awned, rounded on back or slightly carinate, membranous to thinly coriaceous, 5-7-nerved, awn terminal. Palea bidentate, keels scabrid. Flowers ☿, usually chasmogamous. Lodicules 2, unequally lobed, often hair-tipped. Stamens 3. Ovary glabrous or hispid hairy at apex. Caryopsis dorsiconvex, ventrally sulcate, free; embryo small; hilum long, linear. Fig. 6.
Short extravaginally tufted to tall stoloniferous grass with long shoots bearing inflorescences of small panicles of few broad dark violet suffused usually patent spikelets on short prostrate to ascending culms above the shorter leaves. Branching extravaginal. Leaf-sheath 2-5-(8) cm, glabrous, striate, much wider than leaf-blade, becoming brown and fibrous below, margins membranous; apical auricles 0.3-0.4 mm, rounded, ciliate. Ligule as for auricles. Leaf-blade 3-12 cm × 0.6-1.0 mm diam.; ± hexagonal with evident ribs or folded, glabrous, glaucous, adaxially and on margins with a multitude of short antrorse hairs; TS: 5-7 vascular bundles, 7-9 sclerenchyma strands, rarely irregular. Culm 4-15 cm or 15-30-(50) cm, in swollen shoots, erect or erect-ascending, usually > leaf-blades; nodes visible, internodes glabrous. Panicle (2)-3-7-(10) cm, with 4-7 nodes, 5-11-20 spikelets; branches erect or weakly spreading usually solitary, basal branch 2-5 cm of 1-4 spikelets, not naked below, uppermost 4-5 spikelets solitary on short pedicels; rachis mostly glabrous and frequently tortuous below, branches and pedicels usually prickle-toothed. Spikelets 8-12 mm × (4)-5-7 mm wide, of 4-7-(10) florets, glaucous, dull violet suffused, imbricate, becoming evidently patent at anthesis and up to 10 mm wide. Glumes evidently unequal, keeled, narrowing to become acute or acuminate, smooth but occasionally prickle-toothed on keels, apex with long (0.2-0.5 mm) cilia, margins shortly or conspicuously long ciliate; lower 2.6-3-4 mm, l-nerved, upper 3-4.5-6 mm, 3-nerved, nerves sometimes evident. Lemma 5-6-(7) mm, lobes 0 or very short, 5-nerved, slightly keeled above, inrolled, ± prickle-toothed throughout or short stiff hairy and prickle-toothed; awn 0-0.5-1 mm; apex of lowest lemma usually awnless and often long (0.3-0.5 mm) ciliate. Palea 5.5-6.5-(7) mm, usually > lemma, apex deeply (0.3-1 mm) bifid, keels toothed in upper ⅓ occasionally more, interkeel hairs above, margins of flanks ciliate. Callus 0.2-0.3 mm, shortly stiffly bearded throughout; articulation oblique. Rachilla 0.75-1.5 mm, with short prickle-teeth or stiff hairs. Lodicules 1-1.4 mm, ≥ ovary, lobed, glabrous. Anthers 2-2.5-(3.5) mm. Gynoecium: ovary 1 mm, turbinate, hispid hairs at apex or glabrous; stigma-styles (1.75)-2-3 mm. Caryopsis 3 mm; embryo 1 mm; hilum linear, 2 mm.
Tufted to open extravaginally branched graceful, slender, upland grass of wet sites, with long-auricled fine leaves and smooth culms bearing short inflorescences of a few golden-violet spikelets, the lowest branch(es) usually widely divergent from the finely and minutely prickle-toothed rachis. Prophyll short (2-3 cm), keels glabrous. Branching extravaginal. Leaf-sheath 3-10 cm, striate, glabrous, much wider than leaf-blade, becoming red and fibrous; apical auricles (0.5)-0.7-1.7-(2) mm, lacerate, shortly ciliate. Ligule as for auricles. Leaf-blade 4-10-(20) cm × 0.3-0.4 mm diam., triangular or hexagonal, ridged, abaxially with long retrorse hairs below becoming glabrous, adaxially and on margins abundant short hairs; T.S.: 3-5 vascular bundles, 5-7 sclerenchyma strands. Culm (6)-10-30-(45) cm, slender, often greatly exceeding leaves, nodes hidden sometimes geniculate, internodes usually only one visible, glabrous. Panicle (1.5)-2-3.5-(6) cm, with 3-6-(9) nodes, (2)-3-6-(10) spikelets; basal branch pulvinate and widely divergent or erect ascending, (1)-1.5-2.5-(4) cm, solitary occasionally binate, with 1-2-(3) spikelets, not naked below; uppermost 3-6 spikelets solitary, imbricate, on short pedicels; rachis, branches and/or pedicels finely and minutely prickle-toothed on margins. Spikelets 6-9-(11) mm × 2-3 mm wide, golden-violet, of 3-5-(6) florets. Glumes unequal, keeled, glabrous, centrally golden-violet, smooth except for occasional prickles on keel, margins membranous and ciliate; lower 2.5-3.5 mm, 1-nerved, long triangular acute, upper 3-5 mm, 3-nerved, laterals often weakly developed, oblong, entire sometimes emarginate or slightly acute. Lemma 4-5-(6) mm, shortly (0.1 mm or less) lobed, upper margin broadly membranous, prickle-teeth throughout or sparse except on nerves at broad apex; narrowing abruptly to awn 0.5-1.5-(2) mm. Palea (3.5)-4-5.5 mm, ≤ lemma, acute, very shortly (0.1-0.2 mm) bifid, keels usually toothed to base, interkeel hairs often to base but mostly in upper ⅓, margins ciliate above. Callus 0.1-0.2 mm, ± glabrous; articulation flat. Rachilla 0.8-1.1 mm, short stiff hairy. Lodicules 0.6-1.0 mm, lobed, occasionally hair-tipped. Anthers 0.5-0.9-(1.2) in cleistogamous florets, 1.2-1.6 mm in chasmogamous florets, purple. Gynoecium: ovary 0.6-0.8 mm, hispid hairs at apex, glabrous on Campbell Id; stigma-styles 1-1.25 mm in cleistogamous florets, 1.6 mm in chasmogamous florets. Caryopsis 2.5-3 mm; embryo 0.5 mm; hilum 2-2.25 mm.
Glaucous upland tussocks with intravaginal branching. Leaf-sheath 3-15 cm, wider than leaf-blade. Leaf-blade 10-30 cm, hexagonal or nearly so, smooth or scabrid at thickened collar; T.S.: 5 vascular bundles, 7 sclerenchyma strands. Culm (10)-40-100 cm, much taller than leaves; nodes evident. Panicle (2.5)-7-20 cm, with open, pulvinate branches; rachis prickle-toothed. Spikelets 10-20 mm. Lemmas usually glabrous, glaucous; awn 1-2-(4) mm. Lodicules usually hair-tipped. Anthers yellow to purple. Ovary commonly with hispid apical hairs.
Stiff scabrid leaved tussock with scabrid inflorescences of wide-angled branches of awned spikelets borne high above circular or hexagonal glaucous leaves. Prophyll 3-5 cm, stramineous, keels strongly ciliate. Leaf-sheath (5)-10-15 cm, glabrous or minutely scabrid, keeled, stramineous, margins membranous, brown below; apical auricles 0.3-0.7 mm, ciliate. Collar usually swollen. Leaf-blade 15-25-30 cm × 0.5-0.7 mm diam., glaucous, hexagonal and ribbed or terete, abaxially minutely or strongly antrorsely prickle-toothed sometimes glabrous, adaxially with abundant short white antrorse hairs on ribs and margins; TS: 5 vascular bundles, 7 sclerenchyma strands or continuous, costal sclerenchyma sometimes present. Culm 30-45-(70) cm, usually greatly exceeding leaf-blades, nodes sometimes geniculate, uppermost conspicuous, upper internodes sparsely prickle-toothed or glabrous. Panicle (7)-10-15 cm with 6-9 nodes, of 8-13-(25) spikelets; open wide-angled pulvinate branches sometimes contracted or becoming so, naked below, basal branch solitary with 2-4-(7) spikelets, uppermost 4-6 spikelets solitary on short (2-4 mm) pedicels; rachis, branches and pedicels with abundant small prickle-teeth especially on convex surfaces, longer prickle-teeth on margins. Spikelets 10-15 mm × 4.5 mm wide, of 4-6-(9) florets. Glumes unequal, keeled with prickle-teeth above, centrally green-bronze, margins pale membranous, ciliate; lower 3.4-5 mm, 1-nerved, triangular acute, upper 4.5-7 mm, 3-nerved, long triangular acute to obovate acute. Lemma (4.5)-6-7 mm, lobes small (0.05 mm) or 0, rounded below becoming keeled above, sparsely scabrid on margin below and near awn; awn (0.5)-1-2 mm. Palea (5)-6-7 mm, frequently > lemma, apex deeply (0.5-0.7 mm) bifid, ciliate, keels toothed ½-⅔ or more, interkeel hairs above, margins of flanks ciliate above. Callus 0.2-0.3 mm, margins sparsely bearded, articulation ± flat. Rachilla 1-1.2-1.5 mm, abundantly short stiff hairy. Lodicules 0.8-1.1 mm, > ovary, often hair-tipped. Anthers 2.5-3.75 mm, yellow or purpled. Gynoecium: ovary 0.5-0.75 mm, hispid hairs at apex; stigma-styles 1.8-2.5 mm. Caryopsis 3-3.5 mm; embryo 0.5 mm; hilum 2-3 mm.
Glaucous tussock with scabrid leaves and tall culms bearing reflexed branches of large spikelets. Prophyll 2-3-(8) cm, keels antrorsely prickle-toothed, apex acute. Leaf-sheath 3-10 cm, glabrous, margins membranous; apical auricles 0.4-1.0 mm, ciliate, ≈ ligule. Leaf-blade 8-20-(30) cm × 0.5-0.9 mm diam., terete to ± hexagonal, abaxially with short (0.05 mm) antrorse prickle-teeth especially on ribs, adaxially and on margins with abundant longer (0.1 mm) white antrorse hairs; TS: 5 vascular bundles, 7 sclerenchyma strands or sometimes continuous. Culm 20-45-(80) cm, usually exserted high above leaves, nodes dark, evident, internodes smooth but sometimes antrorsely scabrid. Panicle (6)-8-13-(18) cm, erect with 6-8 nodes, 10-15-20 spikelets; branches solitary or often binate, naked below, pulvinate and reflexed, basal branch (1.5)-5-8 cm of 2-6 spikelets, uppermost 2-4 spikelets solitary on 2-4 mm pedicels; rachis margins prickle-toothed sometimes smooth below, branches and pedicels prickle-toothed on margins. Spikelets 10-16 mm × 4-6 mm, of 5-7 florets. Glumes unequal, keels sometimes prickle-toothed, centrally green, brown or reddish, margins ciliate; lower 3-5.5 mm, 1-nerved, upper 3.5-4.5-(6.5) mm, 3-nerved. Lemma (5)-6-7-(8) mm, 5-nerved, glaucous, keeled, smooth except for prickle-teeth at apex, margin antrorsely hairy; awn (1.0)-2-2.5-(3) mm. Palea 5-6-(7.5) mm, usually ≥ lemma, deeply (0.5 mm) bifid, keels toothed in upper ½ or more, interkeel hairs at apex, margins of flanks hairy above. Callus 0.2-0.3 mm, margin sparsely bearded; articulation ± oblique. Rachilla 1.0-1.5 mm, abundantly short stiff hairy. Lodicules 0.7-1.4 mm, usually hair-tipped. Anthers 3-4.2 mm, yellow to purple. Gynoecium: ovary 0.6-1.0 mm, hispid hairs at apex; stigma-styles 1.2-2.0 mm. Caryopsis 2-3 mm; embryo 0.5 mm; hilum ± 2.5 mm. 2n= 42.
Tall to modestly short tussock with very smooth or minutely prickle-toothed fine leaf-blades, below laxly branched inflorescence of large spikelets with conspicuously awned florets. Prophyll 3-5 cm, stramineous, keels ± antrorsely toothed, apex ciliate. Leaf-sheath (2.5)-4.5-7 cm, glabrous, striate, stramineous, margin membranous; apical auricles (0.4)-0.5-0.8-(1.3) mm, rounded, ciliate. Ligule 0.3-0.6 mm, ciliate. Leaf-blade 10-15-(20) cm, occasionally 5-8 cm, × 0.4-0.6 mm diam., hexagonal and ribbed or ± terete, pointed, abaxially smooth or minutely or imperceptibly antrorsely prickle-toothed on ribs, adaxially and on margins abundantly short white antrorsely hairy; TS: 5 vascular bundles, 7 sclerenchyma strands. Culm (11)-30-40 cm, erect, well exserted above leaf-blades; nodes visible; internodes smooth but sometimes occasionally minutely prickle-toothed. Panicle (2.5)-6-10-(13) cm with 5-9 nodes, (4)-8-10-(16) spikelets; branches solitary sometimes binate, lax, naked below, basal branch (1.2)-2-4-(5.5) cm, of (1)-2-(5) spikelets, uppermost 3-5 spikelets solitary on short pedicels; rachis prickle-toothed on margins throughout or sometimes glabrous below becoming scabrid above, branches and pedicels prickle-toothed. Spikelets 10-12-(15) mm × 3-5 mm, of 5-6 florets. Glumes unequal, keeled or slightly so, prickle-teeth above, usually brown or purpled centrally, margins mem-branous, ciliate; lower 2.8-4.0 mm, 1-nerved, long triangular acute or blunt, upper 3.5-5.5 mm, 3-nerved, narrowly ovate, obtuse to acute. Lemma (3.7)-5-6.2 mm, lobes short (0.1 mm), rounded, glabrous except for prickle-teeth at apex and near awn, glaucous; awn 1.2-2.5 mm. Palea (4.5)-5.5-6.8 mm, often=lemma, acute, deeply (0.6 mm) bifid, keels toothed in upper ½-⅔, interkeel hairs above, margins of flanks ciliate above. Callus 0.2-0.3 mm, margin very sparsely shortly bearded; articulation flat. Rachilla 1-1.5 mm, short stiff antrorsely hairy. Lodicules 0.8-1.2 mm, lobed, usually hair-tipped. Anthers 2.8-3.7 mm, yellow. Gynoecium: ovary 0.6-0.9 mm, obovate, apex usually with hispid hairs; stigma-styles 1.2-1.3 mm. Caryopsis 3 mm; embryo 1 mm; hilum ± 2 mm.
Scrambling, prostrate ascending, extravaginally branching with buds bursting forth on many-noded stolons, or sometimes densely caespitose, glaucous grass with many-leaved vegetative shoots and inflorescences exceeding the usually secund leaves. Prophyll short, membranous throughout; keels usually with retrorse hairs. Branching extravaginal. Leaf-sheath 3-10 cm (longer on shoots with very many leaf-blades), glabrous, ribbed, manifestly broader than leaf-blade, becoming fibrous with evident white nerves; apical auricles 0.2-0.5-0.7 mm, rounded, ciliate. Ligule 0.2-0.5 mm, flat to ± triangular between auricles, ciliate. Collar scarcely or ± thickened. Leaf-blade (5)-10-25 cm × 0.3-0.5-(0.9) mm diam., weakly hexagonal and ribbed, often terete usually secund, glaucous, smooth except for prickle-teeth at apex, adaxially and on margins antrorsely short white hairy becoming less so above; TS: 5 vascular bundles and 7 sclerenchyma strands, occasionally 7 bundles and 9 strands. Culm 20-40-(50) cm, greatly exceeding leaf-blades, nodes brown to purple-brown usually geniculate, internodes glabrous. Panicle (2.5)-5-10-(20) cm, with 5-9 nodes, (6)-10-15-(25) spikelets; branches spreading erect or weakly so, occasionally ± divergent, binate or solitary, basal branch (1)-2-4-(10) cm of 3-6 spikelets, naked below or not naked below especially in Cook Strait, uppermost 5-6 spikelets, imbricate, solitary on short (0.5-1 mm) pedicels; rachis prickle-toothed often glabrous below, branches and pedicels prickle-toothed but glabrous throughout in Cook Strait; frequently tortuous below. Spikelets 7-15-(20) mm × 3-5 mm, of 4-6-(9) stramineous florets. Glumes unequal, evidently keeled, linear-oblong narrowing abruptly to an acute or mucronate apex, glabrous but occasionally prickle-toothed on keel above, apex sometimes shortly or evidently ciliate, margins membranous, ciliate above; lower 2.5-3-(4.5) mm, 1-nerved, upper 4-5.5-(6) mm, 3-nerved. Lemma 5-6 mm, glaucous, apex shortly lobed or 0, 5-nerved, keeled, smooth except for prickle-teeth at base and extending from callus to outer nerve below, and on keel above; awn 0 or 0.5-1.5 mm. Palea (4.5)-5-5.7-(6.5) mm, ≥ lemma, acute, shortly (0.2-0.4 mm) bifid, keels toothed towards apex, interkeel hairs above but sometimes to base, flanks short ciliate above. Callus 0.3-0.4-(0.5) mm, upper margins shortly bearded, less so centrally; articulation ± oblique. Rachilla 1-1.3 mm, sparsely short stiff hairy. Lodicules 0.7-1.5 mm, bifid or lobed, usually glabrous but occasionally hair-tipped. Anthers 2.0-3.0 mm, yellow to orange. Gynoecium: ovary 0.6-1.0 mm, ± turbinate, apex glabrous or with hispid hairs; stigma-styles 1.5-2.5 mm. Caryopsis 3-3.5 mm; embryo 0.5 mm; hilum 3 mm. 2n= 56.
Short tawny tussock with fine harshly scabrid rolled leaf-blades and inflorescences with small spikelets in ± appressed branches on rachides covered with small prickle-teeth. Prophyll 3-6 cm, red-brown, keels antrorsely toothed, scattered hairs on flanks; margin glabrous, membranous. Branching intravaginal. Leaf-sheath 5-25 cm, stramineous, striate, minutely scabrid or glabrous, margin mem-branous sometimes undulating; apical auricles 0.4-1.5 mm, unequal, rounded or acute, hairy, margins ciliate. Ligule = auricles, shortly triangular. Leaf-blade 10-40 cm × 0.4-0.7-(1.0) mm diam., terete, pointed, abaxially beset with small antrorse prickle-teeth, adaxially and on margins antrorsely short white hairy; TS: 5 vascular bundles, sclerenchyma usually continuous but frequently in 7 strands, occasionally various, costal sclerenchyma infrequent. Culm 20-100 cm, usually exceeding leaf-blades; nodes glabrous, concealed, brown; internodes antrorsely prickle-toothed, upper node often ensheathed. Panicle 5-25 cm, with (5)-6-9-(10) nodes, 15-25-30 spikelets, often included by leaves; branches solitary ascending, often naked below, sometimes binate, basal branch (2)-5-7-(10) cm of 3-6-(10) spikelets, uppermost 4-6 spikelets solitary on short pedicels; rachis, branches and pedicels abundantly shortly (0.05 mm) prickle-toothed on all surfaces. Spikelets 8-15 mm × 2.5-3 mm, 4-8 florets. Glumes unequal, keeled above, prickle-toothed on keel and above, centrally green-brown, pale stramineous elsewhere, thin, nerves evident, margin ciliate; lower 2.5-5.5 mm, 1-nerved, long triangular almost awned, upper 3.0-6.8 mm, 3-nerved, narrowly ovate, acute. Lemma 4-6 mm, lobes minute, rounded, prickle-toothed above and on margins below sometimes below on outermost nerve; awn 0-3 mm. Palea 4-6.5 mm, ≥ lemma, acute, shortly (0.1-0.3 mm) bifid, keels toothed in upper ½-⅔, interkeel hairs in upper ¼, margins of flanks with small hairs almost to base. Callus 0.1-0.4 mm, bearded on margins; articulation ± flat. Rachilla 0.75-1.5 mm, dense short stiff antrorsely hairy. Lodicules 0.5-1 mm, lobed, usually hair-tipped. Anthers 2-4 mm, yellow. Gynoecium: ovary 0.7 mm, turbinate, apex with hispid hairs; stigma-styles 1.0-1.75 mm. Caryopsis 2-3.8 mm; embryo 0.5 mm; hilum ± 2 mm. 2n= 42. Fig. 6. Plate 1C.
Tufted or spreading from slender rhizomes. Branching extravaginal. Prophyll keeled, hairy. Leaf-sheath (1)-3-7-(10) cm, tubular, red-brown, hairs often retrorse, rarely glabrous, striate, becoming fibrous; apical auricles 0 to 0.25 mm, finely ciliate. Collar sometimes thickened. Ligule 0.25 mm, finely ciliate. Leaf-blade (2)-10-(25) cm × 0.3-0.7 mm, elliptic to rounded or regularly hexagonal, abaxially smooth rarely antrorsely scabrid or hairy below, adaxially finely hairy, margins finely hairy; TS: usually 5 vascular bundles, 7 sclerenchyma strands, occasionally fewer or continuous. Culm 10-20-(45) cm, internodes erect or ascending-erect, usually > leaf-blades, nodes usually glabrous but sometimes evidently hairy or prickle-toothed, often glaucous, sometimes violet-suffused and striate. Panicle (1)-5-10-(20) cm, of 6-10-13 nodes, of (3)-8-15-(30) spikelets, narrow and erect with short branches to open ascending with long branches naked below, often secund above; basal branch solitary or binate with 2-10 spikelets, uppermost 5-10 solitary on short pedicels; rachis toothed on angles sometimes hairy rather than toothed and occasionally ± pilose, usually tortuous below, branches toothed or hairy on angles more so on basal branch at internodes; pedicels toothed on angles. Spikelets (5)-8-10-(13) mm, of 3-6 florets, often glaucous and/or purple-suffused. Glumes unequal, nerves often raised, keeled, smooth except for prickle-teeth on keel and infrequently elsewhere; margins membranous and ciliate; lower 2.5-3.5 mm, 1-nerved, upper 3-5.5 mm, 3-nerved, sometimes shortly awned. Lemma 3.5-4.5-5 mm, 5-nerved, often glaucous, and violet-suffused, rounded, prickle-toothed above, margins ciliate below; awn 0.5-1.5-(2.5) mm. Palea 3.5-4.5-5 mm, apex pointed, shortly bifid, keels toothed to ½ or more, short interkeel hairs above. Callus 0.2-0.3 mm, bearded laterally; articulation ± oblique. Rachilla 0.8-1.25 mm, short stiff hairy, sometimes evident at anthesis. Lodicules 0.6-1.25 mm, usually lobed, often hair-tipped. Anthers (1.0)-1.5-2-3 mm. Gynoecium: ovary 0.5-0.7 mm, sometimes hispid hairy at apex; stigma-styles c. 1.5 mm. Caryopsis 2.5-3.5 mm, free; embryo 0.5 mm; hilum in sulcus, = caryopsis.
Rhizomatous; culms > leaves; spikelets 10-12 mm; anthers 1.5-2.5 mm.
Caespitose, rhizomes not formed but aerial stems with few short internodes; culms » leaves; panicle 10-30 cm, widely branched, branches naked below; spikelets 9-12 mm; anthers usually 3 mm.
Tufted shortly rhizomatous grass with pungent, stiff, thick leaf-blades much shorter than the tall smooth culmed inflorescence of ± violet suffused spikelets of long-awned, smooth, glaucous florets growing on ultramafic parent materials in South Island Dun Mountains mineral belt. Prophyll 2-3 cm, keels glabrous. Branching extravaginal. Leaf-sheath 3-4 cm, striate, glabrous or minutely antrorsely prickle-toothed, becoming red-brown and fibrous; apical auricle 0.5-1 mm, rounded, ciliate. Ligule 0.5-1 mm, erose, ciliate. Leaf-blade (6)-8-12 cm × 0.6-1.2 mm diam., conduplicate, somewhat compressed, pungent, stiff, strict or slightly curved, ribbed, glabrous, adaxially and on margins abundant short white hairs; TS: 5 vascular bundles, 7 sclerenchyma strands, exceptionally more. Culm 20-50 cm, » leaves, nodes visible, internodes glabrous, sometimes violet suffused below. Panicle narrow, 6-12-(14) cm with 4-6-(10) nodes, (12)-15-25 spikelets; basal branch ascending, 3-8 cm, solitary or binate, with 3-5 spikelets, naked below, nodes 2-5 with branches of 2-4 spikelets, uppermost 3-5 spikelets solitary, imbricate on short pedicels; rachis glabrous or glabrous below becoming prickle-toothed, branches and pedicels prickle-toothed or glabrous, often tortuous below. Spikelets 8-12-(14) mm × 3-4 mm, sometimes violet tinged, of (3)-4-5 florets. Glumes unequal, margins long ciliate below shorter above, keeled, glabrous except for a few prickle-teeth on keel, usually violet suffused centrally or throughout; lower 2.5-4.5 mm, 1-nerved, long-triangular acute, awn 0.4-0.8 mm or absent, upper 3.5-5.3 mm, 3-nerved, oblong acute, awn 0.5-3 mm abrupt or tapering or absent. Lemma 5-7 mm, lobes 0 or minute, 5-nerved, glaucous, glabrous except below awn, scarcely keeled, margin long ciliate below shorter above; awn 1.5-4.2 mm. Palea 5.5-6 mm, ≥ lemma, acute, deeply (0.3-0.5 mm) bifid, keels toothed above, interkeel hairs to base denser at apex, flank margins ciliate. Callus 0.2-0.5 mm, sparsely bearded except near rachilla, articulation ± flat to oblique. Rachilla 1-1.6 mm, densely short stiff hairy. Lodicules (0.7)-1-1.2 mm, lobed, hair-tipped or glabrous. Anthers 2-3 mm, yellow or golden. Gynoecium: ovary 0.6 mm, hispid hairs at apex or absent; stigma-styles 2 mm. Caryopsis 3.5 mm; embryo 0.5 mm; hilum = caryopsis.
Annuals. Leaf-sheath rounded, slightly keeled above. Ligule membranous. Leaf-blade flat. Culm internodes glabrous. Panicle dense, spike-like, narrow-cylindric, sometimes lobed. Spikelets 1-flowered, laterally compressed, swollen and globular at base; disarticulation above glumes; rachilla very shortly prolonged. Glumes unequal, swollen, subcoriaceous and shining below, membranous and keeled above, 1-nerved. Lemma « glumes, 5-nerved, broadly elliptic, rounded, truncate, denticulate, with slender dorsal awn from upper ⅓, or awn subapical, or 0. Palea = lemma, 2-nerved. Lodicules 2, glabrous. Stamens 3. Ovary glabrous; styles free. Caryopsis slightly dorsiventrally compressed; embryo small; hilum punctiform; endosperm liquid.
Erect tufts (9)-18-65 cm. Leaf-sheath submembranous, striate, smooth or sometimes scabrid, sometimes ± inflated. Ligule 1-3 mm, striate, truncate or rounded, becoming lacerate, abaxially often minutely scabrid. Leaf-blade 2-10 cm × 1-3 mm, scabrid, or sometimes smooth abaxially; margins scabrid, tip very finely acuminate. Culm erect or geniculate at base, internodes glabrous. Panicle 2-12-(14.5) × 0.6-1.5 cm, shining, lanceolate or cylindric, usually tapered above; rachis and branches minutely scabrid, hidden. Spikelets 3.5-5 mm, light green. Glumes smooth, swollen and rounded below, narrowed above and tapering to long-acuminate tip, keel scabrid; lower = spikelet, upper c. ¾ length of spikelet. Lemma 0.9-1.2 mm, hyaline, sparsely short-hairy near margins and in upper ⅓; awn 3-4.2 mm, very fine, geniculate, or 0 within the same spikelet. Palea hyaline, glabrous. Anthers 0.6-0.8 mm. Caryopsis 0.7-0.9 × 0.4-0.6 mm.
Forming large patches with long floating stolons. Leaf-sheath papery, light brown or purplish, minutely scabrid or smooth. Ligule (3)-5-10 mm, membranous. Leaf-blade (9)-17-25 cm × 3-6 mm, folded or flat, minutely scabrid throughout, or only abaxially, or entirely smooth; margins finely scabrid, tip narrowed abruptly to stiff point. Culm (25)-45-75 cm, branched at base, internodes spongy, glabrous, smooth. Panicle (18)-25-45 cm, branches erect, or finally spreading, below in clusters of 2-3 at nodes, borne singly above or sometimes throughout, unequal, longer branches with up to 9 spikelets, shorter branches with 1-2 spikelets; rachis and branches glabrous. Spikelets 20-27 mm, 8-14-flowered, linear-oblong, green, rarely purplish, ± persistent. Glumes unequal, broadly oblong to broadly elliptic, 1-nerved, obtuse, membranous; lower 2-3.5 mm, upper 3-5.3 mm. Lemma (4.5)-5.5-6 mm, 7-nerved, elliptic-oblong, obtuse; nerves finely scabrid, not extending into wide hyaline upper margin. Palea oblong, shortly bidentate with teeth not projecting beyond lemma apex, keels narrowly winged and minutely scabrid. Rachilla c. 1.5 mm, glabrous. Anthers 1.2-2 mm, indehiscent, pollen-sterile. Caryopsis 0.
Loosely tufted, rather flaccid; branching extravaginal. Leaf-sheath submembranous, closed, keeled, striate, glabrous, often purplish, scattered cross-veinlets inconspicuous. Ligule 3.5-7 mm, hyaline, tapered to a point. Leaf-blade (4)-8-17 cm × 2.5-7 mm, folded at first, becoming flat, abaxially minutely papillose, striate, minutely scabrid on midrib and lateral ribs, adaxially glabrous, channelled on either side of midrib; margins scabrid, abruptly narrowed to stiff point. Culm (15)-25-45 cm, erect or ascending from curved, bent, or prostrate base, internodes glabrous. Panicle 20-30-(40) cm, narrow, with few spikelets, spiciform, ± secund, with 1-3 branches at lower panicle-nodes; rachis smooth, branches with a few minute prickle-teeth below spikelets. Spikelets 15-25-(30) mm, 8-14-flowered, narrowly oblong, greyish green or purplish. Glumes noticeably unequal, 1-nerved, hyaline, ovate-oblong, obtuse; lower 1.5-2.5 mm, upper 2.5-3.5 mm. Lemma 4-5.5 mm, 7-nerved, ovate- or elliptic-oblong, 3-lobed or 3-5-toothed, minutely papillose to short-scabrid, green and firm, nerves purple tipped extending into wide hyaline upper margin. Palea oblong-lanceolate or elliptic, deeply bifid into often purplish, aristate teeth, usually projecting slightly beyond lemma apex, keels narrowly winged, very minutely scabrid. Rachilla c. 1.5 mm, glabrous. Anthers (0.9)-1-1.4 mm. Caryopsis (1.7)-2-2.5 × 0.8-1 mm. Fig. 8.
Loosely tufted or forming loose masses in shallow water. Leaf-sheath closed, papery, light brown or purplish, glabrous, striate, keeled. Ligule (4)-8-10 mm, membranous, tapered. Leaf-blade 10-23 cm × (2)-4.5-7.5 mm, folded or flat, striate, minutely papillose to tubercular-scabrid especially on ribs; margins finely scabrid, rather abruptly narrowed to stiff tip. Culm (20)-45-75 cm, erect or spreading, sometimes prostrate or floating at base, few-noded, internodes glabrous. Panicle (20)-30-55 cm, secund, lax, linear, open at anthesis, later contracted; rachis smooth, branches sparingly scabrid, paired at lower panicle nodes, longer branch with 1-4 spikelets, shorter branch with 1-2 spikelets. Spikelets (15)-20-30 mm, 7-13-flowered, narrowly oblong, green or purple. Glumes unequal, elliptic-oblong; lower 2-3-(4) mm, 1-nerved, acute, upper 3-4-(5.5) mm, 1-(3)-nerved, subobtuse. Lemma 6-7.5 mm, 7-nerved, elliptic-oblong or oblong, subobtuse to subacute, minutely scabrid, margins later incurved; nerves not extending into wide hyaline upper margin. Palea = lemma, oblong-lanceolate, apex sharply, shortly bidentate, keel very minutely scabrid, scarcely winged. Rachilla 1.5-1.8 mm, glabrous. Anthers 1.5-2.5 mm. Caryopsis 2-3 × 0.7-1.2 mm.
Tall, luxuriant, wide-leaved perennial sending up numerous long leafy shoots from a stout creeping rhizome. Leaf-sheath entire at first, later splitting, light green to pale brown, often purplish, paper-like, shining, very finely scabrid to almost smooth, with numerous conspicuous cross-veinlets. Ligule (4)-4.5-6.5 mm, firmly membranous, glabrous, blunt, but tapered centrally to fine point. Leaf-blade (20)-30-50 cm × 10-20 mm, flat, finely striate, very finely scabrid to almost smooth, abaxially scabrid above on conspicuous midrib; margins finely scabrid, tapering abruptly to short ± rigid tip. Culm (5)-10-180 cm, robust, internodes glabrous. Panicle 20-30-(40) cm, lax and open, or contracted and rather dense, broadly ovate to oblong, with numerous spikelets; rachis, branches and pedicels finely scabrid, longer branches naked below. Spikelets (5)-6-7.5-(10) mm, (3)-4-8-flowered, green, or tinged purplish brown. Glumes subequal, hyaline, 1-nerved; lower 1.7-2.5 mm, elliptic-oblong, subacute, upper 2-3.5 mm, ovate-oblong, obtuse. Lemma 2.5-3.5 mm, 7-nerved, elliptic to ovate-elliptic, broadly obtuse, subcoriaceous; nerves minutely prickle-toothed, not reaching upper hyaline minutely prickle-toothed margins. Palea oblong, keels tubercular-scabrid. Rachilla 0.7-1 mm, glabrous. Anthers (1)-1.5-1.8 mm. Caryopsis c. 1.5 × 1 mm.
Stout, with leafy shoots ascending from a prostrate rooting base. Leaf-sheath papery, light brown, closed, keeled, finely striate (ribs becoming undulate), with very fine prickle-teeth or hairs above and on ribs, cross-veinlets few, inconspicuous. Ligule 3-10 mm, membranous, tapered above, abaxially minutely, finely prickle-toothed. Leaf-blade (5)-15-25 cm × (2)-3.5-7 mm, folded to flat, finely ribbed with minute fine prickle-teeth on ribs, or adaxially smooth; margins finely tubercular-scabrid. Culm 30-40-(65) cm, finely ribbed, branched near base, several-noded, internodes spongy, glabrous. Panicle 18-40 cm, very lax, branches at lower nodes in clusters of 2-5 with one longer branch finally spreading, the rest much shorter with very few spikelets; rachis, branches and pedicels sparsely finely scabrid. Spikelets 12-22 mm, 8-12-flowered, linear-oblong, light green or purplish. Glumes unequal, membranous, 1-nerved, broadly elliptic-oblong, obtuse; lower 1.5-2-(2.5) mm, upper 2.5-3-(4.5) mm. Lemma 4-4.5-(5.5) mm, 7-nerved, broadly oblong-obovate, obtuse or slightly 3-lobed; nerves minutely scabrid, not extending into wide hyaline upper margin. Palea 3.5-4-(4.5) mm, ≤ lemma, elliptic, rather firm, shortly bidenticulate, keels minutely scabrid, narrowly winged. Rachilla 1-1.5 mm, glabrous. Anthers 1-1.5 mm. Caryopsis 1.5-2.2 × 0.9-1.1 mm.
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Small annual tufts 10-30-(45) cm, often growing closely together to form large patches, plants usually rigidly erect but sometimes with shoots appressed to ground. Leaf-sheath submembranous, glabrous, straw-coloured, striate. Ligule 0.2-0.7 mm, membranous, glabrous, truncate, erose, projecting slightly upwards on either edge. Leaf-blade 2.5-9-(11.5) cm × 1.2-1.7 mm, flat, or inrolled and c. 0.5 mm diam., abaxially glabrous, adaxially ribbed, ribs minutely scabrid. Culm 5-30 cm, sometimes purplish, usually branched near base, internodes glabrous. Inflorescence a single simple spike, breaking up at maturity by disarticulation of rachis below each spikelet. Spikes 6.5-15 cm, cylindric, rather thick, straight or slightly curved, light green; rachis internodes ≤ spikelets, hollowed on one side. Spikelets 5-7.5 cm, 1-flowered, sessile, solitary, edgewise to rachis, alternating on opposite sides of rachis, ± sunk in cavities within it; each floret ± concealed by one glume, uppermost floret with 2 glumes. Glumes 9-nerved, very hard, thick and rigid, oblong-subulate, acute, outer nerves slightly scabrid near apex; glume concealing floret at first, but later sometimes recurved and projecting stiffly at 45 from the rachis. Lemma 4.5-6.2 mm, with back appressed to rachis, membranous, finely 3-nerved with lateral nerves indistinct, lanceolate, acute, glabrous. Palea ≈ lemma, 4-5.5 mm, hyaline, glabrous, keels 2, indistinct. Lodicules 2, glabrous, 1-1.5 mm. Stamens 3; anthers 1.5-2.5 mm. Caryopsis c. 3-3.5 × 0.8-1.1 mm, longitudinally grooved; embryo small; hilum short, linear to oblong.
Lax tufts. Leaf-sheath glabrous, keeled, ± striate. Ligule 3-5 mm, membranous, rounded, abaxially hairy. Collar thick, glabrous. Leaf-blade 7-30 cm × 4-8 mm, tapering, ± strict, subconvolute, subcoriaceous, abaxially and on margins glabrous, adaxially prickle-toothed on edges of and between prominent flat-topped ribs. Culm to 50 cm, internodes glabrous. Panicle 5-12 cm, rather dense, scarcely spreading, ± nodding; branches usually binate at nodes, glabrous, lower branches subtended by lanceolate bracts; pedicels to 5 mm, scabrid to pilose above. Glumes subequal, ovate-lanceolate, acute, membranous, almost entirely scarious, keel toothed above, 3-nerved; upper 10-14 mm. Florets included by glumes, light brown at maturity. ♂ florets: lemma 6-7 mm, ovate-oblong, lobes erose 2-4 mm and scarious-tipped, ± appressed long hairs on keel above shorter below, margins sparsely ciliate; awns c. 6 mm, slender, ± straight, insertion c. 3 mm above base; palea 5-6 mm, ciliate apex bifid, keels hairy above; lodicules 1-1.25 mm, ovate-lanceolate, irregularly 1-2-lobed; callus short, hairs 0.5 mm appressed; anthers 2-3.3 mm. ☿ floret: lemma 4-5 mm, broadly ovate, glabrous, appressed shortly hairy at apex with slender subapical mucro 0-0.5-1 mm; palea ≈ lemma, ovate-oblong, 1-keel, hairy above; lodicules 0.6-1 mm, glabrous; anthers 1.3-2 mm; gynoecium: ovary c. 1 mm, stigma-styles 4.5-6.5 mm; caryopsis c. 2 mm, embryo c. 0.5 mm, hilum c. 0.5 mm.
Laxly tufted, ± robust. Leaf-sheath ± striate, glabrous. Ligule 1-2 mm, long ciliate, abaxially hairy, chartaceous, scarious. Collar thick, glabrous. Leaf-blade 20-40 cm × 6-12 mm, tapered, abaxially glabrous, adaxially prickle-toothed on prominent rounded ribs; margins finely toothed. Culm 30-60 cm, internodes glabrous. Panicle 10-20 cm, lax, spreading; branches 1-2 at each node, naked below, glabrous, ± slender and often drooping, spikelets few towards tip; pedicels to 10 mm, scabrid to villous above. Glumes subequal, ovate, acute, membranous, scarious, glabrous, 3-nerved; upper glume 6-7.5 mm. Florets included by glumes, ± glistening coppery at maturity. ♂ florets: lemma 4-6.5 mm, lobes 0.5-1 mm, erose, tip scarious, scabrid, appressed long hairs on keel to sinus, margins densely long-ciliate; awns 2-6 mm, slender, ± straight, insertion c. 1 mm below apex; palea 3-4 mm, membranous, keels ciliate; lodicules c. 1 mm, ± ovate, acute, irregularly 1-2-lobed, glabrous; anthers (1)-1.5 mm. ☿ floret: lemma 3-3.5 mm, ovate, glabrous and shining, apex with conspicuous long hispid hairs; mucro slender, 0.6-1.5 mm, subapical, ≈ hairs; palea ≈ lemma, ovate-lanceolate, apex pointed ciliate, keel ciliate above; lodicules 0.6-1 mm, glabrous; anthers 0.9-1.6 mm; gynoecium: ovary c. 1 mm, stigma-styles c. 3.5 mm; caryopsis 1.5-1.8 × 0.7 -0.9 mm, shortly beaked, embryo 0.5 mm, hilum c. 0.5 mm.
Fairly robust, lax tufts. Leaf-sheath glabrous, ± striate, mostly deep purple. Ligule c. 0.5 mm, abaxially hairy. Collar rather thick, often hairy. Leaf-blade 15-30 cm × 4-8 mm, tapering, abaxially glabrous, adaxially abundantly hairy on prominent flat-topped ribs; margins toothed. Culm 30-60 cm, internodes glabrous, ridged. Panicles 8-15 cm, very lax and spreading; branches mostly binate at each node, glabrous, naked below, slender, drooping, spikelets few towards tips; pedicels to 10 mm, scabrid to villous above. Glumes subequal, ovate, subacute, membranous, margins wide scarious above, keel prickle-toothed above or glabrous; upper 6-8 mm, 3-nerved. Florets > lower glume, ♂ florets light brown to brown, ☿ floret paler, often golden and glistening at maturity. ♂ florets: lemma 5-6 mm, oblong, subacute, lobes 0.5-1 mm, villous below, scabrid above, margins densely long-ciliate; awns of both florets ± equal, rather stout, column 2-3.5-5 mm twisted, arista 3-4-(5) mm, insertion c. 2 mm above base of lemma; palea c. 4 mm, membranous, apex bifid, keels finely ciliate, interkeel hairy; lodicules 1.2-2.0 mm, ± ovate, acute, irregularly lobed, ciliate; callus hairs to 1 mm; anthers 2.3-3.4 mm. ☿ floret: lemma 3.5-4.5 mm, ovate, long hairs on keel below, finely scabrid and with long hispid golden brown hairs exceeding apex, muticous or subapically mucronate 0-0.5 mm; palea ≈ lemma, ovate-lanceolate, keel short hairy above; lodicules 1-1.8 mm, ciliate; anthers 1.1-2.5 mm; gynoecium: ovary 1 mm, stigma-styles 3.5-6 mm; caryopsis 2-2.5 × 0.75 mm, embryo 0.5 mm, hilum c. 0.75 mm.
Lax, robust tufts. Leaf-sheath glabrous, ± striate. Ligule 3-5 mm, ± chartaceous, hairy, erose to variously lobed. Leaf-blade 30-75 cm × 8-12 mm, tapering, abaxially glabrous, adaxially scabrid on prominent ribs; margins thick, toothed. Culm 60-120 cm, internodes glabrous, ridged. Panicle 15-30 cm, ± erect; branches 1-2 at each node, glabrous, naked below, spikelets densely crowded above; pedicels scabrid to villous. Glumes subequal, ± membranous with wide scarious margin and tip, ovate-lanceolate, acute, glabrous, keeled; upper 7-9 mm, 3-nerved. Florets included by glumes, brown to dark brown at maturity. ♂ florets: lemma 6-8 mm, oblong-ovate, lobes 1-1.25 mm erose and scarious-tipped, sparsely finely scabrid, long hairs at base, margins sparsely long-ciliate; awns 3-7 mm, slender, ± straight, insertion 1-2 mm below apex; palea 5-6 mm, membranous, keels ciliate; lodicules 0.5-1 mm, ± ovate, acute, irregularly 1-2-lobed, glabrous; callus hairs to 1 mm; anthers 2.5-3.5 mm. ☿ floret: lemma c. 5 mm, narrow-ovate, glabrous, apex minutely hairy, muticous or subapically mucronate with mucro 0-0.5 mm; palea ≈ lemma, keel toothed ± to base, ovate-lanceolate; lodicules c. 0.5 mm, glabrous; anthers 1.5-2 mm; gynoecium: ovary 1 mm, stigma-styles 5-6 mm; caryopsis 2.0-2.5 × 0.75 mm, embryo 0.5 mm, hilum 0.75-1 mm.
Slender, dense to lax tufts, to somewhat rhizomatous. Leaf-sheath glabrous, ± striate. Ligule 0.5-1 mm, membranous. Collar thick recurved occasionally with a few hairs. Leaf-blade 2-10 cm × 1.5-3 mm, tapering, scabrid or glabrous, shallowly ribbed; margins toothed. Culm 20-40 cm, internodes glabrous. Panicle 5-10 cm, very lax, spreading, branches glabrous filiform, 1-2 at each node, pedicels glabrous 1-5 mm, spikelets congested in 3s or 4s. Glumes obovate, apiculate, subacute to obtuse, membranous with scarious margins above, 3-nerved; upper 3.5-4 mm. Florets > glumes, light brown at maturity. ♂ florets: lemma 3.25-4 mm, oblong, ovate, glabrous below, finely scabrid to pubescent above, margins silky ciliate; awns 1-3 mm, slender, ± straight, insertion 2.5-3.5 mm above base; palea 2.5-3.5 mm, hairs on keels to base and elsewhere, bifid apex ciliate; lodicules 0.75-1.25 mm, ± ovate, acute, irregularly lobed, ciliate; callus hairs to 1 mm; anthers 1.5-2-2.5 mm. ☿ floret: lemma 2.5-3.5 mm, ovate, truncate, glabrous below hairy, muticous or mucronate apex; mucro subapical, 0.5-1 mm; palea 2.5-3 mm, oblong-ovate, 1-(2) keels hairy to base; lodicules 0.7-1.25 mm, ciliate; anthers (0.9)-1.2-1.9 mm; gynoecium: ovary 1 mm, stigma-styles 2.75-3.5 mm; caryopsis 2 × 0.75 mm, embryo c. 0.5 mm, hilum 0.5 mm.
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Robust, lax tufts, ± rhizomatous. Leaf-sheath glabrous, ± striate, mostly deep purple. Ligule c. 1 mm. Collar thick, glabrous, recurved. Leaf-blade 7-15 cm × 3-6 mm, tapering, glabrous to ± scabrid on both surfaces, adaxially shallowly ribbed; margins prickle-toothed. Culm 20-40 cm, internodes glabrous, ridged. Panicle 8-16 cm, very lax, spreading; branches glabrous, 1-2 at each node, slender, naked below, spikelets few towards tips; pedicels 1-5 mm, ± scabrid to villous below spikelet. Glumes obovate, subacute to obtuse, glabrous, often purplish with wide hyaline margins, 3-nerved; upper glume 4-6 mm. Florets > lower glume, brown, uppermost somewhat lighter, ± shining. ♂ florets: lemma 4-5.5 mm, oblong, lobes c. 0.5 mm, long villous, rounded, finely scabrid, margins long-ciliate; awns unequal, rather stout, awn of lower floret 1.5-3 mm, scarcely twisted or bent, awn of second floret 4-6 mm, column 2-3.5 mm, twisted below geniculate arista 2-3 mm, insertion 2-3.5 mm above base; palea 4-4.5 mm, keels hairy to base finely pubescent above; lodicules c. 1 mm, ± ovate, acute, irregularly 1-2-lobed often ciliate; callus hairs sparse to 1 mm; anthers 2.0-2.5 mm. ☿ floret: lemma 3.5-4.5 mm, ovate, glabrous below, finely pubescent above, usually long hairy at apex; awn rather stout, 2-3 mm, subapical; palea c. 3.5 mm, ovate-lanceolate, keels 2, hairy throughout, minutely scabrid above; lodicules 1-1.2 mm; gynoecium: ovary 0.75-1.25 mm, stigma-styles 3.75-4.75 mm; anthers 1.4-1.8 mm; caryopsis 2 × 0.75 mm, embryo 0.3-0.4 mm, hilum 0.5-0.75 mm.
Robust, lax tufts. Leaf-sheath glabrous, ± striate, lower ± purplish. Ligule 2-3 mm, chartaceous, ± irregularly rounded. Leaf-blade to 70 cm × 8-12 mm, abaxially ± glabrous, adaxially scabrid on prominent ribs; margins glabrous or prickle-toothed. Culm to 130 cm, internodes glabrous. Panicle 20-30 cm, erect, nodding above, and lower branches also nodding; branches binate at nodes, very slender, naked for ½ to ¾ length, spikelets crowded distally; pedicels 0.5-2 mm, villous. Glumes unequal, membranous, scarious, glabrous, ovate, acute, keeled, 3-nerved; lower 6-7 mm, mostly ≥ lower floret, upper 7-8 mm, > second floret. Florets pale straw-coloured. ♂ florets: lemma 5-6.5 mm, oblong-ovate, lobes c. 1 mm, chartaceous with scarious tips, long hairs on keel below, minutely scabrid above, margins ciliate with soft, silvery hairs; awns 3.5-6 mm, slender, ± straight, insertion 3-4 mm above base; palea 4-5.5 mm, membranous, irregularly finely scabrid on keels; lodicules 1-1.6 mm, ± ovate, lobed, acute, glabrous; callus hairs to 1.25 mm; anthers 2-3 mm. ☿ floret: lemma 4.5-6 mm, narrow-ovate, glabrous, apex minutely hairy, muticous to subapically mucronate 0.25-0.5 mm; palea 4-5.5 mm, ovate-lanceolate, keel 1-(2) finely irregularly ciliate; lodicules 0.75-1 mm, ovate-oblong, abruptly tapering, often lateral lobed, glabrous; anthers 1-1.5 mm; gynoecium: ovary c. 1 mm, stigma-styles 4-5 mm; caryopsis c. 2 mm, embryo 0.5 mm, hilum 0.75 mm. Fig. 11. Plate 5D.
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Small to medium-sized bamboos with short sympodial rhizomes, forming a dense clump. Culm-internodes hollow, terete, rather slender, nodes not very prominent. Culm-sheaths tardily deciduous, ≈ internodes, glabrous, ± concolorous, broad and little narrowed distally; margins hairy. Leaf-sheath without auricles and oral bristles. Ligule pubescent. Leaf-blade not obviously tessellate. Inflorescence a large racemose panicle or raceme. Spikelets 1-(2)-flowered, one pedicelled, the other sessile. Glumes 2, strongly 4-8-nerved. Stamens 3. Stigmas 3.
Tufted to long-rhizomatous perennials or tufted annuals. Leaf-sheath rounded. Ligule membranous. Leaf-blade flat. Panicle moderately dense. Spikelets 2-(3)-flowered, ± laterally compressed, falling entire at maturity, lower floret ☿ and usually raised on a curved rachilla, upper floret(s) usually ♂, sometimes ☿; rachilla often shortly prolonged. Glumes subequal, thinly chartaceous, ± enclosing florets, keeled from tip to midpoint or below, rarely awned; lower 1-nerved, upper 3-nerved. Lemma often polished cartilaginous, rounded, or keeled above, indistinctly 3-5-nerved, obtuse to bidentate; lemma of lower floret usually awnless, lemma of upper floret with geniculate or hooked or straight dorsal awn from upper ⅓. Palea membranous, ≤ lemma, 2-keeled. Callus hairy or glabrous. Lodicules membranous, glabrous, sometimes denticulate. Ovary apex glabrous; styles free. Caryopsis laterally compressed, rarely grooved; embryo small; hilum punctiform to shortly elliptic, rarely linear; endosperm liquid or solid.
Tufted, sometimes stoloniferous, softly hairy, greyish green perennials, 35-110 cm. Leaf-sheath firmly membranous, striate, ± keeled above near ligule, villous with long, fine, silky hairs, basal sheaths often purplish. Ligule (0.6)-1-3 mm, ± truncate, denticulate, apex finely ciliate and occasionally with a few long hairs, abaxially villous. Leaf-blade (2.5)-4.5-15-(20) cm × (1.5)-3-10 mm, pubescent and with longer soft hairs, narrowed to acuminate tip; margins finely ciliate, and with longer hairs. Culm erect, or ascending from geniculate base, nodes and internodes pubescent. Panicle 4-18 × 1.5-7 cm, lanceolate, ovoid or sometimes oblong, dense to lax, erect or nodding; rachis and branches pubescent. Spikelets 3.8-5.5 mm, whitish, pale green, or purplish. Glumes stiff-ciliate on keels and lateral nerves of upper glume, elsewhere minutely scabrid to shortly pubescent; lower sometimes slightly shorter, narrow-lanceolate, acute to mucronate, upper broader, elliptic, mucronate, or awned to 0.8 mm. Lemma 2-2.7 mm, elliptic-lanceolate, glabrous, shining, keel sparsely finely prickle-toothed, apex minutely ciliate-scabrid; lower lemma awnless, upper lemma narrower, awn stout, 1.4-2.8 mm, inserted c. 0.4 mm below tip of lemma, becoming recurved and uncinate. Palea keels sparsely short-ciliate above, apex obtusely lobed, minutely ciliate. Callus hairs few, to 1 mm. Rachilla glabrous. Anthers 1-2.2 mm. Caryopsis 1-1.5 × 0.4-0.5 mm.
Strongly rhizomatous, dull bluish green perennials, 15-100 cm, forming loose swards. Leaf-sheath chartaceous, striate, glabrous or shortly pubescent with some longer hairs. Ligule 1-3 mm, ± truncate, denticulate, abaxially shortly pubescent. Leaf-blade 5-17 cm × 2-9 mm, rather stiff, shortly pubescent-scabrid, sometimes with scattered longer hairs or almost glabrous; margins minutely scabrid, tip acute. Culm erect or spreading, often decumbent, nodes loosely to densely bearded, internodes glabrous. Panicle (1)-4-10-(16) × (0.5)-1-2 cm, narrow-oblong or lanceolate, dense to rather lax, erect; rachis with ± sparse minute hairs, branches and very slender pedicels with slightly longer hairs. Spikelets 4-5.8 mm, whitish green, sometimes purplish. Glumes shortly stiff-ciliate on keel, minutely scabrid elsewhere, acute to acuminate; lower slightly shorter, narrow-lanceolate, upper elliptic-lanceolate with strong lateral nerves. Lemma 1-2.5 mm, elliptic- to ovate-lanceolate, with a few prickle-teeth on and near keel or scattered above, otherwise glabrous, ± shining, margins minutely ciliate-scabrid; lower lemma awnless, upper lemma with slightly curved awn, 3-5 mm, inserted c. 0.5 mm below lemma apex, sometimes twisted near base. Palea keels short-ciliate, apex obtusely lobed, short-ciliate. Callus hairs 0.2-0.3 mm, or callus of lower floret glabrous. Rachilla sparsely soft-hairy, hairs to 0.6 mm. Anthers (1)-1.5-2.2 mm. Caryopsis c. 1 × 0.7 mm.
Tufted erect annuals. Leaf-sheath glabrous. Leaf-blade flat, auriculate. Inflorescence a 5-10 cm erect or nodding spike-like raceme with a tough rachis; spikelets in 2-6 rows of persistent triads all ☿, or lateral pedicelled spikelets Ø. Spikelets 1-flowered; rachilla prolonged. Glumes linear, equal, shortly awned. Lemma glabrous, awn long, tough. Palea ≈ lemma, glabrous, folded below. Lodicules ciliate. Anthers 2-4 mm. Ovary apex coronate and hispid hairy. Caryopsis broad, stout.
Erect or somewhat spreading annual tufts. Leaf-sheath green to light brown to straw-coloured, glabrous, with colourless to sometimes purplish auricles 2.5-5 mm. Ligule 0.5-3 mm, truncate, sparsely ciliate. Leaf-blade 5-35 cm × 3-15 mm, ribs finely scabrid or only so adaxially, margins glabrous, tip finely acuminate. Culm internodes glabrous. Raceme erect or nodding; rachis tough, margins ciliate. Spikelets all ☿, all sessile, or the florets of lateral spikelets Ø and shortly pedicelled. Glumes usually equal and similar, 4-10 mm, linear-lanceolate, glabrous or short-pubescent to villous, produced to a fine scabrid awn 1.5-8 mm. Lemma of ☿ spikelets broadly ovate-lanceolate, smooth with a few prickle-teeth abaxially on outer lateral nerves near awn-base; awn very tough, scabrid. Palea ≈ lemma, keels very finely scabrid near shallowly bifid or truncate apex. Rachilla prolongation 2-4 mm, ciliate. Lodicules 1 mm, hairy, ciliate. Anthers 2.5-4 mm. Caryopsis elliptic or elliptic-obovate, white, yellow, bluish grey, reddish violet, brown or black.
Tufts 50-120 cm. Culm 45-110 cm. Raceme 5-9 × 1-1.5 cm, lax- or dense-flowered, in section square (4-rowed barley), or hexagonal (6-rowed barley). Spikelets all sessile, ☿. Lemma 9-12 mm; awn 9-17 cm. Caryopsis 8-10 × 2-3.5 mm.
Tufts 35-100 cm. Culm 30-90 cm. Racemes 4.5-12 × 0.6-1.5-(2.5) cm, dense-flowered, distichous, with 2 rows of sessile ☿ spikelets, each spikelet flanked by 2 Ø lateral spikelets in which the florets are shortly pedicelled. Lemma of lateral spikelets 5.5-8 mm, elliptic or linear-oblong, obtuse, abaxially smooth, adaxially with a few long, soft hairs along the central nerve, awnless. Rachilla prolongation 2 mm, glabrous. Lemma of central spikelets 8-12.5 mm; awn 10-17 cm. Rachilla prolongation 4 mm, long hairy. Caryopsis 8-11.5 × 2-3 mm.
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Semi-aquatic, ± glabrous perennials, with decumbent stems branching near base and becoming erect at flowering; branching intravaginal. Leaf-sheath light green to brownish, submembranous, folded closely around culm, glabrous but ciliate along one margin and along upper part of other. Ligule 0.4-1.8 mm, ciliate. Leaf-blade 3.5-9-(15) cm × 2.5-6.5 mm, flat, linear-lanceolate, gradually narrowed above, rather stiff, finely scabrid, tip acute. Culm (15)-30-60-(110) cm, slender, subterete, internodes glabrous. Panicle 5-15 cm, contracted at first, pedunculate and spreading when fully exserted from upper sheath, pyramidal; rachis and branches very slender, smooth or occasionally minutely, sparsely scabrid, often flexuous, with long-pedicelled spikelets borne singly towards tips of filiform branchlets. Spikelets 2-3 mm, oblong, to obovate to obovate-globose, greenish or slightly purplish especially towards very obtuse tip; disarticulation above glumes and between florets; rachilla 0.2-0.4 mm, remaining attached to base of upper floret. Glumes ± equalling spikelet, 7-9-nerved, chartaceous, smooth, or sparsely scabrid on outer nerves, especially near incurved tip. Lower floret ♂, ≈ spikelet: lemma 2-3 mm, texture similar to upper glume, ovate-elliptic, obtuse, glabrous; palea similar in size and texture to lemma; anthers 1-1.7 mm. Upper floret ♀: lemma 1.3-1.8 mm, oblong to suborbicular, obtuse, slightly indurated; palea = lemma, of similar texture; gynoecium: ovary 0.5-0.7 mm, stigma-styles 1.8-2 mm; caryopsis c. 1 × 0.8 mm. Fig. 23.
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Densely caespitose, of low to medium stature (7)-9-17-(43) cm; with stiff, semi-pungent, pale greyish green leaves, their sheaths often imbricate and of ± equal length, usually overtopped by densely villous culms bearing dense cylindrical panicles; branching intravaginal, sometimes extravaginal at base. Leaf-sheath abaxially glabrous, scabrid, pubescent or rarely ± villous. Ligule 0.3-0.8-(1.6) mm, rim-like or truncate, sometimes erose, ciliate, abaxially glabrous or hairy. Leaf-blade 1.2-9-(21) cm × (0.5)-0.6-3.2-(5.5) mm, usually folded, involute, or convolute, or sometimes flat, linear-lanceolate or narrower, abaxially minutely scabrid to densely pubescent or sometimes villous, midrib often prominent below, adaxially scabrid or pubescent on ribs; margin with minute prickle-teeth or longer hairs, apex hooded, acute to acuminate. Culm (1)-4-27-(35) cm, pale green to purple, internodes sparsely to densely pubescent to villous, very rarely glabrous. Panicle densely contracted, usually cylindrical (to spike-like) occasionally interrupted especially at base, (1.3)-2.6-5.0-(7.3) × (0.3)-0.8-1.5-(2.2) cm; branches erect, pubescent, appressed to rachis. Spikelets (3.8)-4.3-5.2-(6.9) mm, 2-3-flowered, pale green, purplish or golden. Glumes subequal, sometimes scabrid above and on keel; lower 3.5-3.8-(4.8) mm, 1-(3)-nerved, oblong, with prickle-teeth on upper ½ to ⅔ of keel, upper (3.2)-4.0-4.5-(6.1) mm, 3-nerved, ovate, with prickle-teeth on upper ⅔ of keel. Lemma 3.5-6.0 mm, 3-5-nerved, oblong, narrow obovate, or lanceolate, acute, acuminate, or obtuse, entire to mucronate or shortly awned and sometimes minutely bidentate; awn apical or subapical, to 1.5-(3.2) mm. Palea 3.0-5.2 mm. Callus hairs 0.3-0.6 mm. Rachilla 0.8-1.0-(1.4) mm with hairs to 0.5 mm; prolongation c. 1.5 mm with hairs to 0.3 mm. Lodicules (0.7)-0.8-1.2 mm, ± bifid, erose. Anthers 0.6-1.1 mm. Gynoecium: ovary c. 0.7 mm; stigma-styles c. 1 mm. Caryopsis 2-2.5 × 0.6-0.7 mm.
Extremely variable, slender, occasionally lush, tufted or very shortly rhizomatous perennial, of low to medium stature, 4-46-(82) cm, with leaves varying from greyish green to green and from tightly inrolled to flat, with erect culms and usually spike-like panicles, sometimes greatly overtopping leaves; branching extravaginal. Leaf-sheath abaxially glabrous, scabrid, pubescent or villous. Ligule membranous, truncate, often erose and/or somewhat ciliate, (0.2)-0.3-1.3 mm. Collar often thickened and paler near margins, often with long hairs on upper margins. Leaf-blade flat, folded or involute, linear to ± filiform, 3-15-(30) cm × 1-1.5 mm diam., or up to 2-(4) mm wide, abaxially glabrous, scabrid, pubescent or villous, adaxially ribbed, scabrid to densely villous, especially on ribs; margins ± scabrid, often with long hairs below, apex acute, hooded. Culm to 41-(66) cm, internodes entirely glabrous or frequently minutely pubescent below panicle, often scabrid to villous above and/or below nodes, very occasionally pubescent throughout. Panicle (2.0)-3.0-16 × 0.5-1.2 cm, spike-like or occasionally lanceolate, sometimes interrupted, with appressed-ascending branches; branches and pedicels glabrous, scabrid or pubescent to villous; bract subtending panicle glabrous, or often tipped by long hairs, or absent. Spikelets (3.8)-4.5-5.8-(7) mm, 2-3-(5)-flowered, light green, often purplish to brownish. Glumes subequal, membranous with wide hyaline margins above, oblong-lanceolate to elliptic; lower 3.0-4.8 mm, 1-3-nerved, upper 3.2-5.2 mm, 3-4-nerved. Lemma (3.0)-3.8-4.7-(5.5) mm, 3-5-nerved, oblong, narrow obovate, or lanceolate, acute, acuminate or occasionally obtuse, entire, mucronate or shortly awned (sometimes within one panicle), apex sometimes minutely bidentate; awn apical or subapical, to 1.5-(3.2) mm. Palea 3.5-4.3 mm, recurved from base, keel prickle-toothed above. Callus hairs (0.1)-0.2-0.5-(0.7) mm. Rachilla 0.6-1.5-(1.9) mm, hairs 0.2-1.4 mm; prolongation c. 1 mm, hairs short (0.3 mm). Lodicules 0.7-1.1 mm. Anthers 0.8-2.5 mm. Gynoecium: ovary 0.5-0.8 mm; stigma-styles 1-1.4 mm. Caryopsis c. 2 × 0.4 mm.
Tufted or rhizomatous perennials; branching extravaginal and intravaginal. Leaf-sheath glabrous to pubescent, or scabrid; margins hyaline. Ligule membranous, truncate to subacute, entire, erose or somewhat ciliate. Leaf-blade flat, folded, involute or convolute. Culm erect, sometimes geniculate at base. Inflorescence a contracted panicle, spike-like, cylindrical, or sometimes lanceolate, occasionally interrupted, especially near base; branches and pedicels glabrous, scabrid or pubescent. Spikelets 2-3-(5)-flowered, laterally compressed, third and upper florets reduced, or very reduced and Ø; disarticulation above glumes and between florets. Glumes subequal, membranous, with hyaline margins above, keeled, not awned; lower 1-nerved, shorter and narrower than upper, upper 3-nerved. Lemma membranous with hyaline margins above, (1)-3-5-nerved, keeled, entire, or mucronate, or with a short apical or subapical, inconspicuous, usually straight awn. Palea hyaline, shining, gaping when mature, 2-keeled, apex ± bifid. Callus short, hairy. Rachilla hairy. Flowers ☿, chasmogamous. Lodicules 2, hyaline, bifid. Stamens 3. Ovary glabrous; styles free to base; stigmas plumose. Caryopsis oblong-fusiform, slightly laterally compressed; hilum short; endosperm liquid.
Lax, bluish green, perennial tufts, 15-35 cm, usually with narrow, involute leaves and very lax panicles; branching extravaginal, each shoot with 1-2 blunt-tipped sheaths at base and with the lowest leaf-blade often much reduced. Leaf-sheath submembranous, distinctly ribbed, smooth or sometimes scabrid above. Ligule (1.5)-2.5-4.5 mm, tapered above to acute tip or denticulate, abaxially scabrid. Leaf-blade 6-16 cm × 0.4-0.8 mm diam., inrolled, to 1.2 mm wide if flat, abaxially smooth to scabrid (especially near tip), adaxially finely scabrid; margins finely scabrid, tip fine, obtuse. Culm 10-15 cm, slender, usually included within uppermost leaf-sheath, internodes glabrous. Panicle (7)-10-16 × 1.5-12-(15) cm; branches few, long, filiform, ± closely, finely scabrid, each tipped by a single spikelet. Spikelets (4.5)-5-7 mm, light green. Glumes ± equal, narrowly elliptic-lanceolate, scabrid above and on midnerve and hyaline margins, or sometimes sparsely scabrid throughout. Lemma (2.8)-3.2-3.7 mm, ± ½ length of glumes, 5-nerved, densely covered throughout by long, silky hairs, oblong, truncate, lateral nerves minutely excurrent, rarely lemma less hairy near apex and scabrid nerves clearly visible; awn 4-5.5-(6) mm, very fine, straight or ± curved, ± middorsal. Palea ⅔-¾ length of lemma, keels c. 0.1 mm apart, apex bifid. Callus hairs dense, 1.5-2 mm, to ⅔ length of lemma. Rachilla prolongation 0.5-0.8 mm, tipped by a dense tuft of hairs 1-2 mm. Lodicules 0.9-1.2 mm, linear. Anthers 0.9-1.3 mm. Caryopsis c. 2 × 0.7-1 mm.
Stiff, bluish green perennial tufts, 10-60 cm, with capillary-branched panicles sometimes overtopped by leaves; branching intravaginal. Leaf-sheath chartaceous, with wide membranous margins, closely striate, smooth but sometimes scaberulous above on nerves, light brown. Ligule (1)-2-4.5 mm, tapered above, entire to erose, abaxially scabrid. Leaf-blade (5)-10-24 cm × 2.5-6-(10) mm, flat, rather harsh, scaberulous on ribs and on margins throughout, ± abruptly narrowed to firm, ± blunt, ± hooded tip. Culm (4)-7-40 cm, erect, or decumbent at base, included within uppermost leaf-sheath, internodes densely finely scabrid. Panicle 6-24 × 10-24 cm, lax, with long, whorled, ascending branches, later spreading and panicle becoming as broad as long; rachis scaberulous, branches scaberulous, spikelets borne singly at tips of ultimate panicle branchlets, on pedicels thickened above. Spikelets (4)-5-6 mm, pale green to purplish. Glumes 1-(3)-nerved, narrow-lanceolate, acuminate, usually smooth, sometimes sparsely scabrid, margins wide, hyaline, midnerve scabrid. Lemma 3-4 mm, ± ⅔ length of glumes, smooth, or often scabrid above especially on nerves, firmly membranous, shining, elliptic-lanceolate, lateral nerves excurrent to short awns 0.5-1 mm; central awn (4.5)-5-9 mm, fine, geniculate, from lower ⅓ of lemma or rarely middorsal. Palea c. ⅔ length of lemma, hyaline with 2 faint keels near centre, keels finely scabrid at minutely bifid apex. Callus hairs ± dense, very short, 0.3-0.7 mm, c. Z\z/ length of lemma. Rachilla prolongation 0.5-1 mm, tipped by a thick tuft of hairs 1-1.5 mm and ≈ palea. Lodicules slightly > 0.5 mm, lanceolate, acute. Anthers (0.5)-0.7-1 mm. Caryopsis 1.3-1.8 × 0.5-0.8 mm.
Rather slender, perennial tufts, 30-80 cm, usually with narrow leaves and very lax panicles with few branches tipped by few spikelets; branching extravaginal. Leaf-sheath submembranous, with few, distinct ribs, very sparsely, finely scabrid throughout or only above. Ligule 1.2-5-(8) mm, truncate and erose in lower leaves, tapering in upper leaves, abaxially scabrid. Leaf-blade 3-25 cm × 0.4-1.5-(2.5) mm, flat, or folded and ± involute, narrow-linear, abaxially almost smooth near base to closely scabrid near acute tip, adaxially ribbed and scabrid on ribs, margins scabrid. Culm 6-50 cm, ± geniculate at base, internodes minutely retrorsely scabrid above. Panicle 4-30 × 3-20-(30) cm, very lax at maturity, often wider than long; primary branches naked, capillary, finely scabrid, becoming horizontal or reflexed, secondary branchlets much shorter, each tipped by a single spikelet. Spikelets 3-8 mm, light green to purplish. Glumes ± equal, elliptic-lanceolate, scabrid above on keel and near hyaline margin, tip acute to sometimes acuminate. Lemma (2.5)-3-3.8 mm, c. ¾ length of glumes, 5-nerved, with scattered short hairs usually near margins on lower ⅔, or rarely glabrous, elliptic-oblong, truncate, denticulate, lateral nerves usually very shortly excurrent, margins and nerves finely scabrid near apex; awn (0.3)-1-5 mm, usually straight, sometimes curved, arising dorsally from just above midpoint of keel to just below lemma apex, rarely awn 0. Palea c. ½ length of lemma or shorter, keels ± distinct, c. 0.2 mm apart, apex shallowly bifid. Callus hairs to 1 mm, to ⅓ length of lemma. Rachilla prolongation 0.1-0.8 mm, with tuft of hairs to 1 mm; rarely 0. Lodicules 0.6-0.9 mm, linear, acute. Anthers (0.6)-0.8-1.2 mm. Caryopsis 1.5-1.8 × 0.5-0.7 mm.
Open, bluish green or light green, annual or short-lived perennial tufts, (12)-20-70 cm, whole plant often withering early and culms not breaking up below panicle; branching intravaginal. Leaf-sheath firmly membranous, distinctly ribbed, glabrous below, very finely scabrid above, light green, later light brown. Ligule (1)-2-5 mm, oblong, rounded or tapered, later lacerate, abaxially with sparse prickle-teeth. Leaf-blade 2.5-8-(18) cm × 1.5-3 mm, usually flat, sometimes involute and 0.5-1 mm diam., glabrous, or ribs scabrid; margins very finely scabrid, tip fine, acute. Culm 10-35 cm, erect to spreading, internodes usually densely, minutely scabrid, occasionally smooth. Panicle 9-30 × (0.5)-2-25 cm, delicate, enclosed at base by the uppermost leaf-sheath, at first contracted, later very lax; branches filiform, numerous, unequal, very finely scabrid, primary branches naked for much of their length, with spikelets in clusters of 2-several, towards tips of the much shorter capillary secondary branchlets. Spikelets 2.5-3.5-(4.2) mm, pale silvery green to purplish. Glumes subequal, acute to acuminate, usually glabrous, membranous, very narrow linear-lanceolate, lower glume usually slightly longer and more acuminate; keel scabrid almost to base. Lemma 1.3-2-(2.3) mm, ½-⅔ length of glumes, 5-nerved, moderately covered with very short hairs, oblong-ovate, glabrous near hyaline, truncate, erose apex, lateral nerves very shortly excurrent; awn 3-6 mm, geniculate, ± middorsal or from c. upper ⅓. Palea ¾-⅘ length of lemma, keels c. 0.1 mm apart, apex subobtuse. Callus ringed by minute hairs 0.3-0.4 mm, to ¼ length of lemma. Rachilla prolongation 0, or to c. 0.3 mm tipped with hairs to c. 0.8 mm. Lodicules 0.5-0.9 mm, linear, acute. Anthers 0.2-0.5 mm. Caryopsis 0.8-1.3 × 0.3-0.5 mm.
Lax, partly sprawling and stoloniferous perennials, 18-35 cm, with sparse, narrow, soft, bright green leaves; branching extravaginal. Leaf-sheath membranous, distinctly ribbed, glabrous. Ligule 3-5 mm, oblong, erose, abaxially finely scabrid. Leaf-blade 4-15 cm × 1.5-2.5 mm, flat, thin, abaxially smooth, adaxially finely scabrid on ribs; margins finely scabrid, tip fine, subacute. Culm 7-25 cm, usually included within uppermost leaf-sheath, internodes finely scabrid below panicle. Panicle 5-20 × 1-6 cm, contracted, later spreading; branches filiform, finely scabrid, bearing few spikelets towards tip on long delicate pedicels. Spikelets 3-3.8 mm, light green. Glumes subequal, ovate-elliptic, rarely with scattered prickle-teeth near scabrid midnerve; margins hyaline, scabrid near acute tip. Lemma 1.8-2.5 mm, ± ⅔ length of glumes, faintly 3-5-nerved, glabrous, apex ± truncate and erose, lateral nerves hardly excurrent; awn 0-1.2 mm, straight, from just below lemma apex. Palea ≈ lemma, nerves very close set, apex hardly bifid. Callus hairs few, c. 0.1 mm or 0. Rachilla prolongation 0.3-0.5 mm, tipped by a few hairs to c. 0.8 mm. Lodicules linear, acute. Anthers 0.5-0.9 mm. Caryopsis not seen.
Pale green, erect tufts, 15-35-(65) cm, with numerous, narrow, involute leaves often overtopping the lax, delicately branched panicles; branching intravaginal. Leaf-sheath membranous with few, distinct ribs, smooth or scabrid above, pale green to very light brown. Ligule 2-4.5 mm, oblong, very slightly tapered above, truncate, denticulate, abaxially ± scabrid, especially near base. Leaf-blade 3.5-10-(15) cm × 1-2 mm, often involute and 0.5-1 mm diam., abaxially sparsely to closely finely scabrid, adaxially ribbed and closely ciliate-scabrid on ribs; margins finely scabrid, tip acute. Culm 3-18 cm, often included within leaf-sheaths, internodes finely scabrid. Panicle (3)-7-16 × 2-12 cm, very lax; rachis finely scabrid, branches capillary, finely scabrid, tipped by few spikelets. Spikelets 4.5-5.5-(6.5) mm, light green. Glumes ± equal, lanceolate, acute to acuminate, green and submembranous, usually sparsely scabrid especially above, midnerve with sparse prickle-teeth except near base, margins hyaline, sparsely scabrid near tip. Lemma 2.5-3 mm, c. ½ length of glumes, 5-nerved, with soft hairs scattered almost throughout except at tip, elliptic, truncate, lateral nerves shortly excurrent; awn 4-6 mm, straight or ± curved, ± middorsal, or from upper ⅓ of lemma. Palea c. ½-⅔ length of lemma, elliptic, nerves not evident, margins with 1-2 minute hairs, apex very shallowly notched. Callus hairs ± dense, especially below lemma margins, fine, to c. 1 mm, ¼-⅓ length of lemma. Rachilla prolongation to 0.5 mm with fine hair tuft to 1 mm; or 0. Lodicules c. 1 mm, narrow-lanceolate, acute. Anthers (0.6)-0.8-1.2 mm. Caryopsis c. 1.5 × 0.5 mm.
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Tufts (3)-5-20-(40) cm, whole plant often withering early and culms not breaking up below panicle. Leaf-sheath subhyaline, smooth, or often minutely scabrid above. Ligule (0.2)-0.5-3 mm, abaxially sparsely scabrid. Leaf-blade 1-8 cm × 1.5-3-(5) mm, flat, or sometimes involute and c. 0.5 mm diam. Culm (1)-4-14 cm. Panicle (2)-3-12 × 0.5-8.5 cm; branches slender, sparsely scabrid. Spikelets (2.5)-3-4-(6) mm. Glumes narrow elliptic-lanceolate, usually equal or the upper slightly shorter, acute to acuminate to shortly mucronate, 1-nerved. Lemma (1.5)-1.8-2.5 mm, oblong-ovate; awn 3-6 mm, geniculate, slightly twisted near base. Palea nerves 0.1-0.2 mm apart. Callus hairs to 0.5 mm. Rachilla prolongation 0.2-1 mm, with hair tuft 0.5-1.5 mm. Lodicules c. 0.7 mm. Anthers (0.3)-0.4-0.7-(1) mm. Caryopsis 1-1.5 × 0.4-0.7 mm.
Rather coarse, stiff tufts, 20-60 cm. Leaf-sheath firmly membranous, glabrous. Ligule 1.5-3 mm, abaxially smooth, rarely sparsely scabrid. Leaf-blade 4-15 cm ×c. 0.5 mm diam., often involute, or flat and up to 2 mm wide. Culm 7-30 cm. Panicle 4-20 × 1-18 cm; branches closely scabrid. Spikelets 3-4 mm. Glumes dissimilar; lower slightly shorter, elliptic-lanceolate, acute, 1-nerved, upper elliptic-ovate, ± acuminate, 3-nerved. Lemma 2.5-3 mm, elliptic-lanceolate; awn 2.5-4 mm, straight or ± curved. Palea keels c. 0.3 mm apart. Callus hairs 0.3-0.4 mm. Rachilla prolongation almost 0, or to 0.9 mm, with hairs to 1.2 mm. Lodicules 0.8-0.9 mm. Anthers (0.5)-0.6-0.7 mm. Caryopsis 1.3-1.6 × 0.4 mm.
Lax, sometimes stoloniferous, perennial tufts, (5)-10-50 cm, with wide, flat, or narrow and folded, light or dull green leaves, and lax panicles often large in proportion to the plant; branching extravaginal; short plants with narrow involute leaves may be more densely tufted. Leaf-sheath submembranous, distinctly ribbed, smooth, or minutely scabrid above, green to creamy brown, sometimes purplish. Ligule 0.6-4 mm, ovate-oblong, ± truncate, denticulate to later ± lacerate, abaxially minutely scabrid. Leaf-blade 2-15 cm × 0.3-3.5-(6) mm, flat or folded, abaxially smooth to finely scabrid on ribs throughout or near tip, adaxially finely scabrid on ribs; margins minutely scabrid, tip subacute. Culm 3-25-(45) cm, erect or geniculate at base, longer culms projecting beyond uppermost sheaths, internodes usually finely scabrid below panicle. Panicle 4-25 × 1-16 cm, very lax or sometimes contracted after flowering, with widely spreading, finally horizontal branches; branches rather few, very finely, ± sparsely scabrid, with 1-2-several spikelets at branchlet-tips. Spikelets 2.3-4.5-(5) mm, pale green to light straw-coloured, greenish brown or purplish. Glumes subequal, ovate-elliptic or narrowly elliptic-lanceolate, acute, midnerve and hyaline margins scabrid near tip or in upper ½. Lemma (1.5)-2-2.5-(2.8) mm, ½-¾ length of glumes, 5-nerved, with numerous to scattered short fine hairs, sometimes almost completely glabrous, or the upper ⅓ ± glabrous, elliptic-oblong, truncate, lateral nerves slightly to obviously excurrent; awn (1.7)-2-6 mm, geniculate, ± middorsal. Palea c. ½ length to ≈ lemma, keels very faint, 0.1-0.2 mm apart, apex truncate, or obtuse, or shallowly notched. Callus hairs moderately dense, to 1 mm, to ⅓ length of lemma. Rachilla prolongation 0, or up to 1 mm, tipped by a few equally long, or longer hairs. Lodicules 0.7-0.9 mm, linear, acute. Anthers (0.3)-0.6-1.2-(1.5) mm. Caryopsis 1.2-2 × 0.4-0.8 mm. Plate 6B.
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Leaf-blade flat, or rather harsh and involute above in plants from Antipodes Id. Culm usually included within uppermost leaf-sheath, internodes finely scabrid. Lemma 1.5-2 mm, with dense short hairs throughout; awn (0.5)-1-3.5 mm, straight, from upper ⅓ of lemma. Palea ≈ lemma, nerves distinct. Callus hairs dense, very short, to 0.5 mm, ⅕-¼ length of lemma. Rachilla prolongation to 0.5 mm, tipped by hairs to c. 1 mm. Anthers 0.5-0.8 mm.
Tufts perennial, usually fine-leaved and low-growing, 5-15-(40) cm; branching extravaginal. Leaf-sheath membranous, sparsely ribbed, smooth, rarely minutely scabrid, green to light brown. Ligule 1-3-(5.5) mm, ± oblong, sometimes slightly tapered, denticulate, abaxially sparsely prickle-toothed. Leaf-blade (1)-2-10 cm × 0.8-2 mm wide, usually folded and appearing narrower, abaxially smooth except near tip, adaxially scabrid on prominent ribs; margins scabrid, tip subobtuse. Culm 1.5-15-(30) cm, erect or ascending, longer culms often projecting beyond uppermost sheaths, internodes minutely, retrorsely scabrid. Panicle 2-10-(20) × 1.5-7-(12) cm, delicate, rather contracted at first, later lax; branches few, filiform, finely scabrid, tipped by 1-few spikelets. Spikelets (2)-2.2-3.5 mm, green to purplish. Glumes subequal, acute, scabrid on midnerve in upper ½ or almost throughout, hyaline margins with a very few prickle-teeth near tip; lower slightly longer, linear-lanceolate, upper elliptic-lanceolate. Lemma 1.2-2-(2.3) mm, ⅔-¾ length of glumes, usually densely covered by stiff, straight hairs, ovate-oblong, truncate, lateral nerves scarcely excurrent; awn 0.2-2-(3) mm, straight, very fine, often purple, from upper ⅓ of lemma. Palea c. ⅔ to ≈ lemma, keels c. 0.1 mm apart, slightly excurrent, apex minutely bifid, sparsely prickle-toothed. Callus ringed with short hairs to c. 0.3 mm, c. ¼ length of lemma. Rachilla c. 0.5 mm, tipped by equally long, or slightly longer hairs. Lodicules c. 0.3 mm, linear, acute. Anthers 0.2-0.5-(0.6) mm. Caryopsis 0.8-1.4 × 0.4-0.6 mm.
Stiff, leafy tufts 18-36 cm, with narrow ± inrolled leaves and lax panicles; branching intravaginal. Leaf-sheath subcoriaceous, ± obviously ribbed, glabrous, light brown. Ligule 1-3.2 mm, truncate, erose, minutely ciliate, abaxially scabrid. Leaf-blade 2-12 cm × 0.3-0.9 mm diam., inrolled, abaxially smooth, sometimes scabrid near tip, adaxially ribbed and short-scabrid on ribs, margins smooth, tip obtuse. Culm 5-20 cm, usually included within uppermost leaf-sheath, internodes densely, finely scabrid below panicle. Panicle (3)-6-12 × 2-8-(12) cm, delicate; branches fine, scabrid, erect to spreading, bearing spikelets at tips. Spikelets 3-5 mm, light green to light brown. Glumes 1-(3)-nerved, elliptic-lanceolate, ± acuminate, strongly keeled, keel finely scabrid in upper ½-⅔. Lemma 3-4.2 mm, ≈ glumes, firmly membranous, glabrous, papillose-scabrid, elliptic-lanceolate, lateral nerves sharply excurrent to c. 1 mm; central awn 3.5-6.5 mm, geniculate, from lower ⅓ of lemma. Palea 2.5-3 mm, c. ⅔ length of lemma, lanceolate, apex bifid, keels scabrid, margins submembranous, scabrid near apex. Callus hairs ± dense, very short, 0.3-0.8 mm, c. ¼ length of lemma. Rachilla prolongation1.5-2.5 mm, with very short hairs throughout except sometimes near tip, rarely completely glabrous. Lodicules 0.7-1 mm, lanceolate, acute. Anthers (0.5)-0.7-0.9 mm. Caryopsis 1.4-1.6 × 0.5-0.7 mm.
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Rather lax, perennial tufts, 9-35 cm; branching extravaginal. Leaf-sheath firmly membranous, inconspicuously ribbed, glabrous, light green to dull brown. Ligule 1-2.5 mm, truncate, erose or denticulate, abaxially sparsely, finely scabrid. Leaf-blade 3-10-(15) cm × 1-2 mm, flat or folded, abaxially smooth, adaxially sparsely, finely scabrid on ribs; margins minutely, sparsely scabrid, tip obtuse. Culm 4-20 cm, often included within uppermost leaf-sheath, internodes finely scabrid below nodes and below panicle. Panicle 3-14 × 1.5-8 cm, rather contracted at first, later lax; rachis finely scabrid, branches filiform, finely scabrid, tipped by rather few spikelets. Spikelets (2.5)-3-3.5-(4) mm, pale green or tinged faint purple. Glumes ± equal, elliptic-lanceolate, midnerve and margins scabrid in upper ¼, occasionally in upper ½ or ⅔. Lemma 2-2.5 mm, c. ¾ length of glumes, with scattered soft hairs, very rarely glabrous, ovate-oblong, truncate, lateral nerves not, or scarcely, excurrent, midnerve produced to a mucro, or sometimes a straight subapical awn, to 2.5 mm. Palea ½-⅔ length of lemma, apex shallowly bifid, keels c. 0.3 mm apart, very faint. Callus hairs conspicuous, to 1 mm, to ½ length of lemma. Rachilla prolongation c. 0.2 mm, tipped by hairs to c. 0.8 mm. Lodicules 0.5-0.8 mm, lanceolate, acute. Anthers 0.7-1.3 mm. Caryopsis 1.2-1.8 × 0.5-0.6 mm.
Softly hairy, erect, tufted annuals, 6-80 cm, with velvety greyish green leaves and erect to nodding, soft, silky, rounded panicles. Leaf-sheath densely pubescent, rounded, firmly membranous, distinctly ribbed; uppermost sheath ± inflated. Ligule 1.4-2.6 mm, membranous, truncate, abaxially densely pubescent. Leaf-blade (2)-4-17 cm × (2)-4-9 mm, flat, soft, densely pubescent, linear-lanceolate, tapered to acuminate tip. Culm slender, erect or ascending, simple or branched near base, internodes minutely pubescent. Panicle 1.5-7.5 × 1.6-4.5 cm, pale silvery green to cream, sometimes purplish, dense, ovoid to cylindric or globose, with numerous, soft, projecting bristles; rachis and very short branches hidden among spikelets, sparsely hairy. Spikelets 7-10 mm, 1-flowered, laterally compressed, subsessile; disarticulation above glumes; rachilla prolonged, hairy. Glumes equalling spikelet, 1-nerved, membranous, narrow-lanceolate, tapering to a fine bristle, covered throughout with long, fine silky hairs. Lemma ≈ glumes, 5-nerved, membranous, rounded, 4-5.6 mm, elliptic, hairy below, much narrowed above and narrowly diverging into 2 apical, fine, straight, minutely scabrid bristles 2-6 mm; awn dorsal, arising from upper ⅓ of lemma, 13-22 mm, somewhat geniculate near base, often purplish. Palea ≈ lemma and much narrower, 2-nerved. Lodicules 2, hyaline. Stamens 3; anthers 1.4-2.7 mm. Ovary glabrous, styles short. Caryopsis 1.6-2.6 × (0.3)-0.5-0.7 mm; embryo small; hilum short; endosperm liquid. Plate 3A.
Rhizomatous, yellow-green erect perennials. Leaf-sheath rounded, retrorsely scabrid between the fine nerves. Ligule c. 1 mm, chartaceous, truncate, or erose. Leaf-blade 9-20 cm × 7-10 mm, flat, finely prickle-toothed on both surfaces and on margins, finely pointed. Culm to 50 cm, internodes glabrous; nodes pubescent. Panicle 10-14 cm, enclosed at base by uppermost leaf-sheaths; branches filiform, flexuous, naked in lower ⅓. Spikelets c. 5 mm, elliptic-oblong, very pale green to later dark brown, shortly pedicelled, falling entire at maturity. Glumes reduced to a minute cupule at tip of pedicel. Lemma c. 5 mm, cymbiform, nerves 5, confluent at apex, firmly membranous, stiffly toothed on strong keel and scattered elsewhere, abruptly narrowed above to a short, blunt tip. Palea ≈ lemma, texture similar, hyaline, 3-nerved, keel stiffly long toothed. Stamens 3, sometimes 2; anthers c. 1.5 mm, 0.5 mm in cleistogamous flowers. Gynoecium: ovary glabrous; stigmas plumose, laterally inserted. Caryopsis c. 3 × 1.2 mm, laterally compressed, whitish to dark brown; embryo small; hilum linear, ≈ caryopsis.
Perennials or annuals, rhizomatous, stoloniferous or tufted. Ligule membranous, entire or lacerate, usually glabrous. Leaf-blade flat, scabrid. Culm erect, or decumbent and straggling, terete or compressed. Panicle open or contracted, enclosed by leaf-sheaths or exserted, terminal or axillary. Spikelets 1-flowered, ☿, strongly laterally compressed; lower lemmas suppressed, rachilla modified to a short callus-like segment at base of deciduous floret; disarticulation above rudimentary glumes. Lemma chartaceous to coriaceous, keeled, 5-nerved with the outer lateral nerves ± at margins, usually awnless, keel and margins stiffly toothed. Palea similar in texture to lemma, much narrower, margins tightly enclosed by lemma margins. Stamens 6, or 3, 2, or 1.
Perennials. Ligule membranous, ciliate. Inflorescence a cylindrical bilateral raceme with spikelets arranged alternately on opposite sides of a thickened fragile rachis, edgeways on and embedded in hollows of the rachis. Spikelets 1-flowered, dorsally compressed, falling at maturity with portion of rachis; rachilla prolonged. Lower glume minute or 0, except in uppermost spikelet; upper glume exceeding the rachis cavity and concealing the floret, appressed to rachis, coriaceous, 5-12-nerved, acute to caudately awned. Lemma 3-nerved, membranous, rounded, obtuse to acute. Palea ≤ lemma, 2-keeled. Caryopsis ellipsoid. Fig. 20.
Green- or blue-grey perennials, in thick tufts 60-140 cm, with long, strong rhizomes. Leaf-sheath glabrous, firmly chartaceous, shredding into fibres at maturity, cream to light brown, with chartaceous auricles to 3 mm. Ligule 0.6-1 mm, rim-like, obviously ciliate. Leaf-blade 12-75 cm × 6-12 mm, flat or involute, rigid, abaxially smooth, adaxially finely scabrid on ribs, long-narrowed to pungent tip. Culm 45-110 cm, erect or spreading, internodes glabrous. Spike 14-30 × 1.5-2 cm, stiff, erect, with paired spikelets appressed to rachis; rachis angled, margin finely hairy or glabrous. Spikelets 16-25 mm, 3-6-flowered, yellowish green. Glumes equal, ≈ spikelet, 3-5-nerved, narrow-lanceolate, rigid, abaxially with scattered fine hairs, especially on keel and towards margins near acuminate or mucronate tip, adaxially finely hairy. Lemma 13-20 mm in lower florets, upper lemmas shorter, 7-nerved, lanceolate, acuminate to mucronate, firm, abundantly silky-pubescent throughout. Palea ≈ lemma, folded, keels finely toothed, interkeel minutely silky-pubescent near apex, membranous margins of flanks contiguous, conspicuously short hairy; adaxially hairy, shortly ciliate at notched apex. Callus 0.5 mm, bearded with long hairs. Rachilla 3.5-4 mm, abundantly silky-pubescent. Lodicules 2.5-2.75 mm, ciliate. Anthers 6-7.2 mm. Gynoecium: ovary 1.5-2 mm, orange-brown, hair covered; stigma-styles 2.8-3.5 mm. Caryopsis 7-9 × 2-2.5 mm.
Rhizomatous perennials. Leaf-blade stiff, usually glaucous, with ± pungent tip. Inflorescence a linear spike with spikelets in groups of (1)-2-4-(7), at nodes of the tough rachis. Spikelets (1)-2-5-(7)-flowered; disarticulation between florets. Glumes 1-5-nerved, usually > ½ length of lemma, linear, subulate, or narrow-lanceolate, rounded or keeled, acute to shortly awned. Lemma 3-7-nerved, clothed in hairs, rounded or keeled near tip, acute to shortly awned. Palea folded, flank margins contiguous, hairy. Lodicules ciliate, simple. Ovary with conspicuous hairy corona. Caryopsis oblanceolate to oblong, ± grooved; embryo ⅕-¼ caryopsis.
Very robust, yellow-green or glaucous tufts, 75-150-(200) cm, with stout rhizomes, often forming large patches. Leaf-sheath glabrous or very sparsely very fine hairy, firmly chartaceous, yellowish, adaxially shining, shredding into fibres at maturity, with chartaceous glabrous auricles 1.5-3 mm. Ligule 1-2-(3.5) mm, rim-like, minutely ciliate. Leaf-blade 10-65 cm × 4.5-16 mm, flat, to involute above, abaxially sometimes with very short fine hairs above collar, otherwise glabrous, adaxially strongly ribbed and finely pubescent-scabrid there, narrowed to smooth, hard, pungent tip. Culm 50-110-(160) cm, stout, erect, internodes glabrous except below nodes. Spike 25-40-(50) × (1.5)-2-3.5 cm, stiff, erect, tapered above, spikelets in clusters of 3s to 5s at nodes, or occasionally some paired, well-spaced near base and imbricate above; rachis angled with fine hairs on angles. Spikelets 15-25 mm, 4-6-flowered, straw-coloured, included by glumes. Glumes equal, very narrow-lanceolate, 1-3-nerved, smooth, coriaceous, the long-acuminate tip produced into fine shining awn, becoming ± patent, asymmetric at base, margins sometimes sparsely scabrid, adaxially finely hairy especially centrally. Lemma 10-15.5 mm, 5-7-nerved, elliptic, abaxially silky-pubescent below, glabrous near acute apex, adaxially with appressed very short silky hairs. Palea ≈ lemma, interkeel glabrous, shortly ciliate at notched apex. Callus 0.5 mm, bearded with long hairs. Rachilla 3-4 mm, hairy. Lodicules 2 mm, very long ciliate. Anthers 4.5-6.5 mm, sometimes pollen-sterile. Gynoecium golden: ovary 2 mm, hair covered; stigma-styles 2.5 mm. Caryopsis c. 6.5 × 2 mm.
Annuals, or perennials, of variable habit. Leaf-sheath auriculate, or auricles 0. Ligule membranous, short, truncate or obtuse. Leaf-blade flat or ± folded, rolled or folded in young shoots. Culm ± decumbent to erect. Inflorescence a simple, stiff, terminal spike with mainly solitary spikelets alternating in two opposite rows and placed edgeways on and ± sunk in rachis. Spikelets 2-22-flowered, ± sessile, ± laterally compressed; disarticulation above glumes and between florets. Glumes both present and ± equal in terminal spikelet; lower absent in lateral spikelets, upper 3-7-nerved, coriaceous. Lemma 5-9-nerved, rounded, membranous to coriaceous; awn subterminal or 0. Palea ≈ lemma and similar in texture, 2-keeled, keels ciliolate. Callus glabrous. Lodicules 2, ± membranous, glabrous, ± lanceolate, entire. Stamens 3. Ovary glabrous; styles free. Caryopsis dorsiventrally compressed, longitudinally furrowed; embryo small; hilum linear, > ½ length of caryopsis.
Annual to biennial, slender to rather stout tufts, (20)-40-100-(130) cm; branching intravaginal, leaf-blade rolled when young. Leaf-sheath glabrous, pink at base to light brown above, not becoming very fibrous; upper sheaths sometimes scabrid. Auricles usually present, to 1.6 mm. Ligule (0.6)-1-2.5 mm, truncate, glabrous. Leaf-blade (5.5)-8-30 cm × (0.7)-2.5-9-(11) mm, abaxially glabrous and shining, adaxially smooth or usually scaberulous; margins scaberulous, tapered to scabrid acute tip. Culm 10-60 cm, erect, or spreading or decumbent, often branched below, internodes smooth. Spikes (9.5)-15-35-(45) cm, erect or curved; rachis c. 1 mm wide, usually ± scabrid. Spikelets 14-25 mm, (4)-9-14-flowered, green or purplish, overlapping, or more than their own length apart. Upper glume usually « spikelet, 5-7-nerved, narrow-lanceolate or narrow-oblong, obtuse or acute, glabrous. Lemma 6-8 mm, 5-nerved, oblong or oblong-lanceolate, smooth or minutely scaberulous especially on hyaline margins, not turgid at maturity, apex obtuse or shortly bifid; awn (2)-4-10 mm, fine, straight, subapical. Palea ≈ lemma, keels scaberulous. Anthers 3-4.5 mm. Caryopsis 2-4 × 0.5-1.5 mm.
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Stiff annuals, (7.5)-10-25-(45) cm, with shoots curving upwards, reddish brown, especially near base; branching extravaginal. Leaf-sheath glabrous, reddish purple. Auricles very short, c. 0.5-(1) mm, or 0. Ligule 0.4-1.2 mm, membranous, truncate. Leaf-blade (2)-6-18 cm × 1.5-4 mm, abaxially glabrous, adaxially scabrid on ribs; margins smooth, tip acute, scabrid. Culm (3)-6-30 cm, ensheathed by upper leaves, internodes glabrous. Spike (2.5)-5-20 cm, often curved; rachis 1-1.5-(2) mm wide, smooth, margins finely scabrid. Spikelets 5-10.5 mm, 2-5-flowered, less than their own length apart, usually ± concealed by glumes in concavities of rachis. Upper glume ≥ spikelet, 5-7-(9)-nerved, very stiff, lanceolate or narrowly oblong, obtuse or acute, glabrous; acutely angled to rachis at maturity. Lemma 3.5-6 mm, faintly 5-nerved, oblong or lanceolate-oblong, obtuse, smooth or finely scaberulous, not turgid at maturity, usually muticous; awn sometimes present, subterminal, short, fine, to 3 mm. Palea = lemma, keels scabrid. Anthers c. 1-1.5 mm. Caryopsis 2-3.5 × 0.7-1.3 mm.
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Caespitose wide-leaved perennial from short rhizome with long culms and large inflorescences. Branching extravaginal, occasionally with stolons rooting at nodes; cataphylls broad and shining. Leaf-sheath smooth or sometimes scabrid; keel stout, often prickled towards apex. Ligule to 0.5 mm, membranous, crenate or shallowly toothed, broadly triangular, ciliolate. Auricle 1, ± 5 mm, margin hairs 2-4 mm. Leaf-blade to 50 cm × 6-12 mm wide, bright green, keel strong, sometimes scabrid below; sharp, fine, close-set, dense antrorse prickles on margins above becoming smooth below except for auricle hairs extending for c. 1 cm; abaxially rough occasionally scabrid, occasional prickle-teeth near ligule. Culm to 1.25 m; internodes laterally compressed and conspicuously, longitudinally grooved, smooth to finely prickle-toothed. Panicle 25-65 cm, nodes widely spaced, branches filiform, > internodes; nodes with short branches of close-set spikelets and long flexuous branches to 20 cm, naked below; rachis longitudinally grooved, finely scabrid to ± smooth, branches and pedicels finely prickle-toothed. Spikelets 18-30 mm, solitary, on short or long pedicels. Glumes unequal, 1-nerved occasionally 3-nerved, margins ciliate, entire or 2 or 3-toothed especially upper; lower to 1 mm, = callus hairs, upper 1-2.5 mm > callus hairs. Lower Ø lemma 9-15-25 mm, 5-nerved, prickle-toothed especially on keel, adaxially hairy above, awn > ½ lemma length; callus hairs to 1 mm; upper Ø lemma 12-23-27 mm, 3-nerved, scabrid above, awn > ½ lemma length; callus hairs 1-2 mm. ☿ lemma 5-7-12 mm, 3-nerved, awnless and ciliate or occasionally shortly (0.5-2 mm) awned from bifid apex; callus hairs few and short. Palea 3-4-5 mm, membranous, acute, upper margins and apex ciliate. Lodicules 2, 0.6-1.2 mm, > ovary, lobed occasionally flabellate, truncate and finely erose, occasionally lobes long hairy, persistent or falling with caryopsis. Stamens (1)-2, anthers (1)-2-3-(4) mm. Gynoecium: ovary 1 mm; stigma-styles 1-1.5-2.5 mm, styles naked below. Caryopsis 2-3.5-5 mm, often falling free; embryo 0.5-0.7 mm. 2n= 48. Fig. 2. Plate 6C.
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Tall robust clumps. Leaf-sheath stiff, ± keeled, often conspicuously purple, with scattered long silky hairs, more densely hairy below collar. Ligule 2-3.5 mm, membranous, obtuse, short-ciliate. Leaf-blade 20-60 cm × 4-10 mm, stiff, flat or folded, gradually tapering, midrib pale green, conspicuous below, abaxially with scattered fine hairs, adaxially glabrous; margins closely, finely scabrid, tip very finely acute. Culm 40-80 cm, stiff, purple-green to yellow-green, nodes purplish, internodes with long fine silky hairs below panicle. Panicle 10-20 cm, golden brown, ± fan-shaped; rachis long silky hairy. Racemes 3.5-10.5 cm, numerous, silky, » panicle rachis. Spikelets numerous; florets ¼-⅓ length of soft, brownish cream, spreading involucral hairs; pedicels purplish, short pedicels = spikelets, long pedicels » spikelets, ± 3-angled. Glumes 1.6-2.8 mm, ± equal, oblong-lanceolate, acute, brownish, finely mucronate or entire, minutely scabrid above on nerves and often purple towards hyaline tip; lower 3-(5)-nerved, margins ciliate, upper 1-(3)-nerved. Lower floret Ø: lemma 1.6-2.6 mm, lanceolate, acute, sparsely, finely prickle-toothed at centre. Upper floret ☿: lemma 1.6-2.2 mm; awn 8.5-11 mm; palea 1-1.5 mm, apex sometimes irregularly bifid; lodicules 0; anthers 1-1.4 mm; gynoecium: ovary 0.5-0.7 mm, stigma-styles 2.6-3 mm; caryopsis 1-1.5 mm. Fig. 24.
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Perennial. Floret fusiform, laterally compressed. Lemma heavily silicified, with tightly overlapping margins, apex thickened, coronate or comate; awn persistent or caducous, centric or eccentric. Palea « lemma, nerveless, glabrous. Callus obtuse to bluntly acute. Lodicules 2. Stamens 1-3. Caryopsis conforming to shape of, and as long as lemma; embryo small; hilum linear.
Erect bright green perennial tussock with very narrow rolled leaves in slender shoots white at base, below a long narrow panicle with long fine intertwining awns; branching intravaginal and at nodes. Leaf-sheath to 10 cm, scabrid as leaf-blades, margins ciliate. Prophyll to 10 cm, hairy. Ligule 2.5 mm, becoming acute, minutely prickle-toothed. Leaf-blade to 60 cm × 0.3 mm diam., terete, abaxially beset with small antrorse prickles, adaxially and on margins very finely short hairy. Culm to 1 m, internodes hairy especially below nodes, antrorsely prickle-toothed elsewhere; nodes ± geniculate. Panicle to 30 cm, contracted, much branched; rachis, branches and pedicels finely stiff hairy often densely so. Glumes unequal, violet below, hyaline above, keels sparsely finely toothed, produced to awn-like processes to 5 mm; lower to 8 mm, upper to 6 mm. Lemma 2 mm, cylindrical, slightly compressed, finely tuberculate, median nerve with long hairs, lobes minute; corona 0.4 mm, spines to 0.2 mm; awn to 50 mm, very fine (0.1 mm), weakly 2-geniculate, column lacking. Palea 0.75-1 mm, membranous, glabrous. Callus 0.2 mm, hairs to 1 mm. Lodicules 2, 0.4 mm. Anthers to 2.5 mm in chasmogamous flowers, 1 fertile anther to 0.5 mm and 2 rudimentary anthers to 0.2 mm in cleistogamous flowers. Gynoecium: ovary 0.6 mm; stigma-styles to 1.25 mm.
Caespitose perennial with shoots swollen and white at base, and open ± purple panicle, branching intravaginal. Leaf-sheath to 5 cm, scabrid near ligule and on upper margins, becoming glabrous below. Ligule to 1.5 mm, decurrent, symmetrical or asymmetrical, rounded or apiculate, short-hairy or scabrid. Leaf-blade to 35 cm × 0.5 mm diam., inrolled appearing terete, very stiff, acicular, abaxially markedly antrorsely scabrid, adaxially clothed in short dense hairs; margins smooth. Culm to 70 cm, glabrous except for hairs above and below nodes. Panicle to 25 cm, open, much-branched, drooping, at maturity readily detaching with culm and blowing freely; rachis, branches and pedicels scabrid. Glumes ± equal, 5-8 mm, deeply purple-suffused, 3-nerved, produced into awn c. 2 mm, nerves and margins stiff hairy. Lemma to 2.5 mm, 5-nerved, gibbous, tubercular-scabrid except on margin, lobes short, apiculate; coma present; awn tardily caducous to 35 mm, weakly 1-geniculate, short stiff hairy, column loosely twisted, to 15 mm, arista to 20 mm. Palea c. 1 mm, completely enclosed by lemma, glabrous, hyaline, weakly bifid at apex. Callus to 0.3 mm, blunt, hairs to 1.5 mm. Lodicules 2, to 1 mm in chasmogamous flowers, to 0.6 mm in cleistogamous flowers. Anthers penicillate, in chasmogamous flowers to 2 mm; in cleistogamous flowers 1 fertile anther to 0.7 mm, and 2 aborted anthers to 0.3 mm. Plate 3D.
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Leaf-blade (1.5)-4-10 cm × (2)-4-12 mm, ovate-lanceolate. Panicle (6)-8-17 cm; rachis of racemelets and of spikelet-clusters 5-15-(30) mm. Spikelets 4-12 in lower racemelets and clusters, paired or solitary near apex of rachis. Awn of upper glume 1-1.5-(2) mm.
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Small perennial tufts, basal leaves « culm leaves, in winter only a basal tuft, in spring sending out simple leafy culms each topped by a delicate panicle, later stems branching freely above, with small panicles at first hidden among leaves. Leaf-sheath greenish or often purplish, stiffly membranous, rounded; margins with many long soft hairs. Ligule ciliate, hairs soft, 3-4.5 mm, extending as a contra-ligule. Leaf-blade of basal leaves 1-2.5 cm × 4-6 mm, ovate-lanceolate, acute, of cauline leaves 4-8.5 cm × 4-8 mm, linear-lanceolate, subacuminate, all leaves firm, erect or ascending, flat, strongly ribbed without obvious midrib, abaxially short-pubescent, adaxially sparsely finely pilose to almost glabrous, but usually hairy near base; margins minutely scabrid. Culm 30-45 cm, very slender near panicle, ± erect, nodes pubescent, internodes striate with scattered long fine hairs. Panicle lax, pyramidal to ovoid, 2.5-8 × 2-5 cm; rachis with scattered fine hairs, branches and branchlets few, slender, glabrous, bearing few spikelets on rather long pedicels. Spikelets 1.5-1.8 mm, pubescent, obtuse, green to purplish. Glumes very unequal; lower 0.5-1 mm, ovate, obtuse or almost truncate, nerves 0, upper = spikelet, 7-nerved, ovate, obtuse, with short scattered hairs. Lower floret Ø: lemma similar to upper glume, 7-nerved; palea 0. Upper floret ☿: lemma 1.2-1.4 mm, elliptic, subacute, faintly striolate, glabrous, shining, light cream; palea narrower; anthers 0.2-0.9 mm; caryopsis c. 1 × 1 mm.
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Tufts leafy, annual, stout, ± erect, or decumbent at base and rooting at lower nodes, to 80 cm. Leaf-sheath light green or straw-coloured, submembranous, rounded, with numerous, long, fine, conspicuously tubercle-based hairs. Ligule 2-4 mm, membranous, truncate, ciliate. Leaf-blade 10-45 cm × 6-20 mm, thin, ± curved at base, almost glabrous to loosely hairy with long fine tubercle-based hairs, midrib prominent; margins very finely scabrid, often somewhat undulating, narrowed to filiform, scabrid tip. Culm 10-40 cm, nodes usually closely pubescent, internodes glabrous or sometimes softly hairy below lower nodes. Panicle (10)-20-45 cm, contracted and rather dense, or open, nodding, often not fully emergent from upper sheath; rachis and primary branches smooth, branchlets and filiform pedicels finely scabrid on angles. Spikelets 4-5 mm, numerous, glabrous, green to greenish brown, ovate-lanceolate, turgid, apiculate-acuminate. Glumes prominently nerved; lower 3-3.4 mm, ½ to ¾ length of spikelet, ovate, acute, 5-nerved, upper = spikelet, 11-nerved, ovate-lanceolate, tip finely scabrid, mucronate. Lower floret Ø: lemma ≈ spikelet, (11)-13-nerved; palea « lemma, ovate, truncate or emarginate, hyaline, with 2 faint, winged keels. Upper floret ☿, falling readily at maturity: lemma 2.8-3.4 mm, elliptic, subacute to obtuse, crustaceous, obscurely nerved, very turgid and convex, variously coloured white, yellow, red, brown or black, glabrous, shining; palea narrower; anthers 1.6-2.2 mm; caryopsis 2-2.5 × 1.5-2 mm.
Strong, erect, glabrous, light or dull green to purplish annuals, to 120 cm, in diffuse tufts with stems much branched near base. Leaf-sheath submembranous, rounded, somewhat keeled above, glabrous. Ligule a membranous rim c. 0.5 mm, tipped by a ciliate fringe usually c. 1 mm. Leaf-blade 8-20 cm × 4-8 mm, long-tapering, glabrous, firm, midrib prominent; margins sometimes undulate below, tip acuminate. Culm (20)-35-80-(100) cm, terete or compressed, nodes brownish, internodes glabrous. Panicle 15-35 cm, very lax, branches later widely spreading; rachis and branches smooth, branchlets and pedicels finer, minutely scabrid on angles. Spikelets 2.2-2.7 mm, glabrous, ovate-elliptic, obtuse, rather dull. Glumes very unequal; lower 0.6-1 mm, clasping spikelet base, truncate, sometimes with a central subacute tip, upper = spikelet, (7)-9-11-nerved, elliptic, subacute. Lower floret ♂: lemma 9-nerved; palea narrower, narrowly winged above, 2-keeled, keels glabrous; anthers 1-1.8 mm. Upper floret ☿: lemma 1.8-2 mm, elliptic, subacute, faintly striolate, glabrous, shining, light cream; palea narrower; anthers 1.2-1.6 mm; caryopsis c. 1.5-2 × 1 mm.
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Short, caespitose annuals or biennials. Leaf-sheath open. Ligule membranous. Leaf-blade flat to rolled, narrow. Culm glabrous. Inflorescence a single, simple spike, breaking up at maturity by disarticulation of rachis below each spikelet. Spikelets 1-flowered, sessile, solitary and alternating on opposite sides of rachis, broadside to rachis and ± sunk in cavities within it, falling away with rachis internodes at maturity. Glumes 2, adjacent, strongly nerved, coriaceous, ≥ lemma, tip acute. Lemma 3-5-nerved, membranous, at right angles to rachis. Palea ≤ lemma, hyaline, keels 2, rather indistinct. Lodicules 2, glabrous. Stamens 3. Ovary glabrous; styles free to base. Caryopsis longitudinally grooved; embryo small; hilum punctiform or shortly elliptic. Fig. 7.
Small annual tufts to c. 35 cm. Leaf-sheath submembranous, glabrous, purplish, rounded, ribs ± inconspicuous. Ligule 0.3-1 mm, truncate, erose, projecting slightly upwards at either margin. Leaf-blade (1)-2.5-7.5 cm, flat, or incurved, c. 0.5 mm wide when dry, abaxially glabrous, adaxially with fine, hair-like prickle-teeth on ribs; margins and acute tip scabrid. Culm (1)-5-25 cm, loosely to densely tufted, sometimes solitary, usually much-branched below, prostrate, curved and ascending, or erect, few- to many-noded, internodes glabrous. Spikes (3)-7-10-(12) cm, curved or rarely straight, cylindric, rigid, green or purplish, rachis internodes ≤ spikelets, hollowed on one side, disarticulating horizontally below each spikelet at maturity. Spikelets 5-6.5 mm, embedded in cavities in rachis, solitary and alternating on opposite sides of rachis. Glumes ± equal and equalling spikelets, inserted side by side on rachis and appressed to it obscuring cavity, 4-5-nerved, rigid, much thickened, narrowly oblong-subulate, acute, hyaline margins minutely hairy. Lemma 3.5-4.5 mm, lanceolate, membranous, finely 3-nerved, lateral nerves short and very indistinct. Palea ≈ lemma. Lodicules c. 1 mm. Anthers 0.6-0.9 mm. Caryopsis 2.5-3 × 0.6-0.8 mm, enclosed between hardened glumes and segment of rachis. Fig. 7. Plate 4C.
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Strongly stoloniferous perennials with erect or sprawling shoots; stolons often with purple internodes. Leaf-sheath rather stiff, keeled, glabrous. Ligule 0.5-1.5 mm, slightly erose, truncate, narrowed centrally to a point. Collar hairs few, long. Leaf-blade 10-20 cm × 6-9 mm, linear-lanceolate, flat, soft, glabrous apart from long hairs near base, narrowed to acute or acuminate tip. Culm 20-45 cm, erect or ascending, slender, wiry, internodes compressed, glabrous. Panicle of 2-(3) widely divaricating slender racemes ± digitate at culm apex. Racemes 6-10 cm, rachis very narrowly-winged, 3-angled, sparsely scabrid, 0.6-0.8 mm wide, densely pubescent at base, bearing 2 rows of single shortly pedicelled spikelets; pedicels smooth. Spikelets c. 1.5 mm, imbricate, broad-elliptic to almost orbicular, acute, yellowish green. Lower glume 0, upper = spikelet, thin and closely appressed to upper floret, 2- or 3-nerved with median nerve often suppressed, glabrous apart from long fine hairs on lateral nerves. Lower floret: lemma = spikelet, similar in texture to upper glume; palea 0. Upper floret: lemma 1.2-1.4 mm, slightly indurated, 3-nerved; palea slightly narrower than lemma, membranous margins only slightly widened at base; anthers c. 0.5 mm, yellow; caryopsis not seen.
Tufted perennials, sometimes forming dense stands, from short, strong rhizomes to c. 1 cm diam. Leaf-sheath rather stiff, lowermost densely long-hairy, others glabrous. Ligule (2)-3-5 mm, entire, rounded. Leaf-blade (6.5)-12.5-18.5-(25) cm × 5.5-8 mm, rather stiff, flat, glabrous apart from a few long hairs on margins and adaxially near ligule, midrib conspicuous; margins scabrid, narrowed above to acuminate tip. Culm 25-55-(180) cm, ± flattened, to 2.5 mm diam., erect or geniculate-ascending and drooping above, nodes glabrous or the lowermost sparsely pubescent, internodes glabrous. Panicle usually nodding, 8-15 cm, with (2)-3-6 often spreading or drooping, rather distant racemes; rachis slender, flattened. Racemes 4.5-6.5-(11) cm; rachis c. 1 mm wide, narrowly winged, scabrid-margined with numerous white hairs at base, bearing 2 rows of paired, shortly pedicelled spikelets; pedicels scabrid. Spikelets c. 3-3.5 mm, closely imbricate, broadly elliptic-ovate, ciliate, acute, green or purplish. Lower glume 0, upper = spikelet, 5-9-nerved, sparsely hairy, margins ciliate, hairs long, silky. Lower floret: lemma ≈ spikelet, 5-9-nerved, glabrous, or margins sometimes sparsely hairy; palea 0. Upper floret: lemma 2.2-2.5 mm, very broadly elliptic to orbicular, crustaceous, faintly 5-nerved, minutely papillose and longitudinally striate, light cream; palea ≈ lemma, incurved, membranous margins widened at base, forming wings enclosing flower; anthers 0.9-1.3 mm, dark purple; stigmas deep reddish purple; caryopsis c. 1.5 mm.
Perennials, with numerous long-creeping branching stolons to 3 mm diam., rooting at nodes. Leaf-sheath submembranous, glabrous. Ligule 1-1.6 mm, erose, truncate. Collar hairs few, long, tubercle-based. Leaf-blade 2.5-9 cm × 2-8 mm, rather soft, flat, linear-lanceolate, curved at base, abaxially glabrous with obvious midrib, adaxially with scattered, long, fine tubercle-based hairs; margins scabrid, gradually narrowed to acuminate scabrid tip. Culm 7-35-(45) cm, erect or geniculate-ascending, compressed, nodes long-hairy, internodes glabrous. Panicle of (1)-2-(3) erect to spreading racemes, ± digitate at culm apex. Racemes 2-5 cm, sometimes one or both shortly pedunculate; axils with a few long white hairs; rachis 1-2 mm wide, concave, narrowly winged with scabrid margins, bearing 2 rows of single or paired, subsessile or shortly pedicelled spikelets; pedicels scabrid; paired spikelets usually near centre of rachis. Spikelets c. 2.5-3.5 mm, imbricate, elliptic, acute, light green. Lower glume a minute scale rarely to 1 mm, or 0, upper = spikelet, 5-nerved, minutely appressed-puberulent. Lower floret: lemma ≈ upper glume and slightly less membranous, 3-5-nerved, glabrous; palea rarely present, narrow, short, hyaline, 2-keeled. Upper floret: lemma 2-3 mm, faintly 5-nerved, cartilaginous-indurate, finely punctulate-striolate, broad-elliptic, acute, light cream, apex often with tuft of short hairs; palea ≈ lemma, hyaline margins only slightly widened near centre; anthers 1-1.7 mm, dark purple; stigmas dark purple; caryopsis 1.5-2 mm.
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Tufted perennials, with rather stiff, loosely sheathing, erect leaves. Leaf-sheath subcoriaceous, striate, keeled, brown to purplish brown, mainly glabrous, but lowermost sheaths with fine silky hairs, especially near base; sheath apex extended upwards at each margin and fused with ligule. Ligule 1-2 mm, truncate, entire. Leaf-blade 10-20-(30) cm × 3.5-5 mm, often narrower than summit of sheath, flat, rather rigid, midrib obvious, abaxially glabrous, adaxially thickly short-pilose near ligule, with a few very long hairs near margin below; margins finely scabrid, tapered to fine but firm tip. Culm (20)-35-70 cm, usually erect, sometimes semi-prostrate, slightly compressed, internodes glabrous, striate. Panicle erect, 6-12 cm, of 3-8 erect to somewhat spreading ± distant racemes; rachis slender, compressed to angular, finely scabrid on angles above. Racemes (2)-3-4 cm; rachis narrowly winged, with very scabrid margins, 1.2-1.7 mm wide, with short white hairs at base, bearing 2 rows of single or paired, shortly pedicelled or almost sessile spikelets; pedicels sparsely scabrid; paired spikelets usually near centre of raceme. Spikelets 2-2.5 mm, imbricate, ovoid-elliptic to ovoid-orbicular, glabrous, obtuse, light brown. Lower glume 0, upper = spikelet, closely appressed to fertile floret, 3-(5)-nerved, glabrous. Lower floret: lemma = spikelet, 3-(5)-nerved, glabrous; palea 0. Upper floret: lemma c. 2 mm, elliptic-orbicular, cartilaginous-indurate, shining, brown, finely punctulate-striolate; palea ≤ and narrower than lemma, membranous margins widened at base, forming wings enclosing flower; anthers c. 1 mm, yellow to brownish; stigmas dark purple; caryopsis slightly > 1 mm.
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Coarse grey-green tussocks of medium size, with narrow wiry leaves; branching intravaginal. Leaf-sheath hard, strongly keeled, glabrous, shining, brownish or often pinkish, margins membranous. Ligule 0.3-0.6 mm, a densely, shortly ciliate rim. Leaf-blade 15-30 cm × 1-1.5 mm diam., folded or involute, sometimes flat, linear, long-tapering, abaxially glabrous, adaxially often shallowly ribbed, ribs minutely scabrid, occasionally with a few soft hairs near ligule; margins minutely scabrid, tip acuminate. Culm 20-40 cm, erect, rounded or ± compressed, internodes loosely covered by fine, long, soft hairs near panicle. Panicle 7-12 cm, spike-like, cylindric, purplish; rachis and ± appressed branches and pedicels soft-hairy. Spikelets 5.5-6.5 mm, shortly pedicelled, densely clustered on rachis, narrow-lanceolate, acute, light creamy brown, minutely scabrid, greenish below, deep purple-brown towards apex, usually solitary within a much longer involucre of numerous, fine, erect, short-scabrid unequal bristles (15-25 mm), united at base; rarely 2 spikelets within involucre. Glumes « spikelet, unequal, submembranous; lower 0.5-1 mm, varying from nerveless, ± cuneate or rimlike, to longer-lanceolate, 1-nerved, upper 2-3 mm, c. ⅓ length of spikelet, faintly 5-(7)-nerved. Lower floret Ø: lemma 5-6 mm, ≈ spikelet, submembranous, 7-nerved, almost enclosing lemma of upper floret; palea 0. Upper floret ☿: lemma 5.5-6.5 mm, somewhat chartaceous, 5-7-nerved, ± enclosing palea; palea similar to lemma but slightly shorter, slightly rounded, nerves 2, glabrous; lodicules 0.2-0.5 mm; anthers 2.7-3.5 mm; styles connate below feathery stigmas, or sometimes partly or wholly free; caryopsis c. 2-2.5 × 1 mm, dark brownish.
Decumbent to semiscandent perennials, with creeping, cataphyll-covered rhizomes and long stolons 2.5-5.5 mm diam., rooting at nodes; when grazed or mown forming a close, compact, light green turf; plants with ☿ florets, or monoecious, or dioecious. Leaf-sheath light brown or almost white, ± membranous, usually with scattered, fine, tubercle-based hairs, rarely glabrous. Ligule 1-2 mm, a densely ciliate rim. Leaf-blade (1.5)-3-8-(25) cm × 1.5-2.5-(9) mm, at first tightly folded, later flattened, linear, gradually tapering, soft, glabrous, or with a few, fine, tubercle-based hairs, sparingly scabrid on margins and midrib near narrow subobtuse tip. Culm internodes shining, glabrous, extending as long, rooting, flattened stolons, with short to long ascending branches often closely clustered into tufts. Inflorescences borne on the short branches, usually consisting of clusters of (1)-2-4 spikelets partly or almost entirely hidden in the leaf-sheaths, very rarely a short, reduced, spike-like panicle exserted beyond uppermost leaf-sheath. Spikelets 1.5-2 mm, subsessile, or usually the terminal and sometimes the lateral spikelets pedicelled and subtended by (3)-5-15 ciliate, whitish, unequal (1.5-12 mm), finely scabrid bristles. Glumes unequal; lower 0, or sometimes a minute, nerveless scale, upper often 0, occasionally a short (3 mm), transparent, 3-nerved scale. Lower floret Ø: lemma = spikelet, 9-13-nerved, papery; palea 0. Upper floret ☿, ♂ or ♀: lemma ≈ spikelet, 9-11-nerved, papery; palea of same texture as lemma, rounded, with 2-4 smooth nerves; lodicules 0; anthers of ☿ and ♂ florets: 4-5 mm, with filaments much extended at anthesis, to c. 3 cm, and exserted from leaf-sheath giving patches of the plant a silvery appearance, of ♀ florets: 3-4 mm, on short filaments retained within spikelets; style and stigmas long-exserted from floret, 1.5-3.5 mm, stigmas connate, finely plumose, often bifid at tip; caryopsis c. 2 × 15 mm, oblong, slightly laterally compressed, brown. Plate 4B.
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Large, coarse, erect, perennial clumps with densely crowded leaves from stout, short, or sometimes far-creeping rhizomes; branching intravaginal. Leaf-sheath long, chartaceous, rounded, strongly ribbed, light creamy brown or sometimes pinkish, usually with scattered to dense, stiff, ± appressed hairs, sometimes glabrous. Ligule 1-2 mm, to 4.5 mm on upper leaves, a membranous densely long-ciliate rim. Leaf-blade (25)-40-60-(100) cm × 1-3 mm diam., inrolled or folded, or flat and up to 7 mm wide, linear, very long tapering, abaxially with some scattered hairs, scabrid above, adaxially deeply furrowed, ribs finely scabrid or smooth; margins scabrid above, tip long, fine, flexuous. Culm 75-120 cm, erect, terete, internodes very minutely scabrid below inflorescence. Panicle (16)-20-40 cm, spike-like, erect or ± nodding, straw-coloured, light brown to sometimes purple suffused; rachis densely finely scabrid. Spikelets 4.5-6 mm, densely crowded, almost sessile, lanceolate, acute or acuminate, solitary or rarely paired within an involucre of numerous, fine, minutely scabrid bristles, one bristle much stouter and longer 9-15-(20) mm, remaining bristles usually slightly > spikelet (6-10 mm). Glumes « spikelet, hyaline, glabrous, nerveless or 1-nerved; lower 0.5-0.8 mm or 0, upper 0.8-1.7 mm. Lower floret Ø: lemma 4-6 mm, 5-nerved, hyaline, very minutely scabrid; palea 0. Upper floret ☿: lemma 4.5-5.5 mm, 5-nerved, submembranous, smooth below, often minutely scabrid towards acute apex; palea 4-5 mm, of similar texture to lemma, 2-nerved, faintly scabrid towards apex; lodicules 0.3-0.6 mm; anthers 2.5-4 mm; caryopsis c. 2 mm.
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Tufted or rhizomatous or straggling perennials; or annuals. Leaf-sheath loose, usually open. Ligule usually a ciliate rim, rarely membranous. Leaf-blade linear to lanceolate, flat, folded or convolute. Culm simple or much-branched. Inflorescence usually a dense, spike-like panicle with very numerous, very short branches falling with spikelets at maturity, and usually leaving scars on the rachis; rarely reduced to a few spikelets. Spikelets 2-flowered, solitary or in groups of 2 or 3 surrounded by an involucre of unequal glabrous or plumose bristles united at base; spikelets and bristles shed freely at maturity; lower floret ♂ or Ø, with or without palea, rarely ☿; upper floret ☿, or sometimes ♂ in lateral spikelets of a cluster. Glumes membranous, subequal, or the lower smaller, sometimes minute or 0; lower (0)-1-3-nerved, upper ≤ spikelet, (0)-1-9-nerved. Lower floret: lemma ≤ spikelet, membranous, (0)-3-9-(15)-nerved, enclosing narrow palea, or palea 0. Upper floret: lemma ≈ spikelet, chartaceous, (3)-5-7-(15)-nerved, glabrous or sometimes pubescent near margins; palea ≈ lemma and of similar texture; lodicules minute or 0; stamens 3, anthers occasionally penicillate; ovary apex glabrous, styles ± terminal, free or ± connate; caryopsis dorsiventrally compressed, embryo large, hilum punctiform.
Thickly tufted perennials, to 100 cm, light green at base with narrow, inrolled leaves; branching intravaginal. Leaf-sheath rounded, or slightly keeled above, subcoriaceous, margins long-ciliate. Ligule 0.3-0.7 mm, a membranous densely ciliate rim. Collar hairs to 2.5 mm. Leaf-blade 15-30 cm × 0.5-1.5 mm, rather stiff, folded or ± involute, long-tapering, adaxially very scabrid; margins very scabrid, with a few scattered long hairs, tip filiform, acute. Culm 30-45 cm, erect, internodes with many, fine, finely scabrid ridges. Panicle 8.5-20 cm, narrow-cylindric, ± dense, spike-like, often tinged reddish purple; rachis hairs short, soft. Spikelets 5-6-(6.5) mm, lanceolate, acute, pale green to purple, solitary or in clusters of 2-3 on ciliate pedicels to 3 mm; involucre of numerous, plumose, fine, unequal bristles (15-25 mm), one longer, though not stouter bristle (to 35 mm). Lower glume a hyaline scale to 1 mm, or 0, upper 2-2.5 mm, 1-nerved, hyaline, minutely scabrid. Lower floret Ø or ♂: lemma 4.5-5 mm, 3-(5)-nerved, membranous, nerves minutely scaberulous near tip; palea ≈ lemma, hyaline, rounded, keeled near tip, minutely scaberulous, or palea 0; anthers 2-3 mm, or 0. Upper floret ☿: lemma 5.5-6 mm, 5-nerved, membranous, nerves scaberulous near mucronate tip; palea 4.5-5 mm, hyaline, keels scarcely scaberulous near tip; lodicules 0.3-0.4 mm; anthers 2-3 mm; styles connate, stigmas free; caryopsis c. 3 × 1.2 mm.
Tufted perennials to c. 35 cm; branching intravaginal from a short branching rhizome to 4 mm diam.; plants sometimes stoloniferous. Leaf-sheath flattened, keeled, firmly chartaceous, mostly glabrous, occasionally with a few scattered long tubercle-based hairs. Ligule 0.7-1.5 mm, a membranous densely long-ciliate rim. Collar hairs few, long, tubercle-based. Leaf-blade 8-30 cm × 2-4 mm, rather stiff, light green or bluish green, linear, flat, or folded and 0.6-1.5 mm diam., tapering, abaxially glabrous, strongly ribbed, ribs scabrid near tip, adaxially shallowly ribbed, minutely scabrid on ribs, sometimes with a few scattered, long, tubercle-based hairs; margins scabrid, tip acute. Culm 10-30-(45) cm, erect or geniculate-ascending, simple, or branching at lower nodes, internodes softly long-hairy below inflorescence. Panicle 4-11 cm, conspicuously plumose, broadly cylindric to subglobose, ± dense, light silvery green or light brown, rarely purplish; rachis softly long-hairy. Spikelets 8-11 mm, lanceolate, acuminate, cream, sometimes purple-tipped, solitary, or in clusters of 2-4, on very short, densely soft-hairy pedicels, surrounded by a plumose involucre of many, cream, sometimes purple, unequal bristles (25-40 mm), finely scabrid throughout with long soft hairs in lower ½. Glumes membranous, unequal in size and shape; lower 0.5-1.2 mm, broad, truncate-erose, nerveless, upper 2.5-5.5 mm, narrow, tapered, 1-nerved. Lower floret ♂ or Ø: lemma 7-9.3 mm, membranous, 7-9-nerved, very minutely scabrid with longer prickle-teeth on midnerve near acute tip; palea 6-8 mm, hyaline, keels with scattered short hairs, interkeel with minute hairs near bifid apex, occasionally palea 0; anthers 3.5-4.5 mm, occasionally 0. Upper floret ☿: lemma 8.5-11 mm, membranous, 7-9-nerved, glabrous, nerves minutely prickle-toothed; palea ± rounded, keels becoming scabrid and more prominent near bifid apex, interkeel minutely scabrid; lodicules minute, or 0; anthers 3.5-4.5 mm; styles connate; caryopsis c. 2.5 mm.
Erect annual or short-lived perennial tufts, 15-60 cm; branching extravaginal. Leaf-sheath rounded, membranous, light green to cream, or light brown with strong, paler ribs, ± glabrous and shining to densely pubescent, shredding into fibres at maturity. Ligule 0.3-0.6 mm, membranous, truncate, erose, abaxially ciliate. Leaf-blade 3-6 cm × 0.5-0.9 mm diam., strongly involute, ± densely pubescent, tip subacute. Culm erect, slender, nodes pubescent, internodes ± villous especially near nodes. Panicle 4-8 cm, rather dense to ± lax, shortly and narrowly branched; rachis glabrous to pubescent, branches pubescent. Spikelets 1-flowered, 12-20 mm, light greenish brown to purplish; disarticulation above glumes; rachilla very shortly prolonged. Glumes subequal, 1-3-nerved, submembranous, acute to shortly mucronate, keeled, keel scabrid; lower 1-nerved, upper 3-nerved. Lemma 3.2-4.5 mm, 5-nerved, chartaceous, firmer than glumes, tightly involute, finely, closely scabrid above, apex 2-lobed with stout geniculate awn from sinus and each lobe tipped by 2 short fine awns; central awn with twisted column 2-6 mm and inclined ± straight arista 6-12 mm, lateral awns straight, 2-7.5 mm. Palea hyaline, shorter and narrower than lemma, 2-keeled, keels short-ciliate near apex. Callus hair-fringed, hairs 1-1.3 mm. Lodicules 2, glabrous. Stamens 3; anthers 0.4-0.7 mm. Ovary glabrous, styles free. Caryopsis c. 2.3 × 0.5-0.8 mm; embryo small; hilum punctiform; endosperm liquid.
Strong perennial clumps, 60-200 cm, from short, knotted rhizome, shoots slightly swollen and ± tuberous at base. Leaf-sheath firm, glabrous, striate, light brown or brownish green. Ligule 4-9 mm, rounded. Leaf-blade 15-60 cm × 5-11 mm, very minutely scabrid, adaxially becoming smooth; margins slightly thickened, minutely scabrid, tapered to long, fine, acuminate tip. Culm 55-180 cm. Panicle (2.5)-3.5-12-(20) × 0.8-2.5-(3) cm, cylindric, oblong or slightly tapered at upper or both ends, occasionally lobed; rachis smooth, branches very sparsely scabrid, hidden. Spikelets 4.5-6.5 mm, light green. Glumes ± equal, 3-nerved, elliptic-lanceolate with deeper green ciliolate wing in upper ½, glabrous, evenly curved towards subacute tip. Ø florets: lemmas unequal, lower 0.5-1 mm, upper 1.2-1.7 mm, lanceolate, acute, sparsely hairy. ☿ floret: lemma 3-3.7 mm, ovate, subacute, with ± sparse, short, fine, silky hairs; palea narrower than lemma; anthers (2.2)-3-4 mm; caryopsis 2.2-2.6 × 1-1.3 mm.
Robust perennials, 60-200 cm, with long-creeping rhizomes. Leaf-sheath chartaceous, glabrous, striate, light brown. Ligule 2.5-7.5-(10) mm, entire, but soon lacerate. Leaf-blade 20-40 cm × 8-20 mm, ribs numerous, fine, adaxially smooth but scabrid near tip, abaxially with strong midrib near base, ribs densely, minutely scabrid; margins minutely scabrid, long-narrowed to scabrid, acute tip. Culm 50-180 cm. Panicle 9-30 × 1.5-4 cm, lanceolate or oblong, lobed below; rachis smooth below, scabrid above, branches scabrid, spreading at anthesis. Spikelets 4-5.5 mm, pale green or purplish. Glumes ± equal, 3-nerved, lanceolate, keeled but not winged, acute to acuminate, minutely scabrid, rarely lower glume with minute hairs near margin. Ø florets: lemmas equal, 1.3-1.6 mm, narrow, short-hairy. ☿ floret: lemma 3-4 mm, broadly keeled, lanceolate, acute, firm and shining below, short-hairy above; palea much narrower than lemma; anthers (2)-2.5-3.2 mm; caryopsis c. 2 × 1 mm.
Slender to stout, tufted annuals, 35-90 cm. Leaf-sheath firm, minutely scabrid or smooth, striate, green to light brown, upper sheaths slightly inflated. Ligule 2-6 mm, tapered, erose. Leaf-blade 7.5-30 cm × 4-10 mm, finely ribbed, ribs minutely scabrid; margins finely scabrid, long-narrowed to acute tip. Culm 30-80 cm, often branched near base, internodes scabrid just below panicle. Panicle 2-3.5-(6) × 1.5-2.5 cm, ovoid to ovoid-oblong, subtended by a hard, scabrid, very short bract; rachis and branches hidden, finely scabrid-papillose. Spikelets 7-8.5 mm, pale greenish cream, rarely purplish. Glumes ± equal, 3-5-nerved, oblanceolate with abrupt acute tip, sparsely hairy, cream with green bands along nerves, keel minutely scabrid, broadly winged in upper ½. Ø florets: lemmas equal, 2.5-4 mm, lanceolate, acute, very sparsely hairy. ☿ floret: lemma 4.5-5.6 mm, ovate, acute, shining, silky-haired; palea narrower than lemma; anthers 2-3.8 mm; caryopsis c. 4 × 1.4 mm.
Annuals or perennials. Leaf-sheath rounded. Ligule conspicuous, membranous, glabrous, oblong. Leaf-blade flat. Culm internodes glabrous. Panicle dense, stiff, spike-like, ovoid to cylindric or sometimes ± lobed with branches spreading at maturity. Spikelets shortly pedicelled, strongly compressed laterally, usually with 3 florets, the lower (1)-2 usually Ø or ♂, the upper ☿, or spikelets sometimes entirely ♂ or Ø; disarticulation above glumes; rachilla not or obscurely prolonged. Glumes subequal and equalling spikelet, laterally compressed, flat, > lemmas and enclosing them, chartaceous, 3-5-nerved, often light green with darker green bands along nerves, keeled, keel often winged. Lemmas of Ø florets small, linear to lanceolate, membranous, 1-nerved, hardened towards base, sometimes scale-like, epaleate; lemma of ☿ floret 5-nerved, keeled, ovate, acute, awnless, becoming crustaceous and shining. Palea of ☿ floret similar in texture to lemma, slightly smaller, nerves 2, close together, internerve minutely hairy. Lodicules 2, hyaline. Stamens 3. Ovary glabrous; styles connate at base, elongated; stigmas plumose. Caryopsis laterally compressed, ovate; embryo c. ¼ length of caryopsis; hilum oblong, short; endosperm solid. Chasmogamous.
Tufted annuals 10-100 cm, very slender to robust. Leaf-sheath firm, minutely scabrid or smooth, striate, light green sometimes purplish; upper sheaths slightly inflated. Ligule 2-6.5 mm, obtuse, slightly tapered. Leaf-blade 3-30 cm × 2-10 mm, long-tapered, finely ribbed, ribs finely scabrid especially near finely scabrid margins, tip acuminate. Culm 8-95 cm, internodes ridged. Panicle 1.5-6.5 × 1-2 cm, ovoid-oblong to cylindric; rachis and branches hidden, papillose, scabrid, sometimes only sparsely so. Spikelets 4.5-5.5 mm, light green. Glumes ± equal, 3-nerved, smooth, oblanceolate with sharply acute tip, keel finely scabrid, winged in upper ½, wing usually toothed near abruptly narrowed apex. Ø florets: lemmas very unequal, lower c. 0.3 mm, a glabrous shining minute scale, upper 0.9-1.3 mm, lanceolate, acute, hairy. ☿ floret: lemma 2.5-3 mm, ovate, acute, silky-haired; palea narrower than lemma, internerve long hairy or occasionally almost glabrous, apex ciliate; anthers 1-2 mm; caryopsis 2-2.3 × 0.8-1.2 mm.
Annuals, 20-80 cm. Leaf-sheath firm with narrow hyaline margin, ribs many, ± finely scabrid; uppermost sheaths conspicuously inflated, glabrous. Ligule 2-4-(6) mm, ± tapered. Leaf-blade 6-20 cm × 3-5.5 mm, tapered, ribs and margins finely scabrid, tip fine, soft, acute. Culm 14-56 cm, branched at base. Panicle 2.5-6 × 0.8-1.5 cm, cylindric, oblong, or widened above; rachis and very short branches scabrid, hidden. Spikelets in groups of 5-7-(9), with one central almost sessile ☿ spikelet 5-6.5 mm, surrounded by an involucre-like cluster of shorter, unequal, usually Ø, sometimes ♂ spikelets on short glabrous pedicels, two of the Ø spikelets generally larger. Glumes of all spikelets hard, keel sparsely scabrid, wing margin minutely scabrid; glumes of Ø spikelets sometimes sparsely hairy, margins scabrid in upper ⅓, apex rounded or truncate, or occasionally with acute flange; glumes of ☿ spikelets with 2-6 prominent lateral nerves and often shorter nerves as well, tapering above to acute tip, narrowly winged apart from an acute projecting middorsal flange. Ø florets: lemmas minute, scale-like, equal, glabrous. ☿ floret: lemma 2.9-3.3 mm, ovate, acute, almost glabrous; palea entirely glabrous or internerve sometimes sparsely hairy; anthers 1-1.6 mm; caryopsis 2-2.6 × 1.2-1.5 mm.
Annuals or perennials. Leaf-sheath open, or closed near base, glabrous or puberulent. Ligule membranous. Leaf-blade flat. Culm erect. Inflorescence a dense, spike-like, ovoid or cylindric panicle. Spikelets 1-flowered, strongly laterally compressed; disarticulation above glumes. Glumes subequal, membranous, > lemma, keeled, shortly awned, acuminate or acute, margins overlapping for much of their length. Lemma hyaline, broadly truncate or obtuse, awnless, 1-7-nerved, glabrous to densely pubescent. Palea ≈ lemma, ovate-lanceolate, obtuse, 2-keeled. Lodicules 2, or 0. Stamens 2-3. Ovary with glabrous apex. Caryopsis terete or laterally compressed, not grooved; embryo small; hilum punctiform or shortly elliptic; endosperm liquid.
Loose or dense tufts to 1 m. Leaf-sheath subcoriaceous, rounded, open, striate, glabrous, green to dark brown at base. Ligule 1-2.5-(4) mm, membranous, truncate or slightly rounded. Leaf-blade 9-17.5-(25) cm × 3-4.5 mm, flat, narrowed to finely pointed tip, striate, minutely scabrid throughout or only towards tip; margins minutely scabrid. Culm (30)-60-85 cm, erect or ascending from geniculate base, usually stout, internodes smooth, or finely scabrid below panicle; basal nodes sometimes swollen and tuberous. Panicle (4)-12-23 cm × 6-9 mm, dense, spike-like, cylindric, green, greyish green or purplish; rachis very stout, with scattered fine hairs concealed beneath spikelets, pedicels very short. Spikelets 2.5-3.5 mm, tightly packed. Glumes (3)-3.5-5 mm, oblong, truncate, 3-nerved, membranous, covered with short fine hairs, margin of lower glume softly hairy; keel stout, with large stiff hairs, and produced to a short scabrid awn (0.8)-1-1.5 mm. Lemma 1.5-2.5-(3) mm, 5-7-nerved, membranous, broadly oblong, obtuse, minutely hairy. Palea (1.2)-1.5-2-(2.5) mm. Lodicules 0.4-0.6 mm. Anthers 1.3-2.2 mm. Caryopsis slightly > 1 mm.
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Robust perennials 1.5-3 m, with wide flat leaves borne along stout reed-like stems and with stout creeping rhizomes to 2 cm diam. Leaf-sheath rounded, chartaceous, glabrous, with numerous, minute cross-veinlets. Ligule c. 1 mm, truncate, short membranous, long ciliate. Collar brownish on both surfaces with dense, appressed, minute hairs, and ephemeral hairs to 6 mm on margin. Leaf-blade 40-60 × 1-3 cm, coriaceous, linear, somewhat narrowed at base, much-tapered above, smooth, but abaxially scabrid towards long, filiform, scabrid tip, margins scabrid above; disarticulating at ligule. Culm erect, rigid, usually simple, internodes glabrous. Panicle 20-30 cm, erect or finally drooping, purplish to brownish; branches numerous, glabrous except tufts of long (4 mm), silky hairs at nodes. Spikelets 10-14 mm, 3-6-flowered, finally widely gaping, lowest floret ♂ or Ø, others ☿. Glumes unequal, persistent, 3-5-nerved, chartaceous, glabrous, ovate-lanceolate, acute; lower c. 4 mm, upper c. 6 mm. Lemma of basal floret 9-10 mm, 3-nerved, narrow-lanceolate, membranous, acute, persistent; lemmas of perfect florets shorter, narrower, tip long-acuminate to caudate. Palea 3-4 mm, « lemma, keels ciliate. Callus 0.5-1 mm, with dense long (6-8 mm) silky hairs. Rachilla c. 0.2 mm, glabrous, prolongation 0.5 mm, glabrous. Lodicules 0.3 mm, obovate, nerved, glabrous. Anthers 1.5-2 mm. Gynoecium: ovary 0.5 mm; stigma-styles 2 mm. Caryopsis not seen.
Fairly dense thicket-forming with rhizomes running extensively. Culm usually 3-6 m (often taller in cultivation), glaucous when young, green during the first year, yellow afterwards, erect, with white waxy ring beneath nodes when young; nodes on some shoots congested and sometimes zigzag towards base; internodes swollen and often asymmetric. Culm-sheath light mauve-brown or pinkish brown, mottled dark purplish, especially towards apex; auricles and oral bristles 0; sheath-blade narrow linear, flat, often with greenish pink marginal band. Branches spreading widely to give an open network. Leaf-sheath with long oral bristles. Auricles 0. Ligule minutely puberulent. Leaf-blade usually 5-13-(15) × 0.7-2-(2.7) cm, lanceolate, abaxially glaucescent, acuminate.
Dense thicket-forming with rhizomes running extensively. Culm 10-12 m, green, later yellow, curving over slightly towards apex; nodes with one prominent ridge, otherwise inconspicuous, none congested. Culm-sheath glabrous, light brownish yellow or greenish brown, mottled dark brownish; auricles present, at least when young; oral bristles deciduous; sheath-blade ± linear. Branches dense, primary branches at c. 45 . Leaf-sheath with conspicuous auricles and long oral bristles. Leaf-blade 8-14-(20) × 1-2.7-(4.5) cm, lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate, abaxially glaucescent. Inflorescence to 30 cm, narrowly paniculate. Spikelets subtended by sheath-like bracts with leafy blades. Glumes 2.3-2.7 cm, including apical bristle, ± purple, glabrous or nearly so. Lemma and palea 1.5-2 cm, minutely puberulent, ± tinged purple, aristate. Lodicules c. 2 mm, ± obliquely lanceolate. Stamens long exserted; anthers c. 1 cm. Style and stigmas purple.
Open thicket-forming with rhizomes running extensively. Culm 4-7 m (often much taller in cultivation), green, remaining so or becoming black or heavily blotched black in 2nd year, erect, with white waxy ring beneath nodes when young; nodes all ± evenly spaced. Culm-sheaths uniformly purple or purple-flushed, sometimes dark blotched above; auricles on main shoots prominent, dark; oral bristles long, caducous; sheath-blade linear, undulate. Branches green or black, spreading widely (giving an open network). Leaf-sheath with very short auricles. Oral bristles present. Leaf-blade usually 5-9-(13)× 0.5-2-(3) cm, lanceolate, abaxially glaucescent, adaxially moderately shining, acuminate.
Culms becoming black or heavily blotched black in 2nd year. Culm-sheath often with dark blotches towards apex. Branches black.
Culms remaining green. Culm-sheath purple or purple-flushed, concolorous. Branches green.
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Loosely tufted, erect, perennial, branching at nodes, from short creeping rhizomes; branching extravaginal; cataphylls densely hairy. Leaf-sheath firmly membranous, smooth, sometimes terminating in a tuft of minute hairs. Ligule to 1.5 mm, truncate, entire. Leaf-blade to 40 cm × 5.5 mm, flat or involute, abaxially smooth, but scaberulous towards filiform tip and on margins, adaxially finely scabrid and with scattered soft hairs. Culm to 130 cm, wiry, glabrous. Panicle to 60 cm, lax; branches capillary, ascending to spreading, in dense distant whorls, rachis smooth, branches and pedicels scaberulous. Glumes subequal, 3-4 mm, 3-nerved, acute, often purple; lower slightly keeled and scabrid near tip. Lemma to 2.5 mm, 3-nerved, firmly membranous, smooth, shallowly lobed at apex; awn to 4.5 mm, straight, caducous. Palea ≈ lemma, 2-nerved, glabrous. Callus minute, blunt, glabrous. Lodicules 3. Anthers to 1.7 mm, penicillate.
Perennial. Leaf-blade flat or involute. Inflorescence a lax or contracted panicle. Spikelets ± compressed dorsally. Glumes subequal, 3-5-nerved. Lemma obscurely 3-5-nerved, coriaceous or membranous, with a caducous terminal awn. Palea ≈ lemma but narrower. Callus very small. Stamens 3.
Small, often forming a dense stand but not clump-forming; rhizomes running extensively. Culm usually 0.5-1.5 m, purple or green, very slender, puberulent when young, erect; internodes terete. Culm-sheath with few oral bristles; sheath-blade ovate, puberulent, ciliolate. Branches 1 at lower or middle nodes and 1-2 at upper nodes. Leaf-sheath finely puberulent. Ligule abbreviated. Oral bristles few and caducous. Leaf-blade usually 10-18 × 1.5-3 cm, narrowly elliptic-lanceolate, finely puberulent especially abaxially, either uniformly green or, more usually, longitudinally striped with pale green, greenish yellow or yellow, some leaves mainly yellow with narrow green streaks.
Dense thicket-forming; rhizomes running. Culm usually 1.5-3 m, purplish when young, becoming deep green, arching over towards apex; internodes terete. Culm-sheath green, glabrous. Branches 3-6 from middle and upper nodes; main branches branching again and bearing additional small branchlets at the base, forming a dense cluster. Leaf-sheath glabrous, oblique at apex. Ligule 3-4 mm, appressed puberulent. Oral bristles few, caducous. Leaf-blade 6-18-(30) × 0.7-1.5-(2.3) cm, narrowly lanceolate, often yellowish green above, abaxially ± glaucescent, long acuminate. Inflorescence composed of small spikes (2-4 cm) at the tips of lateral branchlets, with main rachis densely pubescent. Spikes subtended by sheaths « leaf-sheaths. Spikelets few, stongly antrorse, 1-1.5 cm. Glumes strongly tessellate.
Rather dense thicket-forming; rhizomes running ± extensively. Culms c. 2 -c. 3 m, erect, green; internodes terete. Sheath-blades very narrowly triangular. Branches many from each middle and upper node. Leaf-sheath oblique at apex. Ligule 2-3 mm, minutely puberulent, often purplish. Leaf-blade 8-18-(22) × 0.4-0.8 cm (to 1.5 cm wide on strong young culms on outside of clump), linear-lanceolate, ± uniformly green, finely but conspicuously tessellate, long acuminate with finely tapering tips.
Medium-sized forming dense thickets, rhizomes running extensively. Culm usually 4-6 m, dark green at first, later often completely yellow, erect; nodes not prominent; internodes terete except for upper ones flattened on one side. Culm-sheath greenish, brownish green or brownish pink; sheath-blade green, 3-6 cm, linear-subulate. Branches ± erect, several at each node, forming dense clusters. Leaf-sheath apex oblique. Ligule short. Oral bristles conspicuous. Leaf-blade partly or wholly drooping, 6-15-(18) × 0.6-1.5-(2.2) cm, ± lanceolate, uniformly dark green, acuminate.
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Small with slender running rhizomes, sometimes plant forming dense stands. Culm 30-60 cm, green, very slender. Culm-sheaths green; oral bristles present. Branches 1-2 at middle and lower nodes or often culms unbranched. Leaf-sheath glabrous except on margins. Ligule very small. Leaf-blade usually 7-18 × 0.6-1.3 cm, narrow lanceolate, acuminate, dark green with prominent longitudinal white or pale cream stripes or bands of varying widths, abaxially uniformly pubescent.
Small, blue-green perennial, 10-20 cm at flowering with culms far overtopping leaves, from a woody, much-branched rhizome, with wiry, very long-creeping roots at nodes and numerous fine rootlets; branching intravaginal; leaf-blades disarticulating at ligule. Leaf-sheath light cream to later greyish brown, much wider than leaf-blade, glabrous, membranous, sparsely ribbed; margins very wide hyaline. Ligule 1-5 mm, apically glabrous, tapered, entire, abaxially scabrid near base or smooth, occasionally extending as a rim-like membranous contra-ligule. Leaf-blade 0.5-2.5 cm, rolled and c. 0.5 mm diam., glabrous; margins sparsely prickle-toothed, slightly narrowed to firm abruptly shortly curved, sometimes pungent tip. Culm (3)-5-15 cm, with 1-2 small cauline leaves, internodes glabrous. Panicle 1.5-3.5 cm, lax; rachis glabrous, branches capillary, smooth or very finely scabrid, with 1-2 spikelets at branchlet tips. Spikelets 4-8 mm, (2)-3-5-flowered, light grey-green. Glumes subequal, 2-3.5 mm, 3-nerved, elliptic-ovate, midnerve scabrid near subobtuse tip, margins often finely scabrid. Lemma 3-4 mm, 5-nerved, oblong-elliptic, obtuse, short-pubescent throughout lower ⅓ to ½ but central internerves sometimes glabrous, scabrid above on midnerve and occasionally towards tip; margins scabrid above. Palea 2.5-3.5 mm, keels ciliate-scabrid, interkeel minutely hairy on lower ½. Callus ringed by short soft hairs. Rachilla 0.5-1 mm, usually ciliate; prolongation twice as long. Lodicules 0.5 mm. Anthers 1.8-3 mm. Caryopsis c. 1.5-2 × 0.5 mm.
Low tight mats of interlacing, stiff, short, hard, curved leaves. 2n= 28.
Small tufts with erect leaves; tufts sometimes aggregated or rhizomes interconnecting to form loose mats.
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Very variable in habit, stiff and erect or scrambling and trailing. Leaf-sheath smooth or variably scabrid. Leaf-blade 10-30-(40) cm × 1-6.5 mm, adaxially smooth, or scabrid on ribs, rarely papillose-scabrid, occasionally with fringe of stiff short hairs above ligule; margins smooth or scabrid. Culm (15)-25-50-(70) cm. Panicle c. 10-25 cm, usually open with spreading branches, sometimes contracted. Spikelets (3)-4-7.5 mm, (2)-3-5-(8)-flowered. Lower glume (2)-2.5-3.5-(4.5) mm, 3-nerved. Lemma 5-7-nerved, acute to subobtuse, internerves finely scaberulous throughout, occasionally only minutely papillose. Anthers 1.5-2.5 mm. Caryopsis c. 2 × 0.5 mm. 2n= 28.
Loose tufts, with trailing culms, equalled or overtopped by numerous dull green leaves. Leaf-sheath glabrous. Leaf-blade 6.5-20 cm × 1-2.5 mm, adaxially densely minutely papillose or glabrous, minutely pubescent-scabrid just above ligule; margins sparsely ciliate near ligule and scabrid near tip. Culm (7)-20-30-(70) cm. Panicle (3.5)-5-15 cm, contracted, ± oblong, with few, stiff, erect branches, or slightly more open with finer branches. Spikelets 4.5-5.5 mm, 3-4-flowered. Lower glume 2-3.5 mm, (1)-3-nerved. Lemma 5-nerved, acute or occasionally apiculate, internerves glabrous. Anthers c. 1.5 mm. Caryopsis c. 1.5 × 0.5 mm. 2n= 28.
Loosely to compactly tufted, usually bright green annual, to 35 cm, or short-lived perennial; branching intravaginal; leaf-blades persistent. Leaf-sheath pale green, hyaline, glabrous, keeled. Ligule 0.5-2 mm, entire, rounded, glabrous throughout. Leaf-blade 1.5-9 cm × 3-4 mm, flat or folded, soft, glabrous, often crinkled when young; margins sparsely, minutely scabrid, tip rounded to blunt point. Culm 3-20 cm, erect, spreading or prostrate, internodes glabrous. Panicle 2-10 cm, usually open, erect; branches smooth to sparsely scabrid, spreading to deflexed after anthesis. Spikelets 4-6 mm, with 3-6 crowded florets, light green or sometimes purplish. Glumes ± unequal, glabrous; lower 1.5-2.5 mm, 1-nerved, lanceolate to ovate, acute, upper 2-3 mm, 3-nerved, elliptic to oblong, subobtuse. Lemma 3-3.5 mm, 5-nerved, nerves densely hairy for about ½ length and glabrous above hairs, internerves glabrous, rarely lemma entirely glabrous, purplish just below hyaline band at obtuse tip. Palea 2.5-3 mm, keels long-ciliate, or rarely glabrous, interkeel glabrous. Callus glabrous. Rachilla 0.5-1 mm, glabrous; prolongation much shorter. Lodicules 0.3 mm. Gynomonoecious: each spikelet with 2-3 lower flowers ☿, anthers (0.6)-0.7-1 mm, gynoecium 1-1.5 mm; upper flowers ♀, pollen-sterile anthers to 0.2 mm or 0, gynoecium c. 1.5 mm. Caryopsis c. 1.5 × 0.5 mm, tightly enclosed by anthoecium.
Soft, ± drooping, light green stoloniferous perennial tufts, c. 20-60 cm, rooting at nodes; branching extravaginal; leaf-blades persistent. Leaf-sheath light green to light brown, submembranous, distinctly ribbed, glabrous. Ligule 1-4.5 mm, entire, apically glabrous, gradually narrowed and subacute, abaxially slightly scabrid. Leaf-blade 7.5-25 cm × 2-4.5 mm, flat, soft, smooth almost throughout but minutely scabrid abaxially near straight-sided narrow acute tip and adaxially just above ligule. Culm (8)-18-50 cm, internodes glabrous. Panicle 5-15 cm, ± lax and usually open with spreading branches; rachis usually ± smooth, branches ± smooth to sparsely scabrid. Spikelets 4-6 mm, (2)-3-4-flowered, brownish green. Glumes ± unequal, narrow-lanceolate, acute to acuminate, glabrous, apart from a few prickle-teeth on midrib in upper ½; lower 1.5-3 mm, 1-nerved, upper 2-3.5 mm, 3-nerved. Lemma 2.5-5 mm, 3-(5)-nerved, ± elliptic, acute, with long hairs on lower ½ of midnerve and at base of lateral nerves and fine prickle-teeth on midnerve above, internerves glabrous or sometimes slightly scabrid near tip. Palea 2-4 mm, keels shortly ciliate-scabrid, interkeel glabrous. Callus with narrow tuft of long fine hairs. Rachilla 0.5 mm, glabrous; prolongation twice as long. Lodicules 0.4-0.5 mm. Anthers 0.5-1 mm, mainly pollen-sterile. Caryopsis not seen.
Tightly packed, wiry-leaved small glaucous tussocks, 10-40 cm, spreading in narrow fans from a slender rhizome; branching intravaginal; leaf-blades disarticulating at ligule. Leaf-sheath light brownish to stramineous, sometimes purple, glabrous, shining, ± coriaceous with broad membranous margins, ribs inconspicuous. Ligule 1-2 mm, apically glabrous, entire, rounded and slightly tapered, abaxially slightly scabrid near base, or densely scabrid throughout. Leaf-blade (5)-10-30-(40) cm × 0.5-1 mm diam., inrolled, not keeled, usually erect, occasionally curled above, abaxially glabrous, adaxially pubescent, tip long-acicular. Culm (5)-20-30-(45) cm, ≤ leaves, internodes glabrous. Panicle 5-10-(12) cm, narrow, stiff; branches short, ± erect, glabrous to finely pubescent-scabrid, tipped by few, large spikelets. Spikelets 5.5-12 mm, 3-6-(8)-flowered, light greenish brown. Glumes subequal, subacute to acuminate, ovate to elliptic-lanceolate, ± smooth, occasionally a few prickle-teeth on midnerve near tip; lower 2-5-(6) mm, 1-3-nerved, upper 2-5.5-(7) mm, 3-(5)-nerved; margin finely ciliate. Lemma 3.5-7 mm, 3-5-nerved, elliptic-lanceolate, acute to acuminate, usually shortly mucronate, outer lateral nerves very distinct, internerves minutely scabrid or very rarely smooth, or prickle-teeth fewer between lateral nerves and keel, but always very dense and in several rows along keel, with longer crinkled hairs on lower ½ of midnerve, and near base of lateral nerves, often also on internerves near base; margins finely fimbriate. Palea 3-6 mm, keels and flanks with dense short prickle-teeth or minute hairs, the teeth on keels arranged in several rows, interkeel with minute prickle-teeth or hairs, often almost glabrous centrally; rarely palea glabrous except at fimbriate tip. Callus with short tuft of crinkled hairs. Rachilla 0.5-c. 1 mm, with sparse, short, fine hairs, or densely to minutely finely scabrid; prolongation twice as long. Lodicules 0.5-1 mm, occasionally hair-tipped. Anthers c. 2-3 mm. Caryopsis c. 1.5 × 0.5 mm. 2n= 28. Plate 4A.
Tufted, dull green, slenderly rhizomatous perennial with narrow, ± erect leaves, ± reaching top of culms; branching extravaginal at plant base, intravaginal above; leaf-blades persistent. Leaf-sheath very light green or pale brown, membranous, shredding into fibres. Ligule apically glabrous, ± obtuse and slightly erose, abaxially slightly scabrid. Leaf-blade 0.5-c. 1.5 mm wide, abaxially smooth, adaxially minutely ciliate-scabrid on ribs; margins and midrib smooth, tip curved. Culm slender, internodes usually slightly scabrid below panicle. Panicle lax, with few large spikelets borne singly at tips of filiform, finely scabrid branches. Spikelets 3-5-flowered, brownish green or greenish purple. Glumes smooth, but occasionally scabrid on midnerve near tip; lower 3-nerved, upper 3-(5)-nerved. Lemma 5-7-nerved, nerves minutely scabrid with a few short hairs near base of midnerve and outer lateral nerves, internerves glabrous, often scabrid towards tip. Palea minutely closely scabrid on keels, smooth elsewhere. Callus with very small tuft of long crinkled hairs. Rachilla c. 1 mm, sparsely scabrid; prolongation to twice as long. Lodicules 0.5-0.7 mm. Caryopsis c. 1.5 × 0.7 mm.
Slender lax tufts with culms (4.5)-6.5-12-(30) cm. Leaf-sheath glabrous. Ligule 1-1.3 mm. Leaf-blade 4-12-(16) cm, flaccid, soft, flat to folded. Panicle 3-5.5-(8) cm. Spikelets 4.5-8 mm. Glumes subequal, oblong-elliptic, acute; lower 3.5-5 mm, upper 4-5.5 mm. Lemma 4-5.5 mm, oblong-elliptic, acute; midnerve occasionally very shortly excurrent. Palea 3-4.5 mm. Anthers 0.4-0.7 mm. 2n= 28.
Small tufts with close-packed culms 2-10 cm. Leaf-sheath glabrous. Ligule 0.3-1 mm. Leaf-blade 2-5 cm, stiff, inrolled. Panicle 1.5-5 cm. Spikelets 4.5-6.5 mm. Glumes unequal, elliptic-ovate, acute to subacute; lower 3-4 mm, upper 4-4.5 mm. Lemma 4-4.5 mm, elliptic-ovate, subacute to acute; midnerve occasionally very slightly excurrent. Palea 3-4 mm. Anthers 0.3-0.4 mm. 2n= 28.
Slender lax tufts with culms 15-40 cm. Leaf-sheath glabrous or sometimes shortly pubescent-scabrid near margins. Ligule (0.5)-1-2 mm. Leaf-blade (4)-8-20 cm, flaccid, soft, flat to folded, occasionally entirely smooth or with finely scabrid midrib and margins. Panicle 4-7.5 cm. Spikelets 5.5-7.5 mm. Glumes ± unequal, elliptic, acute; lower 3-4.5 mm, upper 4-5 mm. Lemma 3.5-4.5 mm, oblong-elliptic, obtuse. Palea 3-4 mm. Anthers 0.5-0.7 mm.
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Glaucous, small, stiff, dense perennial tufts, 7-25 cm; leaf-blades persistent; branching intravaginal, with a few extravaginal shoots at plant base. Basal leaf-sheaths very light brown, upper sheaths purple-green, coriaceous, distinctly ribbed, glabrous, very much wider than leaf-blade. Ligule 0.5-1.5 mm, apically glabrous, rounded, ± erose, abaxially scabrid. Leaf-blade (0.5)-1.5-5 cm long, folded, c. 3 mm wide if flattened, rigid, coriaceous, prominently nerved, abaxially usually smooth, adaxially densely, minutely scabrid, midrib scabrid near curved scabrid tip; margins scabrid, incurved. Culm 6-18-(25) cm, often entirely enclosed by sheaths of uppermost leaves, internodes minutely scabrid below panicle. Panicle 1.5-5.5 cm, contracted, oblong, narrow and spike-like, with numerous, densely packed spikelets; rachis and short stiff branches minutely scabrid. Spikelets 2.5-3.5 mm, (2)-3-4-flowered, light green, often purple-tinged. Glumes ± equal, almost overtopping spikelets, (1.5)-2-2.5-(3) mm, 3-nerved, midnerve sparsely scabrid; lower elliptic-lanceolate, subacute, upper oblong-elliptic, subobtuse, often scabrid near tip; margins sparsely scabrid. Lemma 2-2.5 mm, 5-nerved, ovate-elliptic, obtuse, midnerve scabrid, internerves minutely papillose and often minutely scabrid; margins membranous, wide, edged with scattered prickle-teeth. Palea c. 1.5 mm, keels scabrid, interkeel minutely papillose with a few prickle-teeth. Callus glabrous. Rachilla c. 0.5 mm, minutely papillose; prolongation occasionally twice as long. Lodicules 0.3-0.4 mm. Anthers 0.4-0.6 mm. Gynoecium: ovary 0.4-0.5 mm; stigma-styles 0.6-1.2 mm. Caryopsis c. 1 × 0.5 mm. 2n= 28.
Tightly packed, swollen-based perennial tufts to c. 10 cm; branching intravaginal; leaf-blades persistent. Leaf-sheath cream, membranous, glabrous, later shredding into fibres; inner basal sheaths thick, swollen and hard at base; sheaths of cauline leaves light green, some purplish. Ligule 0.5-2.5 mm, entire, tapered, apically glabrous or very sparingly ciliate, abaxially glabrous. Leaf-blade 2.5-5 cm long, rather stiff, folded, grey-green, glabrous; margins minutely scabrid, midrib also scabrid near abruptly pointed tip. Culm 5-10 cm, internodes glabrous. Panicle 2-4 cm, contracted, ± oblong, with densely packed spikelets; rachis smooth, branches few, ± erect, sparsely scabrid. Spikelets 3-3.5 mm, 2-3-flowered, light green to purplish. Glumes ± equal, 2-3 mm, ovate, acute, keel distinct, green, scabrid; lower l-nerved, upper 3-nerved; margins membranous, wide, purplish. Lemma c. 3 mm, 5-nerved, ovate, acute, membranous, glabrous, nerves densely ciliate on lower ½, midnerve scabrid above hairs. Palea c. 2.5 mm, keels minutely ciliate, interkeel glabrous. Callus with tuft of tangled hairs. Rachilla c. 0.5 mm, glabrous; prolongation much shorter. Lodicules c. 0.4 mm. Anthers 1-1.5 mm. Caryopsis not seen.
Erect, light purplish green perennial tufts to 50 cm, culms overtopping leaves; branching extravaginal; leaf-blades persistent. Leaf-sheath purplish, to later greyish, subcoriaceous, ribs inconspicuous, abaxially with minute prickle-teeth or hairs especially on midrib near ligule. Ligule c. 1.5-3 mm, apically glabrous, rounded, sometimes erose, abaxially with minute prickle-teeth or hairs. Leaf-blade 6-20 cm × (2)-3-6 mm, folded or flat, subcoriaceous, abaxially ± minutely scabrid on ribs, adaxially scabrid in lower ½ and on ribs above; margins scabrid, with some stiff short hairs at collar, tip ± curved, acuminate to often apiculate. Culm 10-40 cm, erect, internodes scabrid below panicle. Panicle 8-15 cm, lax, with slender spreading scabrid branches. Spikelets 6-8 mm, (2)-3-4-(5)-flowered, green or purplish. Glumes ± equal, 3-nerved, ovate-elliptic, nerves and internerves near tip ± scabrid; lower 3.5-5.5 mm, subacute, upper 4-5.5-(6) mm, subobtuse; margins scabrid. Lemma 4.5-6 mm, 5-nerved, oblong, obtuse, pubescent-scabrid on nerves, margins, and often on internerves. Palea 3.5-4.5 mm, keels ciliate-scabrid, interkeel scabrid. Callus with tuft of a few long crinkled hairs. Rachilla c. 1 mm, with a few long hairs; prolongation twice as long. Lodicules 0.5-0.6 mm. Anthers 1-1.5 mm. Caryopsis c. 1-2 × 0.5 mm.
Dense, drooping perennial swards from long, narrow rhizomes, or stiff tufts to 90 cm, with light green leaves ≈ culms; branching extravaginal near plant base, intravaginal above; leaf-blades persistent. Leaf-sheath light green to light brown or straw-coloured, coriaceous, ribbed, smooth to finely scabrid, keeled. Ligule (0.2)-0.5-1 mm, a truncate stiff ciliate rim, abaxially with matted stiff minute hairs. Leaf-blade 5-30 cm × 2.5-4.5 mm, folded to flat, or inrolled and c. 1 mm diam., coriaceous, abaxially smooth, adaxially ribbed, covered with short prickle-teeth and sometimes short stiff hairs; margins ± thickened, smooth to sparsely scabrid, midrib scabrid near straight-sided, pungent tip. Culm 10-80 cm, internodes smooth, densely scabrid below panicle. Panicle 5.5-12 cm, lax or contracted; branches spreading or erect, sparsely to densely scabrid. Spikelets 6.5-14.5 mm, (2)-3-5-flowered, greyish green to light greenish brown. Glumes subequal, 3-nerved, elliptic-lanceolate, acute to acuminate, often with minute fine hairs near tip, occasionally scabrid throughout, midnerve ciliate-scabrid especially on upper ½; lower 4.5-7.5 mm, upper 4.5-8 mm; margins ciliate. Lemma 4.5-9 mm, 5-nerved, elliptic- to oblong-lanceolate, subobtuse to subacute, scabrid above or occasionally throughout, midnerve with long fine hairs to ½ length, lateral nerves hairy near base; margins minutely ciliate. Palea 3.5-7.5 mm, keels rather stiffly ciliate-scabrid, interkeel with sparse minute hairs. Callus with loose web of long fine crinkled hairs. Rachilla 0.5-1 mm, glabrous to sparsely minutely pubescent; prolongation twice as long. Lodicules 0.5-2 mm, occasionally hair-tipped. Anthers 2-3.5 mm. Caryopsis 2 × 0.5 mm. 2n= 112.
Dense rather shining tussock, 30-100 cm, sometimes hanging down steep banks and up to 2 m, with light brownish green sometimes glaucous leaves smooth to the touch; branching intravaginal; leaf-blades persistent. Leaf-sheath pale green, later creamy brown, shining, ± membranous, smooth, or very minutely scabrid throughout, ribs inconspicuous. Ligule c. 0.5 mm, truncate, short-ciliate, abaxially minutely hairy. Leaf-blade (10)-20-60 cm ×c. 1-1.5-(2.5) mm, folded or ± flat, coriaceous, abaxially glabrous, midrib and lateral ribs not very prominent, adaxially closely minutely pubescent throughout; margins inrolled, scabrid, midnerve scabrid near acicular, often pungent tip. Culm (10)-20-50-(70) cm, ≤ leaves, internodes smooth to scabrid below panicle. Panicle (5)-10-20-(25) cm, open; branches slender, ± erect to spreading, sparsely to very closely scabrid, naked below, spikelets many on shorter secondary branchlets. Spikelets (3.5)-6-9 mm, (2)-3-5-flowered, light green to later light brown. Glumes subequal, (2)-3.5-5-(6) mm, acute to subacuminate, sparsely minutely scabrid to smooth, midnerve with sparse prickle-teeth in upper ½; lower 1-(3)-nerved, narrow-lanceolate, upper 3-(5)-nerved, elliptic-lanceolate; margins membranous with scattered fine prickle-teeth above or almost throughout. Lemma 3-5-(6) mm, 5-nerved, elliptic-oblong, obtuse, minutely scabrid, midnerve with long crinkled hairs in lower ½, scabrid above, outer lateral nerves with crinkled hairs near base; margins membranous, sparsely minutely scabrid. Palea (2)-3-4 mm, keels densely ciliate-scabrid, interkeel minutely scabrid to pubescent-scabrid, flanks short-scabrid. Callus with tuft of crinkled hairs. Rachilla c. 1 mm, scabrid or with occasional hairs. Lodicules c. 0.5 mm, occasionally hair-tipped. Anthers (1)-2-3 mm. Caryopsis c. 1 × 0.5 mm. 2n= 84. Plate 7D.
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Small, blue-green or light green, narrow-leaved, stiff tussocks, 5-30-(70) cm, with tightly-packed shoots; branching intravaginal; leaf-blades disarticulating at ligule. Leaf-sheath light straw-coloured, later greyish brown, somewhat coriaceous, glabrous, indistinctly ribbed, tightly inrolled with narrow hyaline margins; upper sheaths sometimes purplish. Ligule 0.5-5.5 mm, entire, apically glabrous, rounded to tapered, abaxially minutely scabrid or smooth. Leaf-blade 5-15-(30) cm, usually tightly inrolled and c. 0.5 mm diam., abaxially glabrous, adaxially slightly to densely short pubescent-scabrid; margins finely scabrid, tip truncate, almost smooth with a few minute prickle-teeth, or fine-acicular and finely scabrid. Culm 5-20-(40) cm, erect, usually overtopping but often = leaves, internodes glabrous. Panicle 1-10-(15) cm; branches ± spreading, few to many, often short, almost filiform, smooth to ± finely scabrid, tipped by 1-3 rather large spikelets. Spikelets (3.5)-5-7-(10.5) mm, 2-5-(7)-flowered, light green to brownish. Glumes subequal, subacute to acute, glabrous, midnerve with a few minute prickle-teeth near tip; lower 2-3-(4) mm, 1-3-nerved, narrow elliptic-lanceolate, upper (2)-2.5-3.5-(4) mm, 3-nerved, ovate- to elliptic-lanceolate; margins minutely fimbriate. Lemma (2.5)-3-4-(5) mm, 5-nerved, ovate- to elliptic-lanceolate, subobtuse, in some long-liguled plants with fine hairs on lower ½-⅓ of midnerve and short hairs near base of lateral nerves, otherwise nerves scabrid or smooth, internerves densely scabrid to smooth, rarely with a few scattered hairs near base; margins glabrous to finely ciliate-scabrid. Palea 2-4-(5) mm, keels finely ciliate-scabrid, interkeel minutely pubescent-scabrid. Callus in long-liguled forms sometimes with a tuft of tangled hairs, otherwise glabrous or very rarely with a few short wispy hairs. Rachilla 0.5-1 mm, smooth to strongly densely scabrid. Lodicules c. 0.5 mm. Anthers 1-2 mm. Caryopsis c. 1-2 × 0.5 mm. 2n= 28. Plate 7E.
Stiff, loosely tufted, bluish or greyish green perennial to c. 40 cm, with erect, or geniculate and ascending culms from wiry rhizomes; branching extravaginal; leaf-blades persistent. Leaf-sheath light yellowish green to light brown, subcoriaceous, glabrous, keeled, otherwise indistinctly ribbed. Ligule c. 0.5-1 mm, ± truncate to somewhat rounded, very minutely ciliate, abaxially scabrid. Leaf-blade 2-7 cm × 1.5-2.5 mm, subcoriaceous, folded or flat, abaxially smooth, but scabrid on nerves and keel near curved tip, adaxially finely scabrid throughout; margins short-scabrid. Culm (8)-12-40 cm, flattened, nodes usually purplish, internodes glabrous. Panicle (1)-3-8 cm, usually contracted, stiff, with numerous, densely clustered spikelets, rarely more open and somewhat branched; rachis, branches and pedicels sparsely scabrid. Spikelets 3-6 mm, 3-6-flowered, green or purplish. Glumes ± equal, 3-nerved, ovate-elliptic, acute, smooth, but slightly scabrid on midnerve near tip; lower 2-2.3 mm, upper 2.2-2.5 mm. Lemma 2.2-2.7 mm, 5-nerved but lateral nerves faint, oblong, obtuse, with broad, purple, thin hyaline band above, internerves glabrous, midnerve glabrous or softly hairy in lower ½, lateral nerves glabrous or softly hairy near base. Palea ≈ lemma, keels short-scabrid, interkeel smooth. Callus usually with small tuft of soft hairs. Rachilla c. 0.4 mm, very minutely papillose. Lodicules 0.3-0.4 mm. Anthers 1-1.3 mm. Caryopsis c. 1 × 0.5 mm.
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Erect, open, rather stiff, shortly rhizomatous perennial tufts, to c. 30 cm, with leaves blue-green abaxially and bright green adaxially; branching extravaginal; leaf-blades persistent. Leaf-sheath light-coloured, green to creamy brown or purplish, later grey, membranous, shining, glabrous, obviously ribbed. Ligule c. 0.5-1 mm, apically glabrous, truncate to obtuse, abaxially smooth or with a few minute prickle-teeth. Leaf-blade (1.5)-5-20-(25) cm × 1.5-3-(4) mm, flat or folded, subcoriaceous, abaxially smooth, adaxially usually minutely scabrid on midrib and lateral ribs near blunt, curved tip; margins smooth or scabrid, sometimes with short hairs just above ligule. Culm (4.5)-10-20-(35) cm, erect, often only slightly overtopping leaves but sometimes much longer, internodes glabrous. Panicle (2.5)-4-6-(9.5) cm, open, with 1-(3) large spikelets borne at tips of slender smooth branches; pedicels usually smooth, rarely slightly scabrid. Spikelets 5-8.5 mm, (3)-4-5-(7)-flowered, light green to usually purplish. Glumes rather unequal, elliptic, subacute to subobtuse, submembranous, smooth except occasionally for some minute prickle-teeth on midnerve; lower 2.5-5 mm, (1)-3-nerved, upper 3.5-5-(6) mm, 3-(5)-nerved. Lemma 3.5-5.5 mm, 5-(7)-nerved, elliptic-oblong, subobtuse, long-ciliate on midnerve in lower ½ and on lateral nerves near base, scabrid on midnerve above hairs and usually on lateral nerves, internerves usually glabrous. Palea 3-4.5 mm, keels ciliate-scabrid, interkeel with sparse minute hairs, or glabrous. Callus with web of soft tangled hairs. Rachilla c. 0.5 mm, very minutely papillose. Lodicules 0.5-0.7 mm. Anthers 1.6-2.7 mm. Caryopsis c. 2 × 0.7 mm. 2n= 28.
Massive, lush green dioecious tussocks to 1.5 m, from short, narrow, woody stolons, with shoots covered at base by abundant fibrous remnants of sheaths; branching extravaginal; leaf-blades persistent. Leaf-sheath light brown, coriaceous, glabrous, closely striate, keel prominent above. Ligule 1-3 mm, apically glabrous, entire, rounded, abaxially finely scabrid. Leaf-blade 15-40-(50) cm × (1)-3-6 mm, coriaceous, tough, flat, abaxially smooth with prominent midrib and many lateral ribs, adaxially short-scabrid, two prominent ridges along centre; margins thickened, smooth, tip straight-sided, smooth, semi-pungent. Culm 20-40-(60) cm, internodes glabrous. Panicle 10-25 cm, dense, with all branches, except the longer ones, bearing spikelets almost to base; rachis and branches smooth or with very occasional prickle-teeth. Spikelets (5.5)-7-9 mm, (3)-4-6-flowered, light greenish brown. Glumes subequal, long-acuminate, membranous, except for thickened nerves, smooth, but with a few prickle-teeth on nerves above and occasionally on margins; lower 3-5-(6) mm, 1-(3)-nerved, narrow-lanceolate, upper 4-5.5-(6.5) mm, 3-nerved, narrow elliptic-lanceolate. Lemma 5-6-(7) mm, 5-nerved, acute or with midnerve very shortly excurrent, scabrid except near base, midnerve ciliate to more than halfway, outer lateral nerves, internerves, and margins with minute hairs in lower ⅓. Palea 3.5-4.5 mm, keel rather densely ciliate-scabrid, interkeel and flanks with sparse minute hairs and prickle-teeth. Callus with large tuft of crinkled hairs just below midnerve of lemma and a few hairs below lateral nerves. Rachilla c. 0.5 mm, glabrous. Lodicules 0.4-0.7 mm, occasionally hair-tipped. Dioecious: ♂ with anthers (2)-2.5-3.3 mm, gynoecium 0; ♀ with pollen-sterile anthers c. 0.6-1 mm, often on long filaments; stigma-styles c. 2 mm; caryopsis c. 2 mm; rarely ☿. 2n= 28. Plate 4A.
Very fine-leaved, light green, shortly rhizomatous, small, lax, perennial tufts 10-50 cm, with conspicuous light-coloured leaf-sheaths, and slender, erect culms » drooping leaves, topped by extremely delicate, green panicles; branching extravaginal; leaf-blades persistent. Leaf-sheath light green, later creamy brown sometimes purplish, membranous, ribbed, glabrous. Ligule 0.2-0.4-(1) mm, apically glabrous, entire, ± rounded, abaxially slightly scabrid. Leaf-blade (2)-5-12-(16) cm × 0.5-1 mm, folded, usually filiform, soft, culm-leaves 1-3 mm wide, flat, minutely scabrid abaxially on midrib towards long, fine, acute, triangular tip, and adaxially just above ligule and on margins. Culm (4)-10-32-(50) cm, nodes swollen, internodes smooth, rarely scabrid below panicle. Panicle (3.5)-8-15-(25) cm, lax and delicate; rachis smooth to finely scabrid above, elongate branches and pedicels filiform, finely scabrid, spreading, with few spikelets. Spikelets 3-4 mm, 3-4-(5)-flowered, light green, often purplish. Glumes ± unequal, obtuse, midnerve often with a few prickle-teeth; lower 0.8-1.5 mm, 1-nerved, linear-lanceolate, upper 1.3-1.8 mm, 3-nerved, ovate-lanceolate; margins finely scabrid. Lemma (1.6)-1.8-2.2 mm, 5-nerved but inner lateral nerves often rather faint, glabrous, margin and nerves near obtuse tip minutely scabrid. Palea 1.2-2 mm, keels obviously ciliate, interkeel and often margins sparsely prickle-toothed. Callus glabrous, very rarely with a few fine hairs. Rachilla 0.5-1 mm, glabrous. Lodicules c. 0.2 mm. Anthers 0.2-0.4 mm. Gynoecium: ovary 0.3 mm; stigma-styles 0.5-0.9 mm. Caryopsis c. 1 × 0.3 mm, tightly enclosed by lemma and palea. 2n= 28. Plate 7A.
Small perennial tufts, 5-15 cm, narrow, glaucous; branching extravaginal at plant base, intravaginal above; leaf-blades persistent. Leaf-sheath shining, greenish or reddish purple, later light grey-brown, membranous, glabrous, ribs conspicuous. Ligule 0.2-0.7 mm, apically glabrous, entire, rounded or sometimes centrally narrowed to a point, abaxially minutely papillose. Leaf-blade 1-6-(9) cm × 0.6-2 mm, usually folded, abaxially smooth, but scabrid on midrib near curved tip, adaxially glabrous, but shortly hairy above ligule and occasionally with a few prickle-teeth on midrib, lateral ribs indistinct; margins inrolled, shortly prickle-toothed. Culm 2-9-(16) cm, internodes often closely short-scabrid below panicle or smooth. Panicle 0.5-2.5-(3) cm, compact, spike-like or racemose, very rarely more open with few, very short branches; rachis and branches stiff, angular, ± densely scabrid, spikelets few on scabrid pedicels. Spikelets 2.5-3.5 mm, 2-3-(4)-flowered, light green tinged purple. Glumes subequal, usually 1.5-2.5 mm, glabrous, with a few prickle-teeth on nerves in upper ½; lower occasionally smaller, 1-1.5 mm, 1-(3)-nerved, narrow- to ovate-elliptic, subobtuse to obtuse, upper 3-nerved, ovate, obtuse. Lemma c. 2-2.5 mm, 5-(7)-nerved, ovate, strongly folded about midnerve, obtuse, sometimes almost hooded, minutely papillose or occasionally minutely scabrid near distinct membranous margin, midnerve scabrid towards tip. Palea 1.5-2.3 mm, keels scabrid on upper ½, interkeel and flanks glabrous. Callus glabrous. Rachilla c. 0.5 mm, glabrous; prolongation usually twice as long. Lodicules 0.4-0.5 mm. Anthers 0.2-0.5 mm. Gynoecium: ovary 0.4-0.5 mm; stigma-styles 0.75-1.1 mm. Caryopsis 1-1.3 ×c. 0.5 mm.
Loosely tufted, yellow-green, very short-lived, free-seeding annual, to 25 cm; branching intravaginal; leaf-blades persistent. Leaf-sheath very pale green to light brown, hyaline, glabrous, keeled. Ligule 0.5-3 mm, entire, rounded or tapering, glabrous throughout. Leaf-blade 1-5 cm × 1.5-4 mm, flat or folded, thin, glabrous; margins sparsely and minutely scabrid, tip rounded to blunt point. Culm 0.5-20 cm, erect, spreading or prostrate, internodes glabrous. Panicle 0.5-6 cm, lax, erect, with very fine, glabrous branches spreading after anthesis. Spikelets 3-5 mm, with 2-5 rather distant florets, light green. Glumes subequal to unequal, glabrous; lower 1-2 mm, 1-nerved, elliptic, subobtuse, upper 1.5-2.5 mm, 3-nerved, ovate-oblong, obtuse. Lemma 2-2.5 mm, 5-nerved, ovate-oblong, obtuse, strongly silky haired on nerves for more than ½ length, nerves glabrous above hairs, internerves glabrous, often purplish on hyaline band at tip; margins hyaline. Palea 2-2.5 mm, = lemma, keels strongly ciliate, often purplish, interkeel glabrous. Callus glabrous. Rachilla c. 0.5 mm, glabrous; prolongation minute. Lodicules c. 0.2 mm. Anthers (0.1)-0.2-0.4 mm. Caryopsis c. 1 × 0.5 mm, tightly enclosed by lemma and palea.
Loose, green to purple-green perennial tufts, to 60 cm, culms usually only slightly overtopping leaves at flowering, later elongating; branching extravaginal; leaf-blades persistent. Leaf-sheath light green, often slightly purplish, later greyish, shining, submembranous, glabrous, keeled, distinctly ribbed, occasionally scabrid just below ligule especially on keel. Ligule 0.5-1.5-(2.5) mm, evenly narrowed to a short point, strongly finely ciliate, abaxially minutely hairy. Leaf-blade 7-15.5 cm × 2-3.5 mm, flat or folded, subcoriaceous, abaxially glabrous except near curved, shortly apiculate scabrid tip, adaxially minutely scabrid; margins finely scabrid, with a few hairs just above ligule. Culm 15-45 cm, erect, internodes glabrous below panicle. Panicle 6.5-18 cm; branches slender, spreading, minutely scabrid, tipped by 2-4 large spikelets. Spikelets 6.5-9.5 mm, 3-5-flowered, usually purplish. Glumes ± equal, c. 4-5 mm, 3-nerved, elliptic- to ovate-lanceolate, subobtuse, midrib scabrid, tip minutely ciliate. Lemma 4.5-5 mm, 5-nerved, ± oblong, obtuse, minutely scabrid on nerves and internerves especially in lower ½, rarely with a few sparse short hairs near base of keel, tip minutely scabrid. Palea 4.5-5 mm, keels ciliate-scabrid, interkeel and flanks with minute hairs and prickle-teeth. Callus glabrous, rarely with a few sparse hairs. Rachilla c. 1 mm, sparsely, minutely scabrid; prolongation twice as long. Lodicules 0.7-0.9 mm. Anthers 1.2-1.7-(2) mm. Caryopsis c. 2 × 0.7 mm.
Usually slender perennial tufts, c. 20-50 cm, occasionally stoloniferous, with brownish green leaves much overtopped by erect culms; branching extravaginal; leaf-blades persistent. Leaf-sheath often reddish purple, later grey-brown, submembranous, smooth or rarely slightly scabrid, ribs conspicuous. Ligule 1-4 mm, apically glabrous, entire, tapered, abaxially glabrous to finely pubescent-scabrid. Leaf-blade (3.5)-7.5-20 cm ×c. 1-3 mm, subcoriaceous, often flat, abaxially smooth, or scabrid on ribs, adaxially scabrid just above ligule and on ribs for some distance; margins finely scabrid with a few hairs just above ligule, midrib scabrid near curved tip. Culm (10)-15-35-(65) cm, internodes smooth or occasionally finely scabrid below panicle. Panicle 5-10-(15) cm, loosely spreading, with rather large spikelets at tips of fine, smooth to scabrid branches. Spikelets 3-6.5 mm, (2)-3-4-(6)-flowered, light green, often purplish. Glumes ± equal, usually purplish, subacute to acute, midnerve usually finely prickle-toothed near tip; lower 1.5-4 mm, 1-3-nerved, narrow elliptic-lanceolate, upper 2-5 mm, 3-nerved, elliptic-ovate; margins entire or finely ciliate near tip. Lemma (1.5)-2-5 mm, 5-(7)-nerved, ± ovate to oblong, obtuse to almost truncate, tip hyaline, usually purplish, nerves finely scabrid throughout or only in upper or lower part; in North Id plants lower ⅓ to ½ of midnerve and lower ¼ of outer lateral nerves with short hairs, internerves glabrous; in plants from South and Stewart Is nerves usually glabrous, rarely with a few wispy hairs on midnerve, internerves usually minutely ± sparsely scabrid, or smooth. Palea 1.5-4 mm, keels ciliate-scabrid, interkeel glabrous to shortly pubescent. Callus glabrous, occasionally with a few wispy hairs. Rachilla 0.5-1 mm, glabrous; prolongation twice as long. Lodicules 0.3-0.6 mm, rarely hair-tipped. Anthers 0.6-1-(1.2) mm. Caryopsis 1-1.5 ×c. 0.5 mm. 2n= 28.
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Coarse, dense, green or blue-green often very scabrid tussocks, to c. 120 cm, with a large bulk of dead dry leaves densely packed at the narrow base; branching intravaginal; leaf-blades persistent. Leaf-sheath light greenish brown, later grey-brown, rarely slightly purplish, subcoriaceous, ± distinctly ribbed, ± minutely scabrid. Ligule 0.2-0.6 mm, truncate, minutely ciliate, abaxially scabrid. Leaf-blade 35-65 cm × 1.8-3 mm, coriaceous, flat, to folded and ± inrolled, abaxially usually scabrid, occasionally almost smooth, adaxially finely ribbed, finely scabrid on ribs; margins obviously scabrid, tip ± acicular, straight-sided. Culm 60-110 cm, erect or drooping, internodes scabrid below panicle. Panicle 10-25 cm, open; branches fine, not drooping, slightly spreading, finely scabrid, in clusters of 3-7, naked and undivided below, with numerous spikelets clustered at tips. Spikelets 3-7 mm, 3-5-flowered, light green, often purplish. Glumes usually ± equal, 1.5-3.5 mm, 3-nerved, often scabrid near tip and on midnerve and margins, narrow- to ovate-lanceolate, acute. Lemma c. 2-4 mm, 5-nerved, oblong-elliptic, obtuse, ± short scabrid but usually softly hairy on midnerve and lateral nerves near base. Palea 2-3.5 mm, keels scabrid in upper ⅔ and smooth below, interkeel scabrid. Callus with long tuft of soft tangled hairs. Rachilla slightly > 0.5 mm, minutely scabrid with some longer hairs; prolongation sometimes twice as long. Lodicules 0.5-0.6 mm. Anthers 1-2 mm. Caryopsis 1-1.5 × 0.5-1 mm.
Small, delicate grey-green or blue-green, rarely reddish perennial tufts, 5-40 cm, with densely packed wiry, short and curved, or longer and erect leaves usually « culms; branching intravaginal, with a few extravaginal shoots at plant base; leaf-blades persistent. Leaf-sheath very pale brown, often purplish, membranous, distinctly ribbed, minutely scabrid abaxially, occasionally smooth. Ligule 0.2-0.7 mm, truncate, erose, glabrous throughout. Leaf-blade 0.5-1.5-(5) cm × 1-1.5-(3) mm, usually fine and folded, adaxially with minute scattered prickle-teeth, abaxially smooth, but midrib scabrid near naviculate tip; margins inrolled, sparingly scabrid. Culm (1.5)-5-15-(40) cm, very slender, purplish, usually bearing 2 small cauline leaves, internodes glabrous. Panicle 1.5-6.5-(8) cm, open; rachis glabrous, branches capillary, sometimes flexuous, very minutely scabrid with prickle-teeth scarcely visible except at high magnification, with rather few spikelets, clustered 2-3 at branch tips. Spikelets 1.5-4.5 mm, (1)-3-5-(6)-flowered, silvery purple-green. Glumes subequal, 1-2 mm, with wide hyaline margins, midnerve slightly scabrid in upper ½ or near tip; lower narrower, ovate-lanceolate, acute, 1-(3)-nerved, upper ovate, obtuse, 3-nerved, sometimes with a few prickle-teeth on margins and on lateral nerves above. Lemma 1-2 mm, 5-nerved, ovate, obtuse, covered almost throughout or for c. ⅔ length with long, appressed, silky hairs, c. 0.2 mm, midnerve scabrid and internerves glabrous near membranous tip. Palea 1-2 mm, keels long-ciliate, interkeel with appressed hairs, flanks with some hairs. Callus glabrous. Rachilla to 0.5 mm, with scattered long hairs or almost glabrous. Lodicules 0.2-0.4 mm. Anthers 0.2-0.5 mm. Gynoecium: ovary 0.3-0.5 mm; stigma-styles 0.7-1 mm. Caryopsis c. 1 × 0.5 mm. 2n= 28. Plate 7F.
Stiff, wiry, straw-coloured tussock, to 1.8 m, with acicular-tipped leaves overtopping culms; rhizome slender, from base of tufts; branching intravaginal; leaf-blades persistent. Leaf-sheath light green to straw-coloured to grey-brown, ± shining, coriaceous, distinctly ribbed, smooth or short-scabrid between ribs. Ligule 0.3-1 mm, a truncate ciliate rim, abaxially with a dense mat of minute hairs. Leaf-blade 10-65 cm, inrolled c. 1 mm diam., coriaceous, abaxially glabrous, adaxially with stiff short hairs; tip straight-sided, pungent. Culm 5-50 cm, erect, internodes usually very slightly scabrid just below panicle. Panicle (4.5)-6-15 cm, contracted, with few, short, erect, scabrid branches. Spikelets (7)-11-14 mm, 4-6-(7)-flowered, light green, glumes and lemmas brown-tipped. Glumes unequal, 3-nerved, narrow-lanceolate, subobtuse, ± scabrid above; lower (4)-5.5-7 mm, upper (5)-6-7.5 mm. Lemma (5.5)-6-7.5 mm, 5-nerved, elliptic-oblong, obtuse, short-scabrid, with hairs on lower ⅓ of mid-nerve and outer lateral nerves. Palea 5.5-6.5 mm, keels ciliate-scabrid, interkeel with minute hairs and prickle-teeth, tip bifid. Callus with narrow tuft of long crinkled hairs. Rachilla 1-1.5 mm, stiff-ciliate; prolongation twice as long. Lodicules 0.8-1.5 mm, occasionally hair-tipped. Anthers (2.5)-3-4 mm. Caryopsis c. 3 × 1 mm. 2n=c. 266.
Erect, shortly rhizomatous, perennial light green to purplish tufts, to 40 cm, with loosely packed shoots, and culms overtopping leaves; branching extravaginal; leaf-blades persistent. Leaf-sheath green or purplish, later light brown, membranous, glabrous, distinctly ribbed. Ligule (0.4)-0.7-1.5 mm, apically glabrous, entire, obtuse, abaxially slightly scabrid. Leaf-blade 1.5-16 cm × 0.5-1.5 mm, usually folded, rather wiry, often filiform rarely flat, smooth, but scabrid adaxially near ligule and abaxially on midrib near acute, ± incurved tip; margins scabrid. Culm (4)-12-35-(50) cm, internodes glabrous. Panicle (1.5)-3-9 cm, very lax; rachis glabrous, branches often in pairs, finely, sparingly scabrid, spreading, often purplish, each bearing few, conspicuous spikelets. Spikelets (2.3)-3-6 mm, (1)-2-3-(5)-flowered, green, often purplish. Glumes rather unequal, usually purplish; lower 1-2.5 mm, 1-nerved, linear-lanceolate, subacute, upper c. 2-3 mm, 3-nerved, elliptic-lanceolate, obtuse, often scabrid on nerves. Lemma (2)-2.5-3.5 mm, 5-nerved, oblong-lanceolate, glabrous, apart from minute prickle-teeth on midnerve near obtuse, usually purplish tip. Palea 2-3 mm, keels shortly scabrid in upper ½, interkeel glabrous. Callus glabrous. Rachilla c. 0.5 mm, glabrous; prolongation almost twice as long. Lodicules 0.3-0.5 mm. Anthers (0.6)-0.8-1.2-(1.5) mm. Caryopsis c. 1.5 × 0.5 mm.
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Markedly stoloniferous perennial, with bright green, rarely glaucous leaves, tending to lie along the ground, and very slender culms erect or geniculate and ascending, to 50 cm; branching extravaginal; leaf-blades persistent. Leaf-sheath pale green to light brown, membranous, mainly glabrous but with minute hairs and prickle-teeth near hyaline margin, occasionally near ligules and on keel. Ligule 0.7-1.5 mm, apically glabrous, entire, rounded, abaxially with dense, minute hairs. Leaf-blade (5.5)-10-17 cm × 1-2 mm, flat, soft, abaxially glabrous, adaxially with very minute fine hairs; margins ciliate near ligule, midrib minutely scabrid especially near filiform, acuminate tip. Culm 10-25-(36) cm, internodes very minutely scabrid just below panicle or rarely smooth. Panicle 10-25 cm, lax and delicate; rachis very minutely, sparsely scabrid, branches finely scabrid, spreading, with few spikelets at tip. Spikelets 3.5-5-(6) mm, (2)-3-4-(5)-flowered, green, rarely purplish. Glumes unequal; lower 0.8-1.5 mm, 1-nerved, narrow-lanceolate, subobtuse, upper 1.5-2 mm, 3-nerved, elliptic-lanceolate, obtuse, midnerve scabrid. Lemma 2-3 mm, 5-nerved, narrow-lanceolate, subobtuse, nerves minutely scabrid above, lateral nerves occasionally with long hairs near base, internerves glabrous. Palea 1.5-2 mm, keels ciliate-scabrid, interkeel ± minutely hairy. Callus glabrous, or often with a few fine long hairs. Rachilla 0.5-1 mm, glabrous or with a few hairs. Lodicules 0.2-0.4 mm. Anthers 0.3-0.5 mm. Gynoecium: ovary 0.3-0.5 mm; stigma-styles 1.0-1.25 mm. Caryopsis c. 1 × 0.3 mm. 2n= 28. Plates 4D, 7B.
Loose, bright green perennial tufts, to 50 cm; branching extravaginal; leaf-blades persistent. Leaf-sheath light green to light brown, membranous, smooth, or lower sheaths sparsely scabrid, striate. Ligule 0.4-0.5-(0.8) mm, truncate, minutely ciliate, abaxially minutely scabrid. Leaf-blade 5-12-(15) cm × 1.5-2 mm, weak, flat, abaxially glabrous, adaxially minutely pubescent-scabrid, often densely scabrid just above ligule; margins minutely scabrid, tip finely to abruptly acute. Culm 20-30-(40) cm, erect or spreading, terete, internodes glabrous. Panicle 5-20 cm, lax and open; branches few to many, filiform, finely scabrid, naked below with few small spikelets near tips. Spikelets 3-4.5 mm, 2-4-flowered, light green. Glumes equal or subequal, acute to acuminate, 3-nerved, midnerve finely scabrid above; lower 2.2-3 mm, narrow-lanceolate, upper (2.2)-2.5-3.5 mm, lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate; margins glabrous. Lemma c. 3.0 mm, finely 5-nerved but inner lateral nerves not always distinct, narrow oblong-lanceolate, midnerve and outer lateral nerves with fine hairs to ½ length; margins, midnerve and internerves minutely scabrid near subacute tip. Palea ≈ lemma, keels densely, minutely scabrid, interkeel glabrous. Callus with small tuft of long soft hairs or a few wispy hairs. Rachilla c. 1 mm, softly short-ciliate; prolongation usually twice as long. Lodicules c. 0.4 mm. Anthers c. 1.5 mm. Caryopsis 1.2-1.3 × 0.3-0.4 mm.
Stout perennial, bright green tufts, variable in size, to 30 cm, with leaves usually erect and much narrowed above; branching intravaginal; leaf-blades persistent. Leaf-sheath light green, sometimes purpled, membranous, ribbed, glabrous, or with a few prickle-teeth on margin near ligule. Ligule 1-2-(6) mm, apically glabrous, entire, smooth, somewhat narrowed above to a point, abaxially pubescent-scabrid. Leaf-blade 5-15 cm × 1-3-(5) mm, folded, often with inrolled margins, coriaceous, mainly smooth, but adaxially sparsely scabrid near ligule, rarely finely scabrid throughout; margins with a few scattered prickle-teeth and midrib occasionally scabrid near the curved, often shortly apiculate tip. Culm 5-15-(30) cm, internodes glabrous. Panicle (3)-5-10 cm, dense with erect branches or more spreading and often drooping above; rachis glabrous, branches numerous, slender, glabrous, tipped by large, elliptic, acute spikelets. Spikelets 6-12 mm, 5-8-flowered, light green to purplish. Glumes ± equal, glabrous, smooth, rarely scabrid on midnerve, acuminate; lower 3-6 mm, 1-(3)-nerved, narrow-lanceolate, upper 3.5-7 mm, 3-nerved, narrow elliptic-lanceolate. Lemma 3.5-8 mm, 3-(5)-nerved, elliptic-lanceolate, acute to usually acuminate, glabrous except for long hairs near base of nerves, rarely scabrid on midnerve above hairs; margins narrow-membranous, entire. Palea 2.5-5 mm, keels sparsely short-scabrid to almost smooth, interkeel and flanks glabrous. Callus with thick tuft of long hairs just below midnerve of lemma and some hairs below lateral nerves. Rachilla 0.5-1 mm, glabrous. Lodicules c. 0.7 mm. Gynomonoecious: each spikelet with 1-2-(3) lower flowers ☿, anthers 0.8-1.2-(1.4) mm, gynoecium c. 2 mm; upper flowers ♀ with small to minute colourless pollen-sterile anthers 0.1-0.3-(0.6) mm, gynoecium c. 1.5 mm. Caryopsis 1.5-2.5 ×c. 0.5 mm. 2n= 28. Plate 7C.
Loosely tufted, bright green perennial, to 80 cm, with flaccid leaves overtopped by culms; branching extravaginal at plant base, intravaginal above; leaf-blades persistent. Leaf-sheath light green to light brown, membranous, smooth, or scabrid above, distinctly ribbed, keeled near ligule. Ligule 1.5-3 mm, entire, oblong, slightly rounded and slightly short-ciliate, abaxially with sparse minute hairs. Leaf-blade 10-20 cm × 2-4 mm, flat, minutely scabrid throughout; tip acute. Culm 30-70 cm, erect, internodes glabrous, or rarely papillose and minutely pubescent just below nodes. Panicle 10-25 cm, very loose and open; rachis glabrous, branches delicate, finely scabrid, spreading and flexuous, naked below, branched above with few spikelets on each branchlet. Spikelets 3.5-5 mm, 3-4-flowered, light green tinged purple and brown. Glumes equal or subequal, 3-nerved, acute to acuminate, midnerve scabrid above; lower 2.3-2.8 mm, lanceolate, upper 2.5-3.2 mm, narrowly-ovate. Lemma 2.6-2.8 mm, 5-nerved but inner lateral nerves often obscure, oblong, obtuse, glabrous apart from fringe of short hairs to ½ length of midnerve and outer lateral nerves, scabrid on midnerve above hairs, sometimes purplish, with shining yellow-brown band above. Palea 2.3-2.6 mm, keels ciliate, interkeel glabrous. Callus with long tuft of soft crinkled hairs. Rachilla c. 0.5 mm, minutely scabrid; prolongation twice as long. Lodicules c. 0.4 mm. Anthers 0.7-1 mm. Caryopsis c. 1.3 × 0.5 mm.
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Slender, often delicate, open, perennial tufts, 5-c. 35 cm, with few, very narrow, flaccid, bright green leaves, and slender, long-creeping rhizome; branching extravaginal; leaf-blades persistent. Leaf-sheath greenish purple becoming light brown, ± membranous, distinctly keeled, ribs strong, whitish, shaggy pubescent-scabrid, or minutely scabrid throughout or only near hyaline margins, occasionally with a few longer hairs on margins near ligule, rarely completely glabrous. Ligule 0.2-0.5 mm, truncate, ciliate, sometimes erose, abaxially with minute hairs. Leaf-blade (1)-5-15-(25) cm ×c. 0.5 mm diam., folded, rarely flat and wider, margins inrolled, abaxially distinctly ribbed, glabrous, adaxially with scattered short hairs especially on midrib, tip subacute to curved, scabrid on midrib. Culm 3-30-(50) cm, very slender, erect or drooping above, internodes glabrous. Panicle 1.5-8.5 cm; branches spreading, few, filiform, scabrid, bearing 1-4 spikelets at tips. Spikelets 3-7.5 mm, 2-5-(7)-flowered, yellow-green, faintly purplish. Glumes subequal, 2-4-(4.5) mm, 3-nerved, narrow elliptic- to ovate-lanceolate, acute or subacute, smooth, midnerve and sometimes lateral nerves sparsely scabrid. Lemma 2-4-(5) mm, 5-nerved, oblong- to ovate-elliptic, obtuse, midnerve with long silky crinkled hairs in lower ½, sometimes scabrid above hairs, lateral nerves usually with conspicuous silky hairs near base or in lower ½, internerves usually smooth, rarely finely scabrid, with hyaline band at slightly erose tip. Palea 2-3.5 mm, keels short ciliate-scabrid, interkeel short pubescent-scabrid, flanks smooth to scabrid. Callus with thick tuft of long, silky crinkled hairs. Rachilla (0.3)-0.6-0.8 mm, with scattered long hairs. Lodicules c. 0.5 mm. Anthers 1-2 mm. Caryopsis c. 1 × 0.5 mm. 2n= 28.
Small, dull green, much-branched, very densely packed perennial, rooting from short prostrate branches and forming compact, rigid cushions to 10 cm across and 2.5 cm high, slightly overtopped by filiform flowering culms with few spikelets; branching intravaginal, new shoots with densely imbricating leaves; leaf-blades persistent. Leaf-sheath much wider than leaf-blade, pale greyish brown, membranous, glabrous, shining, ± indistinctly ribbed. Ligule 0.5-1 mm, apically glabrous, entire, narrowed centrally to a short point, abaxially sparsely to densely minutely pubescent. Leaf-blade 0.3-0.7 cm × 1-2 mm, stiff, inrolled, abaxially glabrous, ribs prominent, adaxially strongly ribbed, ribs whitish with fine minute hairs or prickle-teeth; midrib scabrid near very curved, subobtuse or occasionally acute tip. Culm 1.5-2.5 cm, internodes mainly smooth with a few minute prickle-teeth above. Panicle 0.5-1 cm, contracted, racemose, with 1-3 spikelets; branches and pedicels glabrous. Spikelets 4.5-5.5 mm, 2-5-flowered, light green to purplish. Glumes equal, 2.5-3.5 mm, 3-nerved, ovate-elliptic, subobtuse, smooth or rarely with a few prickle-teeth on midnerve near tip; margins entire. Lemma 3-3.5 mm, 5-nerved, ovate, obtuse, lower ½ with fine, often crinkled hairs on nerves and sparse somewhat shorter hairs on internerves, upper ½ sparsely scabrid on midnerve and near wide membranous margin; midnerve occasionally minutely excurrent. Palea 2.5-3 mm, keels ciliate, interkeel with sparse minute hairs. Callus with few long hairs. Rachilla c. 0.5 mm, sparsely ciliate; prolongation twice as long. Lodicules 0.4-0.6 mm. Anthers 1.2-1.6 mm. Caryopsis c. 1.5-2 × 0.5 mm. 2n= 28.
Bright green, soft, turfy perennial patches, from long, bare prostrate culms, distally becoming erect, leafy and much-branched; branching intravaginal; leaf-blades persistent. Leaf-sheath greenish brown to purplish, glabrous, hyaline, ribs prominent. Ligule (1.5)-2.5-4 mm, deeply and sharply lacerate, glabrous throughout. Leaf-blade (4)-9-15 cm × 1-2 mm, thin, weak, flat, ribs many, strong, minutely papillose-scabrid, adaxially furrowed, evenly narrowed to very finely obtuse or subobtuse tip; margins glabrous. Culm (1)-10-30-(40) cm, internodes glabrous. Panicle (2)-4-5-(10) cm, ± oblong, contracted, usually overtopped by leaves; rachis glabrous, branches erect, short, scarcely spreading, finely papillose-scabrid, bearing few spikelets. Spikelets 4.5-7.5 mm, 3-5-flowered, greenish brown, very minutely papillose-scabrid. Glumes subequal or the lower obviously shorter, both narrow-lanceolate, acute or acuminate; lower 2.5-4 mm, 1-3-nerved, upper 3-4.5 mm, 3-nerved. Lemma 3.8-5 mm, 5-(7)-nerved, elliptic, drawn out to acute or acuminate tip, mid- and lateral nerves with a few short hairs near base. Palea 2.5-4.5 mm, very narrow, keels with a few short hair-like prickle-teeth. Callus with small tufts of long, twisted hairs below midnerve of lemma and occasionally below lateral nerves. Rachilla 0.5-1 mm, glabrous. Lodicules 0.3-1 mm, occasionally hair-tipped. Gynomonoecious: each spikelet with 1-2 lower flowers ☿, anthers 1.5-2.5 mm, gynoecium c. 1.5 mm; upper flowers ♀ with minute colourless anthers 0.1-0.7 mm, gynoecium c. 1.5 mm. Caryopsis c. 1 × 0.5 mm. 2n= 28.
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Small, stoloniferous, almost completely glabrous, brownish green perennial tufts, c. 5-15-(25) cm, culms overtopping leaves; branching extravaginal; leaf-blades persistent. Leaf-sheath membranous, glabrous, ribbed, keeled. Ligule 0.5-1.5 mm, entire, tapered, glabrous throughout. Leaf-blade 1-3.5 cm × 1-2 mm, flat or folded, subcoriaceous, smooth, but midrib scabrid near curved tip; margins finely scabrid. Culm 3-15-(20) cm, very slender, erect or geniculate at base, internodes glabrous. Panicle 1-3 cm, ± open or contracted, with few, ovate spikelets; rachis, branches and pedicels slender with sparse, scattered prickle-teeth. Spikelets 2-3-(3.5) mm, 2-3-flowered, light green, tinged purple. Glumes unequal, submembranous with hyaline margins, a few prickle-teeth on midnerve near tip; lower 1.5-2 mm, 1-nerved, narrow-lanceolate, acute, upper 2-2.5 mm, (1)-3-nerved, elliptic-oblong, subobtuse to obtuse. Lemma 2-2.5 mm, 5-nerved, elliptic-ovate, obtuse, glabrous, but midnerve with short crinkled hairs to c. ½ length and sparsely prickle-toothed near tip, lateral nerves with a few hairs near base. Palea 1.5-1.8 mm, keels minutely scabrid, interkeel glabrous. Callus with a few wispy hairs. Rachilla c. 0.5 mm, glabrous. Lodicules c. 0.1 mm. Anthers 0.3-0.4 mm. Gynoecium: ovary 0.4-0.5 mm; stigma-styles 0.8-1 mm. Caryopsis c. 1 × 0.5 mm.
Stiff, fine-leaved, greyish green, small, wiry, tussocks to c. 80 cm, from a narrow base packed with dead dry leaves; branching intravaginal; leaf-blades persistent. Leaf-sheath light brown, becoming dull grey-brown, coriaceous, smooth or slightly scabrid. Ligule c. 0.3 mm, a truncate minutely ciliate rim, abaxially with minute prickle-teeth. Leaf-blade 15-25-(35) cm, inrolled, c. 0.5 mm diam., abaxially usually finely scabrid, adaxially densely short-scabrid; margins finely scabrid, tip long, fine, acicular. Culm 30-75 cm, erect, internodes smooth to finely scabrid. Panicle 10-20 cm, contracted at first, later lax with spreading, slender, finely scabrid branches tipped by numerous spikelets. Spikelets (3.5)-4-5-(6.5) mm, 3-6-(8)-flowered, light green often purpled. Glumes ± unequal, narrow-lanceolate to narrow-ovate, acute to subacuminate, keels and sometimes internerves scabrid; lower 1.5-2 mm, 1-3-nerved, upper 2-2.5 mm, 3-nerved; margins minutely scabrid. Lemma c. 2.5 mm, 5-nerved, elliptic-oblong, ± closely pubescent on lower ½, usually with slightly longer hairs on keel and marginal nerves, tip obtuse, short-ciliate. Palea 2-2.5 mm, keels scabrid above and finely ciliolate in lower ½, interkeel pubescent especially in lower ½. Callus glabrous or with a few long hairs. Rachilla c. 0.5 mm, with a few short hairs. Lodicules 0.4-0.6 mm. Anthers 1.2-1.5 mm. Caryopsis c. 1.5 × 0.5 mm.
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Low-growing perennial, forming small tufts or cushions to c. 15 cm, with culms usually somewhat overtopping the rather stiff, green or purplish leaves; branching extravaginal; leaf-blades persistent. Leaf-sheath creamy brown or purple, glabrous, hyaline, ribs distinct. Ligule c. 0.5-(1) mm, entire, narrowed to a subobtuse point, glabrous throughout. Leaf-blade 1-5 cm × (0.5)-1-1.5 mm, folded, smooth but with a few prickle-teeth abaxially on midrib near incurved tip, and on margins near ligule and tip. Culm 1-10-(15) cm, internodes glabrous. Panicle 1-4.5 cm, lax; rachis and slender spreading branches and pedicels filiform, smooth, rarely sparsely scabrid below the very few spikelets. Spikelets 3-4 mm, 3-4-flowered, light green, usually purplish. Glumes subequal, smooth, but midnerve prickle-toothed in upper ½; lower 1.5-2.5 mm, 1-nerved, ovate-lanceolate, acute, upper 1.8-3.2 mm, 3-nerved, ovate, subobtuse. Lemma 2-3.5 mm, 5-7-nerved, ovate, obtuse, smooth, but upper ⅓ of midnerve sparsely scabrid. Palea 1.5-2.5 mm, keels short-scabrid, interkeel glabrous. Callus glabrous. Rachilla c. 0.5 mm, glabrous. Lodicules 0.3-0.6 mm. Anthers (0.2)-0.3-(0.5) mm. Caryopsis c. 1 × 0.5 mm.
Often robust, bright green perennial tufts to 40 cm, with erect, wide, rather stiff leaves overtopped by culms; branching extravaginal; leaf-blades persistent. Leaf-sheath green to light brown, membranous, distinctly ribbed, glabrous; midrib thickened above. Ligule 1-2.5-(6.5) mm, apically glabrous, entire, sometimes ± erose, shortly tapered, often narrowed to a long point, abaxially short-pubescent or rarely glabrous. Leaf-blade 5-20 cm × 2-4-(6.5) mm, flat, abaxially smooth, adaxially with minute, ± appressed prickle-teeth; margins thickened, smooth, rarely with a few prickle-teeth near base, abruptly narrowed and curved to ± thickened, ovate to acute tip. Culm 10-20-(40) cm, internodes glabrous. Panicle (3)-6-10-(15) cm, lax and often drooping above or sometimes dense; branches short, fine, ± crowded, smooth, very rarely sparsely prickle-toothed, tipped by large spikelets. Spikelets (6)-8-10 mm, 4-6-flowered, light green to purple. Glumes subequal, smooth throughout or midnerve sparsely scabrid above; lower (2.5)-3-4.5 mm, 1-nerved, narrow-lanceolate, usually acuminate, upper 3-5.5 mm, 3-nerved, elliptic-lanceolate, acute or subobtuse. Lemma (3.5)-4.5-6 mm, 3-nerved, elliptic-lanceolate, acute to obtuse, glabrous except for soft tangled hairs on lower ½ of nerves; margins membranous wide, occasionally with a few sparse prickle-teeth. Palea (3)-3.5-4-(4.5) mm, keels sparsely ciliate in upper ½, interkeel and flanks glabrous. Callus with thick tufts of long hairs below lemma nerves. Rachilla c. 1 mm, glabrous, or with occasional hairs. Lodicules 0.5-1 mm. Dioecious: ♂ with anthers (1.5)-2-3 mm, gynoecium c. 0.2 mm; ♀ with ovary c. 1 mm, stigma-styles c. 1.5 mm, pollen-sterile anthers 0.3-0.7 mm, caryopsis 0.5-0.8 × 0.2-0.3 mm. 2n= 28.
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Stout, stiff-leaved, yellow-green perennial tufts to c. 1 m, from strong rhizomatous base covered by abundant fibrous remnants of leaf-sheaths; branching intravaginal; leaf-blades persistent. Leaf-sheath submembranous, striate, densely, retrorsely, minutely pubescent-scabrid between ribs in basal leaves, glabrous in cauline leaves, very light brown, later becoming darker and shredding into fibres. Ligule 6-16 mm, apically glabrous, entire, narrowed to a long fine point, abaxially short-pubescent. Leaf-blade 16-38 cm × 4.5-9 mm, flat, finely striate, abaxially smooth, adaxially minutely papillose, very rarely minutely ciliate-scabrid on ribs; margins ciliate-fimbriate for a short distance above ligule, otherwise glabrous, gradually narrowed to straight-sided acute tip. Culm 15-33 cm, internodes glabrous. Panicle 9-16 cm, broad, dense but much-branched, upper branches almost completely hidden by numerous, rather small spikelets, lower branches naked towards base; rachis smooth, branches and pedicels ± scabrid to occasionally smooth. Spikelets 3.5-4.5 mm, 2-3-flowered, light brown. Glumes subequal, ovate-lanceolate, acute, glabrous; lower 2-2.5 mm, 1-nerved, upper 2.5-3 mm, 3-nerved; midnerve near tip and margins with sparse prickle-teeth. Lemma 3-3.5 mm, 5-nerved, ovate-elliptic, minutely pubescent-scabrid, nerves longer ciliate on lower ⅓, acute, or midnerve very shortly excurrent. Palea 2.5-3 mm, keels scabrid in upper ½, interkeel smooth or with a few prickle-teeth. Callus glabrous. Rachilla c. 0.5 mm, glabrous; prolongation twice as long. Lodicules 0.5-0.8 mm. Anthers 1-1.5 mm. Caryopsis c. 1.5 × 0.5 mm. 2n= 56.
Small, compact, light green perennial tufts, to c. 15 cm; branching intravaginal, sometimes extravaginal at plant base; leaf-blades persistent. Leaf-sheath light creamy brown to reddish purple, membranous, ribbed, smooth or papillose above, especially on keel. Ligule 0.5-1 mm, apically glabrous, centrally tapered, erose, abaxially ciliate. Leaf-blade 1-3.5 cm × 1-2 mm, flat, subcoriaceous, abaxially smooth, adaxially minutely scabrid; margins densely, finely scabrid, tip curved. Culm 2-10 cm, slender, purplish, usually with one short cauline leaf; internodes smooth or slightly scabrid below panicle. Panicle (1)-2-4.5-(7) cm, open; rachis slender, finely, sparsely scabrid, branches few, filiform, finely scabrid, tipped by 1-2 relatively large, ovate spikelets. Spikelets 3-4.5 mm, 3-5-flowered, purplish green. Glumes subequal, 1.5-2 mm, with wide hyaline margins, scabrid on midnerve; lower 1-3-nerved, ovate-elliptic, acute, upper 3-nerved, ovate, obtuse, often scabrid on lateral nerves and on internerves near tip and margin. Lemma 2-2.5 mm, 5-7-nerved, ovate, obtuse, minutely hairy in lower ½, scabrid above with midnerve closely distinctly scabrid; margins hyaline, very wide. Palea 1.5-2 mm, keels scabrid, interkeel with minute hairs and flanks with a few hairs. Callus with a few wispy hairs. Rachilla c. 0.5 mm, glabrous. Lodicules c. 0.2 mm. Anthers 0.3-0.6 mm. Gynoecium: ovary 0.5 mm; stigma-styles c. 1 mm. Caryopsis c. 1-1.5 × 0.5 mm.
Open, often wide-leaved, light to darkish green, stoloniferous perennial tufts, c. 20-90 cm; branching extravaginal; leaf-blades persistent. Leaf-sheath light green, sometimes purplish, ± membranous, usually finely scabrid on ribs, especially near ligule, keeled. Ligule 2.5-10 mm, apically glabrous, entire, tapered to a point, abaxially with scattered very minute prickle-teeth. Leaf-blade 10-20 cm × 1.5-7 mm, soft, flat, finely scabrid on ribs or smooth; margins and fine pointed tip finely scabrid. Culm 40-70 cm, erect, internodes smooth, or finely scabrid below panicle. Panicle (5)-10-20 cm, usually open and very lax; rachis smooth to finely scabrid above, branches fine, spreading, finely, densely scabrid, with numerous spikelets toward tips. Spikelets 3-4 mm, 2-3-flowered, green or purplish. Glumes ± unequal, finely scabrid on nerves; lower 1.5-2.5 mm, 1-nerved, narrow-lanceolate, upper 2-3 mm, 3-nerved, elliptic- to ovate-lanceolate; tips fine, acute. Lemma 2-3 mm, 5-nerved, narrow-oblong, glabrous, but midnerve with short fine hairs on lower ½ and scabrid above hairs, marginal nerves with a few short hairs near base; margins and acute tip membranous. Palea 2-2.5 mm, keels extremely minutely scabrid, interkeel glabrous. Callus with long slender tuft of fine crinkled hairs. Rachilla ± 0.5 mm, glabrous. Lodicules 0.2-0.4 mm. Anthers 1.5-2 mm. Caryopsis c. 1.5 × 0.5 mm, tightly enclosed by anthoecium.
Coarse long-leaved, dioecious, extravaginally branching often pendulous grass with elongate internodes and rooting at nodes; leaf-blades persistent. Leaf-sheath 10 cm, keeled, ribbed, open to base, becoming dull brown and fragile, finely retrorsely hairy, margin membranous, darker brown. Ligule 1 mm, ciliate, abaxially finely hairy. Collar conspicuous, margin short hairy. Leaf-blade to 80 cm × 3-4 mm, coriaceous, folded below and at apex, ± flat elsewhere, abaxially glabrous with some long hairs near collar, adaxially clothed with many small antrorse hairs, denser near ligule; margins very sparsely prickle-toothed below becoming almost smooth but apex prickle-toothed and sharp-pointed. Culm to 85 cm, many noded, erect or with some geniculate nodes, nodes swollen, coloured, glabrous; internodes glabrous. Panicle to 25 cm, open, violet-suffused, subtended by bract to 2.5 mm; several to many solitary rarely binate branches at internodes, naked below with solitary spikelets, branches > internodes; rachis glabrous, branches and pedicels glabrous to sparsely shortly prickle-toothed. Spikelets 10-12 mm × 2 mm, gaping at anthesis, (1)-3-4-6 widely separated florets. Glumes unequal, centrally green, violet elsewhere, nerves elevated; lower 2.5-3.5 mm, 1-3-nerved, upper 3.5-5 mm, 5-nerved (3 long, 2 short) adaxially shortly hairy at apex, margins ciliate. Lemma 4.5-6 mm, 5-nerved, centrally green, violet elsewhere, abundantly finely pubescent throughout, keel prickle-toothed above, margins ciliate, membranous above, apex recurved, shortly lobed and mucronate (0.05 mm or 0) becoming erose. Palea 4.5-5.2 mm, ≤ lemma, apex bifid, keels minutely stiff hairy. Callus 0.25 mm, short, blunt, glabrous or with a few prickle-teeth. Rachilla 1.5 mm, glabrous or with a few prickle-teeth at base; prolonged. Lodicules 0.5-1.0 mm, acutely lobed, tip ciliate. Anthers (a) male flowers: 2.75-3-3.75 mm, yellow or violet-suffused; (b) female flowers: 2-2.2 mm, white, pollenless. Gynoecium (a) male flowers: 0.8-1.0 mm; (b) female flowers: ovary 0.8-1.2 mm, glabrous; stigma-styles 2-3-3.5 mm, widely disposed, stigmatic hairs almost to base. Caryopsis not seen.
Annuals or perennials. Leaf-sheath rounded. Ligule membranous. Leaf-blade flat. Culm nodes glabrous. Panicle dense, ± spike-like, often lobed. Spikelets falling entire at maturity with the pedicel disarticulating a short distance below the glumes, 1-flowered, somewhat laterally compressed; rachilla not prolonged. Glumes submembranous, subequal, 1-nerved, > lemma, apically awned or awnless. Lemma membranous or hyaline, 5-nerved, truncate, irregularly denticulate at apex; awn short, caducous, subapical or dorsal, or 0. Palea hyaline, 2-keeled. Callus glabrous. Lodicules 2, small. Stamens 3. Ovary glabrous; styles short, free. Caryopsis longitudinally grooved; embryo small, c. ¼ length of caryopsis; hilum punctiform or shortly elliptic; endosperm liquid or solid.
Loosely tufted annuals, very variable in size, 4-70-(90) cm. Leaf-sheath ± loose, chartaceous, striate, usually finely scabrid above. Ligule (1.5)-4-9 mm, oblong, rounded, lacerate, abaxially finely scabrid. Leaf-blade (1)-6-15 cm × (1.5)-3-4.5-(8) mm, flat, minutely scabrid throughout or sometimes only on ribs near tip and on margins. Culm (3)-10-60 cm, ± erect, or ascending from geniculate base, internodes glabrous. Panicle 1-6 × 0.5-4-(7) cm, dense, cylindric to ovate-lanceolate, often lobed to ± interrupted at base; rachis smooth to scabrid above, with fascicled, finely scabrid branches and short, finely scabrid pedicels disarticulating near base. Spikelets 3-5 mm, oblong, light green, sometimes purplish, falling entire at maturity with most of pedicel attached. Glumes equalling spikelet, ± evenly scabrid, margins usually sparsely ciliate in lower ½, narrowed to shallowly notched apex with very fine, straight, terminal scabrid awn 1.5-2.5-(3) mm. Lemma 1-1.4 mm, hyaline, glabrous, elliptic-oblong, denticulate-truncate or minutely 4-toothed, usually with a fine, caducous apical awn (1.4-2.6 mm). Palea slightly shorter and narrower than lemma, keels ± excurrent. Anthers 0.5-0.7 mm. Caryopsis 0.9-1.2 × 0.4-0.5 mm.
Annual tufts, very variable in size, 5-70-(100) cm. Leaf-sheath chartaceous, striate, smooth or scabrid above, green to light brown; uppermost sheath ± inflated. Ligule 1.5-10-(18) mm, oblong, tapered, ciliate-lacerate, abaxially scabrid. Leaf-blade 1-28 cm × 1-10 mm, linear-lanceolate, finely striate, scabrid, tip acute. Culm 3-60 cm, in tufts or solitary, erect, or geniculate and sometimes rooting at lower nodes, usually branched near base, internodes smooth or occasionally scabrid near panicle. Panicle 0.7-17 × 0.5-4 cm, very dense, cylindric or lobed, bearing numerous fine bristles; rachis smooth to scabrid, branches very short, closely scabrid, pedicels scabrid, very short, disarticulating. Spikelets 4-12 mm, oblong, silvery or yellowish green, rarely purple-tinged, falling entire at maturity with a minute piece of pedicel. Glumes equalling spikelet, scabrid, with longer prickle-teeth in lower ½, margins finely ciliate, apex emarginate, with very fine, straight terminal scabrid awn (3-9 mm) from the short notch. Lemma 1-1.5 mm, hyaline, glabrous, elliptic, truncate and minutely denticulate, awnless or with extremely fine, terminal awn (0.8-1.8 mm). Palea slightly shorter and narrower than lemma, keels slightly excurrent. Anthers 0.4-0.7 mm. Caryopsis 1-1.3 × 0.4-0.6 mm.
Perennials or annuals, 15-50-(90) cm, loosely tufted, often with creeping stolons rooting at nodes. Leaf-sheath chartaceous, striate, glabrous, greyish green. Ligule 1.5-5.5 mm, truncate, erose, ciliate, abaxially minutely scabrid. Leaf-blade 2.5-18 cm × 2-9 mm, linear-lanceolate, finely striate, scabrid, tip acute. Culm 9-50 cm, decumbent and rooting at lower nodes, internodes glabrous. Panicle 3-14 × 1-3-(5) cm, ± dense, oblong but much lobed, sometimes interrupted near base; rachis smooth, branches scabrid, with spikelets almost to base, pedicels densely scabrid, very short, disarticulating. Spikelets 1.5-1.9 mm, pale green or purplish, falling entire at maturity with portion of pedicel attached. Glumes equalling spikelet, 1-nerved, elliptic, entire, firmly membranous, scabrid, keel more prominent in upper ½, awnless. Lemma c. 1 mm, hyaline, broadly elliptic, glabrous, awnless, apex denticulate, minutely ciliate. Palea narrower than lemma, apex bifid, ciliate. Anthers 0.4-0.6 mm. Caryopsis 0.8-1 × 0.3-0.6 mm.
Medium-sized and forming dense thickets; rhizomes running extensively from periphery. Culm 3-5 m, dark green; banded white just below nodes. Culm-sheath green or greenish purple, eventually very pale, internodes almost all hidden in lower and middle parts of culm; ligule 2-3 mm, broad and prominent, truncate. Branches 1 per node, sometimes 2-3 at upper nodes. Leaf-sheath glabrous, often purplish above. Ligule minutely puberulent. Leaf-blade (1)-3-5-(7) on each branch, to 25-(30) × 3.5-(4) cm, broadly linear or linear-oblong, abaxially upper ⅓ green and lower ⅔ glaucescent, adaxially shining dark green, acuminate. Inflorescence ± purple, at least on exposed side. Spikelets 4-9 cm, flattened; florets to c. 12, distichous. Glumes 2. Lemma 10-13 mm, including short awn, ciliate, obscurely tessellate. Fig. 1.
Tall or medium-sized with short or running monopodial rhizomes. Culms dense, forming thickets; nodes not prominent; internodes hollow, terete. Branches 1 per node, sometimes 2-3 at upper nodes, absent from lower nodes. Culm-sheath persistent, > internodes but ≤ upper internodes, unspotted; auricles absent; oral bristles usually absent, smooth if present. Leaf-sheath without auricles and oral bristles. Leaf-blade tessellate. Inflorescence a racemose panicle. Spikelets 3-8-flowered. Glumes 2. Lodicules 3. Stamens 3-(4). Stigmas 3. Fig. 1.
Perennial, erect or prostrate tufts, 8-80 cm; branching intravaginal. Leaf-sheath glabrous, firmly membranous, light brown, sometimes purplish near base. Ligule 1-1.5-(2) mm, entire and rounded, rarely tapered and subacute. Leaf-blade 3-6.5-(12) × 1-3 mm, flat, or folded with inrolled margins, abaxially glabrous, adaxially shallowly ribbed, ribs scabrid; margins sparsely scabrid, tip scabrid, acute or hooded. Culm (5)-10-60 cm, enclosed by uppermost leaf-sheath at flowering, later visible, internodes glabrous. Panicle (3)-10-24 × 2-18 cm, ovate to ± triangular, very lax and open; branches finely scabrid, naked below, later spreading to deflexed. Spikelets 3-6 mm, 3-7-flowered, greenish or purplish. Glumes ± unequal, minutely scabrid at obtuse apex; lower 0.7-1.2 mm, 1-nerved, elliptic-lanceolate, upper 1.1-1.8 mm, 3-nerved, ovate. Lemma 1.5-2.4 mm, indistinctly 5-nerved, with short hairs at base and on nerves near base, broad-elliptic or ovate, ± membranous with nerves not reaching wide hyaline upper margin; apex minutely ciliate, broadly obtuse to almost truncate. Palea ≈ lemma, keels ciliate-scabrid in upper ⅔, apex shortly bifid. Rachilla 0.6-0.8 mm. Anthers 0.6-1 mm. Caryopsis 1-1.7 × 0.3-0.6 mm.
Perennial, yellowish green or glaucous tufts, (3)-10-65 cm, with culms often much overtopping leaves; branching intravaginal. Leaf-sheath glabrous, subcoriaceous, greyish to straw-coloured. Ligule 0.5-1.5-(2) mm, truncate to rounded, or shortly tapered. Leaf-blade (3)-5-12 cm × (1.5)-2-3.5 mm, flat or folded, abaxially glabrous, adaxially shallowly ribbed, ribs scaberulous; margins scaberulous, tip hooded. Culm 15-40 cm, erect or spreading, internodes glabrous. Panicle (1.5)-4-15 × 0.4-5-(7) cm, lanceolate, or narrow-oblong to ovate, usually contracted, sometimes more open; branches scabrid, all, or at least the shortest, bearing densely clustered spikelets to the base. Spikelets 3.5-5.5 mm, (3)-4-5-(8)-flowered, greyish green, often purple tinged. Glumes ± unequal, elliptic to ovate, obtuse to subacute, midnerve often finely scabrid above, apex minutely ciliate; lower 0.7-1.5-(1.8) mm, 1-nerved, upper 1.2-2 mm, 3-nerved. Lemma 1.7-2.6 mm, 5-nerved, with short hairs at base and on lateral nerves for a short distance above base or sometimes on lower half, elliptic-oblong, apex subobtuse, minutely ciliate, midnerve minutely scabrid near lemma apex, often minutely excurrent Palea ˜ lemma, apex shallowly bifid, keels ciliate-scabrid in upper ½ -⅔. Rachilla 0.4-0.8 mm. Anthers 0.5-0.9 mm. Caryopsis 1.2-1.5 × 0.4-0.6 mm.
Perennial tufts, 4-25 cm, with culms ± hidden by leaf-sheaths and panicles overtopped by the soft, dull green leaves; branching intravaginal. Leaf-sheath glabrous, hyaline, whitish green, much wider than leaf-blade. Ligule 0.7-1.5 mm, erose. Leaf-blade 2-8 cm ×c. 1 mm, flat or folded, sometimes with inrolled margins, glabrous throughout, tip obtuse. Culm erect, or geniculate at base, internodes glabrous. Panicle 1.5-6 × 0.5-1 cm, lanceolate; branches few, short, erect, sharply angled, smooth to sparsely scabrid. Spikelets 4-6.5-(8) mm, 3-5-flowered, pale green, sometimes purplish. Glumes ± unequal, elliptic-ovate to elliptic-oblong, obtuse; lower 1.6-2.6 mm, 1-3-nerved, upper 2-3.5 mm, 3-(5)-nerved. Lemma 3-4 mm, 5-nerved, elliptic-ovate to elliptic-oblong, glabrous or with a few hairs at base and on nerves near base, midnerve almost reaching obtuse apex. Palea ˜ lemma, keels conspicuously long-ciliate at midway with shorter prickle-teeth in upper ¼, and glabrous in lower ¼, apex truncate to bifid, keels not excurrent. Rachilla 0.7-1.2 mm. Anthers 0.4-0.9 mm. Caryopsis 1.5-1.7 × 0.6-0.8 mm.
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Low-growing perennial to 4.5 cm, sometimes forming a loosely woven mat to 2 m diam. or more, usually almost entirely covered by soil, rarely flowering and only the short very narrow dull green curved leaves visible; branching extravaginal. Leaf-sheath glabrous, submembranous, much wider than leaf-blade, ribs few, distinct. Ligule 0.2-0.6 mm, subhyaline, obtuse or truncate. Leaf-blade 1-3 cm × 0.2-0.5 mm, setaceous, involute, glabrous, subacute, margins minutely scaberulous. Culm entirely hidden by leaf-sheaths. Panicle rarely present, 10-16 mm, overtopped by leaf-blades, bearing up to 12 spikelets, lowermost branches enclosed by leaf-sheaths, smooth, uppermost branches scaberulous. Spikelets 3-4-(4.8) mm, 4-6-flowered, green to brownish green. Glumes unequal, ovate, obtuse, submembranous; lower 0.6-1 mm, 1-nerved, upper 1.1-1.4 mm, 3-nerved. Lemma 1.8-2.5 mm, 5-nerved, ovate-elliptic, entirely glabrous, midnerve ± reaching subacute apex. Palea ≈ lemma, keels scabrid in upper ⅔. Rachilla 0.4-0.5 mm. Anthers 0.4-0.6 mm. Caryopsis 1.2-1.6 × 0.6-0.7 mm.
Annual or biennial tufts, (6)-10-35 cm, with procumbent to ascending culms and wide leaves; branching intravaginal. Leaf-sheath glabrous, firmly membranous, closely ribbed, light green to creamish brown. Ligule (1.2)-1.5-2 mm, truncate to ± acute centrally. Leaf-blade 2.5-6 cm × 2-5 mm, flat or folded, abaxially finely scabrid on midrib, adaxially scabrid on ribs; margins scabrid, tip hooded. Culm (5)-15-30 cm, overtopping leaves, internodes glabrous. Panicle (2.5)-4-8 × (0.7)-1-5 cm, ovate or oblong, stiff, strongly secund; branches short, scabrid on angles, bearing close-set, very shortly pedicelled spikelets along one side almost to base. Spikelets 4.5-5.5-(7) mm, 3-4-flowered, green. Glumes unequal, strongly nerved, ovate-elliptic, apex minutely scabrid, obtuse, or midnerve sometimes slightly excurrent; lower 1.3-2.2 mm, 3-nerved, upper 2-3 mm, 3-5-nerved. Lemma 2.7-3.5 mm, strongly 5-nerved, with short hairs at base and on lateral nerves near base, elliptic, firm, margin hyaline, apex minutely scabrid, obtuse, or midnerve sometimes very slightly excurrent. Palea = lemma, keels ciliate-scabrid in upper ¾, apex ± entire, shallowly bifid. Rachilla ≥ 1 mm. Anthers 0.8-1.2 mm. Caryopsis 1.6-2 × 0.5-0.7 mm.
Light bluish green or rarely pale yellow-green perennial tufts, (2.5)-10-50-(65) cm, with stiff culms and leaves, or with finer and less rigid leaves; branching intravaginal. Leaf-sheath glabrous, submembranous to subcoriaceous, ± distinctly ribbed, light brownish to purplish. Ligule 0.7-1.5-(2) mm, glabrous, rounded to truncate, or ± tapered centrally and acute. Leaf-blade 1-12 cm ×c. 0.5 mm diam., involute, rigid and erect, or finer and softer, abaxially glabrous, adaxially sparsely scabrid on ribs, or sometimes densely scabrid throughout; margins scabrid, narrowed to fine acute tip. Culm (2)-5-20-(40) cm, erect, hidden by uppermost leaf-sheath at flowering, later visible, internodes glabrous. Panicle (2)-4.5-14.5-(20) × 0.2-5.5 cm, at first narrow-linear, racemose above, with few, erect, usually scabrid branches below, later more open with ± spreading branches naked below. Spikelets 3.5-9-(10.5) mm, 2-10-flowered, narrow, almost terete, light green to purplish. Glumes often quite unequal, elliptic-oblong, margins and sometimes midnerve minutely ciliate near apex; lower (0.6)-0.8-2.3 mm, 1-nerved, subacute to subobtuse, upper (1.3)-2-3.5 mm, 3-nerved, subobtuse to obtuse. Lemma (2)-2.5-3-(4) mm, 5-nerved, broad-elliptic, with very minute hairs at base not usually visible at ×10, and occasionally a few minute hairs on nerves near base, midnerve usually not quite reaching finely ciliate, obtuse apex. Palea ≤ lemma, apex bifid, keels scabrid in upper ⅔. Rachilla 0.5-1 mm. Anthers 0.4-1 mm. Caryopsis 1-1.8 × 0.4-0.7 mm.
Erect, bluish green or light green to pale brownish green, stiff, dense, very leafy tufts, (6)-10-50 cm, with uppermost leaves usually overtopping culms; branching intravaginal. Leaf-sheath glabrous, firmly membranous, striate. Ligule 0.6-3 mm, obtuse or truncate, or sometimes tapered centrally and acute, glabrous, entire. Leaf-blade 5-25 cm × 5-10 mm, folded, or sometimes almost flat and wider, abaxially glabrous, adaxially shallowly ribbed, ribs sparsely scabrid; margins scabrid, tip smooth, ± firmly acute, sometimes subobtuse and ± apiculate. Culm usually hidden by sheaths, internodes glabrous. Panicle ± overtopped by leaves, linear-lanceolate, erect, contracted, dense; branches stiff, erect, sometimes ± spreading at maturity. Spikelets (3)-5-9 mm, 2-5-flowered, bluish green or sometimes purplish. Glumes ± unequal, narrow-lanceolate to elliptic-oblong, subacute; lower 1.5-3.6-(4.2) mm, 1-3-nerved, upper 2-4.5-(5) mm, 3-5-nerved. Lemma 3-5 mm, 5-7-nerved, elliptic-oblong, usually with a few hairs at base and on nerves near base or to c. midway. Palea ≤ lemma. Rachilla 0.8-1.5-(1.8) mm. Anthers (0.6)-0.8-1.5 mm. Caryopsis (1.5)-1.8-2.6 × 0.4-0.8 mm.
Plants (9.5)-15-50 cm. Leaf-sheath straw-coloured to light greenish brown or grey-brown, sometimes purplish. Panicle (3)-6-17 × 0.5-2.5-(11) cm; branches scabrid, acute-angled. Lemma apex minutely ciliate-scabrid, subobtuse to obtuse, midnerve not excurrent. Palea keels scabrid in upper ½ - ⅔, reaching only to apex.
Plants 6.5-25 cm. Leaf-sheath straw-coloured to light grey-brown or greenish brown. Panicle 2.5-8 × 0.4-1.5 cm; branches smooth to sparsely scabrid, sharply acute-angled. Lemma apex ciliate-scabrid, subobtuse, midnerve slightly excurrent. Palea keels scabrid in upper ½, excurrent.
Plants (6)-10-40-(50) cm. Leaf-sheath light greenish brown, sometimes dark brown or purplish. Panicle 2-10-(13) × 0.5-1.5 cm; branches smooth, subacute-angled. Lemma apex minutely ciliate-scabrid, obtuse with slightly excurrent midnerve, very rarely entire; lemma usually 5-nerved, rarely 7-nerved. Palea keels scabrid in upper ⅓, very rarely slightly ciliate below, reaching only to apex.
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Low-growing and wiry, or taller, softer and more slender tufts, shortly- to sometimes long-rhizomatous; leaves ≤ culms, disarticulating at ligule; branching intravaginal, shoots rather stout below. Leaf-sheath pale to dark grey, cream to purplish above, much broader than leaf-blade, entirely glabrous, or more often several scattered long fine hairs above; apical tuft of hairs to 1.5 mm, occasionally extending dorsally below blade. Ligule to 0.5 mm. Leaf-blade to 8-(18) cm, flat to folded; margins inrolled, glabrous, or with a few scattered hairs below. Culm (1.5)-3-15-(35) cm, erect or spreading, internodes glabrous. Panicle 0.5-2-(3.5) cm; rachis and pedicels scabrid, sometimes with fine hairs at nodes and on pedicels. Spikelets 3-4-flowered, upper florets often exceeding glumes. Glumes green to purple-tinged, ovate, rounded, slightly notched or subacute, rarely a few scattered hairs, ± equal, (2)-2.5-3-(4) mm; lower 5-nerved, upper 3-5-nerved. Lemma 1.5-1.8 mm, 7-(9)-nerved, ± orbicular, glabrous, or rarely a single pair of marginal hair tufts at level of ciliate rachilla apex, notched, with a minute mucro c. 0.1 mm in the notch. Palea 1.5-1.8-(2) mm, = lemma, ± elliptic, interkeel glabrous. Callus 0.1-0.3 mm, glabrous. Rachilla c. 0.5 mm. Anthers 0.4-0.7 mm, red. Caryopsis c. 0.8 × 0.5 mm; embryo to 0.5 mm; hilum c. 0.2 mm.
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Variable in size and habit, from short and slender to larger and stout, dull green, densely soft-hairy or glabrous, shortly rhizomatous, spreading tufts; leaves « culms; branching extravaginal. Leaf-sheath light grey-brown, densely strict-hairy or glabrous; apical tuft of hairs to 5 mm, often extending dorsally below blade. Ligule 0.1-0.7 mm. Leaf-blade flat or sometimes folded, to 30 cm × 3-5 mm, abundant hairs, or glabrous, margins minutely scabrid. Culm to 90 cm, internodes smooth, or finely scabrid below inflorescence. Raceme or racemose panicle contracted, to 5.5-(9.5) cm, spikelets few to several on very short pedicels; rachis and pedicels shortly and densely scabrid with longer hairs below spikelets and at branch axils. Spikelets 5-10-flowered, awns exserted from glumes. Glumes occasionally purple-margined, lanceolate, subobtuse, ± equal, 8-13.5-(17.5) mm; lower (5)-7-9-(11)-nerved, upper 5-7-(9)-nerved, sometimes scattered long hairs. Lemma 2.5-3.5-(4.5) mm, 9-nerved, upper row of hairs ≥ lemma, in marginal tufts only, or two additional central tufts, lower row with short weak central tufts, or continuous, with longer marginal tufts barely, or not, reaching upper marginal tufts, elsewhere glabrous, shining; lobes 6-13 mm, gradually narrowed to long awns; central awn 9-14-(16) mm, column (2)-2.5-3.5 mm. Palea 3.3-5.5-(6) mm, > upper lemma hairs, interkeel glabrous, margins with several long hairs or glabrous. Callus 0.6-1.2 mm, strong marginal hair tufts overlapping lower lemma hairs. Rachilla 0.2-0.4 mm. Anthers 0.4-1.0 and 1.5-2.2 mm. Caryopsis 1.9-2.3-(3) × 0.8-1.1-(1.6) mm; embryo 0.7-1-(1.5) mm; hilum 0.4-0.5-(0.7) mm. Plate 11A.
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Tufts leafy, bright green, sometimes stoloniferous with prostrate culms rooting and sending up new tufts; leaves about ½ length of culms; branching extravaginal. Leaf-sheath light brown often purplish, scattered soft fine hairs towards collar or sometimes throughout, or quite glabrous; apical tuft of hairs (2)-3-4-(6) mm. Ligule (0.2)-0.4-0.7-(1) mm. Leaf-blade up to 25-(50) cm, flat with ± inrolled margins, 2-(4) mm wide, or completely inrolled, glabrous or often a few scattered long hairs near collar, sometimes almost all leaves with some long hairs throughout, margins finely scabrid. Culm to 50-(75) cm, internodes smooth but minutely scabrid below inflorescence. Panicle erect to ± loose and drooping from above, to 10-(14) cm, spikelets numerous on short pedicels; rachis and pedicels densely short-scabrid, occasionally with 1-2 longer hairs at branch axils. Spikelets 3-4-(6)-flowered, awns exserted from glumes. Glumes sometimes variously purple-tinged, lanceolate, acute to acuminate, 7-10-(12) mm; lower 5-7-nerved, upper (3)-5-nerved. Lemma 1.6-2.8 mm, 9-nerved, upper row of hairs continuous, ≈ lemma lobes, lower row not always well-defined and not reaching upper, elsewhere covered in numerous short hairs; lobes 2.5-4.5 mm, finely short-awned at tip; central awn 4.5-8.5-(9) mm, column 0.5-1.2 mm ≤ palea, « upper lemma hairs. Palea 2.5-4 mm, « upper lemma hairs, interkeel hairs few, margins long-hairy. Callus 0.3-0.5 mm, marginal hair tufts not reaching lower lemma hairs or scarcely overlapping them. Rachilla 0.4-1 mm, often with minute hairs at apex. Anthers 0.5-1.3 mm. Caryopsis 0.9-1.4 × 0.5-0.8 mm; embryo 0.4-0.6 mm; hilum 0.2-0.3 mm. 2n= 24. Plate 12I.
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Light green, fine-leaved dense tufts, shortly rhizomatous, later with straw-coloured, long, drooping or trailing culms; leaves « culms; branching extra- or intravaginal. Leaf-sheath pale stramineous, glabrous; apical tuft of hairs few, to 1.5 mm. Ligule 0.1-0.2 mm. Leaf-blade to 25-(40) cm, ± flat, glabrous or occasionally a few scattered short hairs, margins scabrid. Culm very slender, tawny, internodes smooth but minutely scabrid below inflorescence, elongating to c. 140 cm at maturity. Raceme, or rarely racemose panicle, with 1-2 short branches at base, slender, to 8 cm, of few, narrow, almost sessile spikelets; rachis and pedicels finely scabrid with longer fine hairs on margin especially below spikelets. Spikelets 4-6-flowered, awns exserted from glumes. Glumes light green, occasionally purplish, lanceolate, subobtuse, (7)-9.5-13-(15) mm, ± equal, both 5-(7)-nerved. Lemma (2.5)-3-4 mm, 7-9-nerved, upper row of hairs in small marginal tufts only, ≈ lemma, or occasionally upper tufts absent, lower row in small marginal tufts only, or a few small tufts or single hairs between, elsewhere glabrous and shining, occasional hairs on margin; lobes (3)-6-7.5-(8.5) mm, soon tapering to fine awn; central awn (6.5)-8-11.5-(14) mm, column (2.5)-3-3.5 mm. Palea (2.5)-3.5-4.5-(5) mm, > upper lemma hairs, interkeel and margins glabrous. Callus 0.6-1 mm, marginal hair tufts rarely reaching base of lower lateral tufts. Rachilla 0.5-0.6 mm. Anthers 0.3-0.9 and 1.2-1.5 mm. Caryopsis 1.7-2.5 × 0.9-1.2 mm; embryo 0.7-1 mm; hilum 0.5-0.7 mm. Plate 11B.
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Tall, slender, light green, in dense, crowded or loose tufts, shortly rhizomatous; leaves to about ½ height of culms; branching extravaginal. Leaf-sheath pale stramineous to grey-brown, rather dense or scattered short hairs; apical tuft of hairs to 2.5-(3) mm. Ligule c. 0.1 mm. Leaf-blade to 25-(35) cm, flat, to 2 mm wide, or folded and inrolled, with scattered long hairs, margins scabrid. Culm to 1 m, internodes glabrous but densely, minutely hairy to scabrid for usually c. 10 mm below inflorescence. Panicle slender, elongate, to 12 cm of few to several spikelets on short pedicels; rachis and pedicels densely short-scabrid with some longer hairs, especially below spikelets and above branch axils. Spikelets (3)-4-6-flowered, awns exserted from glumes. Glumes usually purplish centrally or near margin, lanceolate, subobtuse, 9-12-(13.5) mm, ± equal; lower 7-(9)-nerved, upper 5-(7)-nerved. Lemma 2.2-3.5 mm, 9-nerved, upper row of hairs ≥ lemma, in marginal and occasional adjacent tufts with usually two, occasionally 0 central tufts, lower row of marginal tufts not reaching to upper tufts, and shorter ± continuous to extremely sparse hairs between tufts, elsewhere glabrous or 1-2 hairs centrally; lobes 6-8.5 mm, narrowed to fine awns; central awn (9)-10-12 mm, column (2)-2.5-3.5-(4) mm. Palea 3.5-4.5-(5) mm, > upper lemma hairs, interkeel and margins glabrous. Callus 0.5-0.8-(1) mm, thick marginal hair tufts usually overlapping lower lemma hairs. Rachilla 0.5-0.6 mm. Anthers 0.5-0.7 and 1.2-1.8 mm. Caryopsis c. 2 × 0.8-1.1 mm; embryo 0.7-0.9 mm; hilum 0.3-0.5 mm.
Stiff, wiry, small tussocks, tufts formed at ends of elongating shoots, rooting at nodes; leaves ≤ culms, semi-pungent, disarticulating at ligule; branching intravaginal. Leaf-sheath glabrous, light grey to dark brown; apical tuft of hairs 1-1.5 mm. Ligule c. 0.5 mm. Leaf-blade to 15 cm, glabrous, stiff, inrolled, margins glabrous. Culm to 40 cm, internodes glabrous. Raceme or racemose panicle small, erect, to 4 cm, of very few large spikelets on short pedicels; rachis and pedicels almost glabrous with only a few scattered teeth and usually small tufts of long hairs at branch axils. Spikelets 4-6-flowered, awns and sometimes lemma lobes exserted from glumes. Glumes green, lanceolate, acute, 8.5-15 mm, ± equal; lower 5-(7)-nerved, upper 3-nerved. Lemma 2.5-3.5 mm, 9-nerved, upper row of hairs inter-rupted, dense marginal tufts and a few additional hairs adjacent, hairs « lemma lobes, lower row almost continuous, with dense strong marginal tufts and less dense tufts between, overlapping upper, glabrous elsewhere; lobes 4.5-8 mm, narrowing to strong awn and often shortly lobed at awn base; central awn 7.5-14 mm, column 2.5-4 mm, > upper lemma hairs. Palea 3.6-6 mm, = or slightly > upper lemma hairs, interkeel glabrous, margins with 1-2 long hairs. Callus 0.7-1 mm, strong marginal hair tufts overlapping lower lemma hairs. Rachilla 0.5-0.6 mm. Anthers 0.7-1.1 and 1.5 mm, yellow. Caryopsis c. 2.5 × 1.0 mm; embryo c. 1.0 mm; hilum 0.5 mm. Plate 11G.
Rather coarse, stiff, dense tufts, shortly rhizomatous; leaves « culms; branching intravaginal. Leaf-sheath pale, to light grey, glabrous or with scattered to dense hairs; apical tuft of hairs stiff, thick, to 2.5-(3.5) mm. Ligule 0.1-0.2 mm. Leaf-blade to 17 cm, rather harsh, grey-green, flat to inrolled, long stiff scattered hairs, margins closely scabrid. Culm stout, to 85 cm, internodes glabrous but minutely hairy below inflorescence. Panicle ± compact and broad to somewhat laxer, to 6 cm, of few large spikelets on short pedicels; rachis and pedicels rather sparsely, stiffly scabrid, with longer hair below spikelets and near branch axils. Spikelets 5-8-flowered, awns much exserted from glumes. Glumes pale, sometimes faintly purplish, lanceolate, subacute, ± equal, 8.5-12 mm, both 5-7-nerved, occasionally a few scattered hairs. Lemma (2)-3-4 mm, 9-nerved, upper row of hairs ≈ lemma, in a few isolated tufts, usually (0)-2-4 central tufts and 1-(2) denser marginal tufts, lower row dense and continuous, lower marginal tufts reaching or overlapping upper marginal tufts, elsewhere glabrous; lobes 7-10 mm, tapering to fine awns; central awn 12.5-15 mm, column 3-5 mm. Palea 2.5-3.7 mm, = upper marginal tufts, ≥ awn sinus, interkeel glabrous, margins glabrous or with a few long fine hairs. Callus 0.8-1 mm, thick marginal hair tufts overlapping lower lemma hairs. Rachilla 0.2-0.3 mm. Anthers c. 0.4 and 0.8-1.7 mm. Caryopsis 1.2-2 × 0.7-1 mm; embryo 0.5-0.9 mm; hilum 0.4-0.5 mm.
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Tufted perennials, short or moderately tall, with intra- or extravaginal branching. Leaf-sheath with apical tuft of hairs sometimes extending dorsally, abaxially ± shining, glabrous or hairy. Ligule a rim of hairs. Leaf-blade persistent or disarticulating at ligule, flat or inrolled, ± flaccid, or stiff, abaxially glabrous or hairy, adaxially minutely prickle-toothed, occasionally with long hairs, margins smooth or scabrid. Inflorescence a raceme, racemose panicle or panicle. Rachis and pedicels slender, often hairy at branch-axils and usually scabrid to hairy below erect few- to several-flowered spikelets; florets ☿; disarticulating above glumes and between florets. Glumes ± equal, firmly membranous, keeled above, nerves 3-13, anastomosing, occasionally internerves long-hairy, adaxially with minute prickle-teeth. Lemma with two scabrid lateral lobes usually tipped by a minute to long, straight awn; central awn from sinus longer and stronger, usually geniculate, column ± twisted; nerves 5-9, anastomosing; abaxially pilose in two complete or incomplete transverse series of tufts of rigid hairs, sometimes reduced to marginal tufts. Palea membranous, keels and apex finely ciliate, interkeel glabrous or hairy, margins glabrous or with a few long hairs below. Callus abaxially ± flat or rounded, disarticulation oblique, margins variously long hairy. Rachilla and prolongation glabrous. Lodicules 2, cuneate, apically long-hairy, or glabrous. Stamens 3. Gynoecium: ovary glabrous; styles 2, free, swollen below. Caryopsis free, obovate to elliptic, planoconvex; embryo ⅓-½ caryopsis; hilum ± ⅓-⅕ caryopsis, round to somewhat elliptic. Chasmogamous and cleistogamous. Plates 6A, 11, 12.
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Annuals or perennials, herbaceous, often aquatic; of variable habit. Inflorescence a contracted spike-like or rarely open panicle with rather small, often densely clustered spikelets. Spikelets solitary, pedicelled, falling entire at maturity, 2-flowered; lower floret ♂ or Ø, upper floret ☿. Glumes very unequal in length, of similar texture, softly to rigidly membranous, or the lower reduced to a scale and the upper = spikelet, often basally gibbous, (5)-7-9-(13)-nerved. Lower floret: lemma ≈ upper glume but straighter; palea ≈ lemma, finely 2-keeled, or palea almost 0. Upper floret: lemma very convex, chartaceous to subcrustaceous, obscurely 5-nerved; palea = lemma, of similar texture, 2-nerved, scarcely keeled; lodicules 2, small, broadly cuneate, fleshy, glabrous; stamens 3; ovary apex glabrous, stigmas free, terminal or subterminal; caryopsis compressed, embryo c. half length of caryopsis, hilum punctiform.
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Short with rhizomes extensively running, sometimes forming large stands but not dense clumps. Culm 1-3 m, permanently light green and ± concolorous or very strongly mottled and blotched dark purplish brown. Culm-sheath glaucous-white when young, at maturity obscuring much of the culm. Branches only from upper nodes. Leaf-sheath without oral bristles. Ligule 2-3 mm, truncate, densely puberulent. Leaf-blade ± horizontal, (10)-14-38 × (2)-4-9 cm, elliptic, narrowly ovate-elliptic, or lanceolate-elliptic, abaxially glaucous or glaucescent, glabrous, tessellate, adaxially shining deep green. Inflorescence of small panicles, each composed of a few short racemes, 2-4 cm. Spikelets 10-14 mm, 5-10-flowered. Lemmas 10-14 mm, tessellate.
Small with rhizomes moderately to strongly monopodially branching, often forming large stands. Culms dense or diffuse, slender, erect from the base; nodes solid; internodes terete, thick-walled. Culm-sheaths deciduous, often tardily so, concolorous. Branches 1, rarely 2-3, at nodes, concentrated in middle and lower part of culm. Oral bristles of leaf-sheath scabrid at base, smooth above. Leaf-blade prominently tessellate. Inflorescence paniculate. Spikelets 5-10. Glumes 2. Lodicules 3. Stamens 6. Stigmas 3.
Small bamboo, sometimes forming a dense stand; rhizomes long and mostly forming a tangled network. Culm to 1 m, erect, usually green or pale green, sometimes purplish; nodes with one slender branch or occasionally with a second very small branch. Culm-sheaths glabrous. Leaf-sheath hairy at first and with raised longitudinal ribs, becoming ± glabrous and smooth. Leaf-blade usually 7-13 × 0.8-2.2 cm, lanceolate with aristate apex, initially uniformly green, later often becoming whitish to pale brown near margins above; abaxially ± pubescent.
Perennial and caespitose. Leaf-sheath split. Auricles falcate, clasping, hairy or glabrous. Ligule shortly truncate. Leaf-blade flat with many ribs. Culm unbranched, nodes glabrous. Inflorescence an open panicle of many-flowered laterally-compressed spikelets, disarticulation above glumes and between florets. Lemma lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, rounded, variously prickle-toothed; awn from between membranous apical lobes, or awnless. Rachilla prolonged. Stamens 3; anthers caudate. Ovary apex glabrous; styles subterminal. Caryopsis adherent to palea.
Tall robust tussock forming perennial, commonly of river beds. Prophyll 2.5 cm or more, keels antrorsely prickle-toothed and with mixed short hairs. Branching intravaginal and extravaginal when shortly rhizomatous. Leaf-sheath 5-20 cm, striate, finely scabrid or smooth becoming scabrid near ligule. Ligule 0.5-1-3 mm, firm. Auricles clasping 0.7-1.5 mm, hairs c. 0.3 mm. Leaf-blade 10-100 cm × 5-10 mm wide, many-ribbed, midrib prominent, finely antrorsely scabrid below becoming very scabrid above, margins finely prickle-toothed. Culm to 1.5 m, stout, nodes conspicuous, dark, constricted, internodes glabrous. Panicle to 40 cm, erect or nodding, with 10 or more nodes of many spikelets; basal branches to 20 cm, binate, one long, naked below, other shorter with spikelets to base, other nodes with similar binate branches becoming shorter and eventually solitary near apex or solitary throughout and spikelets to base of branches; rachis smooth below becoming scabrid above pedicels and branches with prominent prickle-teeth. Spikelets 10-15 mm, narrow, of 4-7 florets. Glumes unequal, shortly awned, keel scabrid above otherwise smooth, margins membranous; lower 3-8 mm, 1-nerved, upper 4-9 mm, 3-nerved. Lemma 7-10 mm, 5-nerved, rounded, fine prickle-teeth on central and lateral nerves, margins membranous shortly toothed throughout broadly membranous above terminating in small (0.3-0.6 mm) hyaline prickled lobes; awn 1-2.5 mm, visible through apical lobes. Palea ≥ lemma, 7-10 × 1.5 mm wide, apex bifid ciliate, keels toothed ± to base, interkeel glabrous. Callus 0.25 mm, margin hairs 0 or few; articulation flat. Rachilla 1.5 -1.75 mm, stiff hairs scattered throughout. Lodicules 0.75-1.6 mm, > ovary, deeply to ± irregularly lobed, glabrous. Anthers 3-4 mm, caudate. Gynoecium: ovary 0.6-1.0 mm, apex glabrous; stigma-styles subterminal, 1.8-3.0 mm, hairs almost to base. Caryopsis 3 mm, obovate, adherent to palea; embryo 1 mm; hilum 2 mm.
Annual or biennial tufts, (25)-50-150 cm. Leaf-sheath chartaceous, obviously striate, glabrous or very shortly pilose, with short auricles. Ligule 0.5-1.5 mm. Leaf-blade (5)-10-25 × 0.2-2 cm, minutely pubescent-scabrid throughout or abaxially glabrous, tapered above, margins scabrid, tip acute. Culm (20)-40-120 cm, erect, usually villous just below spike or glabrous throughout. Spike (4)-10-30 × 0.7-2 cm; rachis tough, non-disarticulating, flattened, margins densely hairy, longer tufts above overlapping proximate glume bases. Spikelets 2-flowered. Glumes 7-12.5 mm, narrow linear-lanceolate, sparsely scabrid, keel minutely ciliate-scabrid; awns 0.5-5.5 mm. Lemma 10-20 mm, firm, oblong-lanceolate, smooth or rarely minutely sparsely scabrid, keel and outer margin above pectinate-scabrid, inner margin sparsely scabrid above, adaxially finely hairy; awn 1.5-6.5 cm. Palea ≈ lemma, folded, keels with sparse prickle-teeth or smooth. Lodicules 3 mm, entire, long ciliate. Anthers 5-8 mm. Gynoecium: ovary 2 mm; stigma-styles to 4 mm. Caryopsis 6.5-7.5 ×c. 2.5 mm; embryo c. 1.25 mm.
Annuals, biennials, or perennials. Leaf-sheath auriculate. Ligule membranous, truncate, often lacerate. Leaf-blade flat or inrolled. Raceme dense, laterally compressed, oblong to linear, with single spikelets distichously arranged; rachis fragile, or tough in cultivated spp. Spikelets 2-(3)-flowered, ☿, rachilla prolongation short. Glumes ± equal, 1-nerved, linear, sharply keeled, acuminate or awned. Lemma 5-nerved, coriaceous, sharply keeled, keel and outer margin pectinate-ciliate; awn long, straight, scabrid. Palea membranous, 2-keeled, keels ciliate-scabrid above. Lodicules 2, large, elliptic-obovate or cuneate, ciliate. Stamens 3. Ovary apex hairy; styles 2, free. Caryopsis obovoid or ellipsoid-cylindric, dorsiventrally compressed, longitudinally sulcate; embryo small, ¼-⅓ caryopsis; hilum linear, ≈ caryopsis.
Thicket-forming with rhizomes shortly creeping. Culm usually 4-6 m × 1.3-2 cm diam. below, upper internodes flattened, glaucous-white when young, becoming olive-green and often reddish brown on exposed parts, erect, semi-fastigiate. Culm-sheath glabrous, to c. 20 × 8 cm on large culms, abaxially greenish, or ± entirely green on small peripheral culms, adaxially shining light purple; ligule c. 2 mm, ciliate; oral bristles 0; sheath-blade 4-11 cm, narrow linear. Leaf-sheath with oral bristles. Ligule truncate. Leaf-blade 8-18-(21) × 1-2-(2.3) cm, linear-lanceolate, finely long acuminate. Spikes 3-7 cm, purplish. Lemma 1.8-2.2 cm, aristate. Lodicules 4-5 mm, ciliate. Anthers long-exserted, 7-8 mm.
Medium-sized with short monopodial rhizomes. Culms dense; nodes prominent; internodes hollow, lower and middle internodes terete, upper internodes flattened and slightly grooved on alternate sides above each node. Culm-sheath tardily deciduous. Culms with branches usually 3 per node when young, later clustered and up to 8. Leaf-sheath with oral bristles. Leaf-blade distinctly tessellate. Inflorescence of fascicled spikes, subtended by sheathing bracts; each spike consisting of 1 to few spikelets with 2-(7) florets. Glumes 0-1. Lodicules 3. Stamens 3. Stigmas 3.
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Rather stout, tufted, wide-leaved annuals. Leaf-sheath light green, submembranous, rounded below to slightly keeled above, glabrous; margins ciliate; some lower sheaths with scattered fine hairs. Ligule ciliate, hairs 0.5-1.5 mm. Collar margins villous, hairs forming a contra-ligule. Leaf-blade (4)-6-15-(20) cm × 4-9 mm, flat, linear-lanceolate, long-tapering, abaxially smooth, adaxially minutely scabrid; margins minutely scabrid, tip filiform. Culm 15-35-(75) cm, internodes ridged, minutely scabrid near panicle. Panicle 5-15 cm × 8-20-(40) mm, dense, cylindric, usually lobed towards base, light green at first; rachis densely short-pubescent, with short-pubescent compound branches, the ultimate minute branchlets bearing 1-4 antrorsely scabrid bristles (4-15 mm) and 2-4 spikelets. Spikelets 2.5-3 mm, persistent except for upper floret. Lower glume 1.5-2-(2.5) mm, 1-3-nerved, ovate, acute or subacute, upper (2)-2.5-3 mm, 5-7-nerved, broad-elliptic, obtuse. Lower floret: lemma 5-nerved, elliptic, obtuse; palea a hyaline rim, or 0. Upper floret shining, becoming yellow to reddish brown or black at maturity and disarticulating from spikelet: lemma = spikelet, crustaceous, ± glabrous, convex, broadly elliptic or oblong; palea of same texture as lemma but somewhat shorter; anthers 0.8-1 mm; caryopsis c. 1.5-2 mm.
Usually tufted annuals or perennials, of medium height. Leaf-sheath open, or closed near base, often keeled. Ligule a ciliate rim. Leaf-blade flat to folded, rolled in bud. Culm erect, or ascending from geniculate base. Inflorescence usually an erect, dense, cylindric, spike-like panicle, or more branched and open, each spikelet subtended by one to several persistent scabrid bristles (Ø branchlets) almost to entirely suppressed in plants with plicate leaves (). Spikelets 2-flowered, usually falling entire at maturity; lower floret ♂ or Ø, upper floret ☿. Glumes membranous, unequal, glabrous, lower generally the shorter, upper ≤ spikelet. Lower floret: lemma of same texture as glumes, = spikelet, dorsally flattened to slightly depressed; palea sometimes 0. Upper floret: lemma ≤ spikelet, crustaceous, often rugose, naviculate; palea ≈ lemma and similar in texture; lodicules 2, broadly cuneate, rather fleshy; stamens 3; styles free; caryopsis tightly enclosed by hardened anthoecium, embryo c. ½ length of caryopsis, hilum basal, punctiform or orbicular.
Densely clumped perennials from short stout rhizome to c. 1 cm diam. Leaf-sheath coriaceous, rounded or slightly keeled, with numerous, spreading, stiff-acicular, tubercle-based hairs to 5 mm; margins densely ciliate or glabrous. Ligule ciliate, hairs to 15 mm, extending as a contra-ligule. Leaf-blade 40-75 × 4-8 cm, conspicuously plicate and palm-like, linear-elliptic, tapering to base, almost petiolate in lower leaves, sharply scabrid especially near and at margins, sometimes with soft hairs as well, tapering to long, acuminate tip. Culm 80-200 cm, terete, striate, with long hairs at nodes and often for some distance below nodes, internodes scabridulous below panicle and nodes. Panicle 25-60 ×c. 10-20 cm, very loosely branched, the longer branches pendulous; rachis almost smooth below, increasingly scabrid above, occasionally with scattered fine tubercle-based hairs; primary branches (3)-10-16 cm, scabrid, with shorter, scabrid branchlets bearing short-pedicelled, light green to purplish spikelets. Spikelets 3-4 mm, at least some, and usually the terminal one on each branchlet, subtended by a single antrorsely scabrid bristle (5-9 mm). Lower glume 1.5-2.5 mm, 5-nerved, upper 2-3.5 mm, c. ⅔-¾ length of spikelet, 5-7-nerved. Lower floret ♂ or Ø: lemma 5-nerved, acuminate; palea c. ½ length of lemma, hyaline, nerveless. Upper floret ☿: lemma chartaceous to crustaceous, apiculate, finely rugulose, convex; palea of same texture as lemma but with hyaline margins, keels glabrous, rounded; anthers 1.3-1.6 mm; caryopsis not seen.
Laxly tufted often straggling annuals, 18-85 cm, yellow-green, often purplish near base. Leaf-sheath compressed, keeled, submembranous to firm, striate, glabrous. Ligule ciliate, hairs to 1 mm. Leaf-blade (3)-8-15-(20) cm × 2-5 mm, flat, soft, abaxially glabrous, adaxially minutely prickle-toothed on ribs, with a few long (to 8 mm) hairs near base; margins and midrib minutely prickle-toothed above, tip long-tapered, acuminate. Culm 10-30-(75) cm, ± erect, nodes compressed, often dark brown, internodes ridged, glabrous, minutely prickle-toothed to pubescent on ridges just below panicle. Panicle 2-5-(8.5) cm × 6-18 mm, cylindric, dense-flowered; rachis hispidulous, with many, short, close-set, hispidulous branches bearing clusters of 2-3, almost sessile spikelets, each spikelet subtended by 6-11 tawny or reddish brown to purplish, antrorsely scabrid bristles (2-8 mm). Spikelets 2.2-2.4 mm, light green, falling entire at maturity. Lower glume 0.7-1.2 mm, ovate, acute or apiculate, 3-nerved, upper 1-2 mm, ovate-orbicular, obtuse, 3-(5)-nerved. Lower floret Ø: lemma 5-nerved, acute; palea ≈ lemma, hyaline. Upper floret ☿: lemma = spikelet, very convex, crustaceous, finely rugulose, pale cream, sometimes apiculate; palea of same texture but ≤ lemma, keels rounded, glabrous; anthers (0.7)-0.9-1.2 mm; caryopsis c. 1.5 × 1.0 mm.
Loosely to densely tufted, erect annuals, 25-35-(85) cm, green or yellow-green, often purplish near base. Leaf-sheath strongly compressed, firm, but ± membranous towards margins, glabrous, flattened and keeled. Ligule ciliate, hairs 0.5-1.5 mm. Leaf-blade (3)-5-15-(23) cm × (2.5)-3-5-(6) mm, flat, soft, linear or linear-lanceolate, distinctly twisted, tapering above, glabrous, or adaxially slightly scabrid and with long, fine, soft, tubercle-based hairs towards base; margins very minutely scabrid, tip slender, acuminate. Culm 15-65-(75) cm, compressed, erect or geniculate-ascending, rooting at lower nodes, internodes scabrid, to ± densely minutely pubescent below panicle. Panicle (1)-2.5-10 cm × 5-15 mm, cylindric, dense-flowered; rachis densely pubescent, with numerous, very short, close-set, pubescent branches, each usually bearing a single spikelet, sometimes with 1-2 abortive spikelets, subtended by 5-10 greenish to golden brown, antrorsely scabrid, unequal bristles (5-8.5 mm). Spikelets 2.5-3.5 mm, pale green at first, later purple, falling entire at maturity. Lower glume 0.8-1.7 mm, ovate, acute or apiculate, 3-nerved, upper 1.7-2.3 mm, subacute, 5-nerved, ovate-orbicular, convex. Lower floret usually Ø, rarely ♂: lemma 5-nerved, acute; palea ≈ lemma, hyaline; anthers 0.9-1.4 mm, or 0. Upper floret ☿: lemma = spikelet, crustaceous, prominently transversely rugose, becoming yellowish or brownish, broadly naviculate, very convex, sometimes apiculate; palea of same texture but ≤ lemma, keels rounded and thickened, minutely hairy towards apex, otherwise glabrous; anthers 0.9-1.6 mm; caryopsis c. 1.5-2 mm.
Narrowly tufted annuals, bright green, usually with few branches at base, usually 20-40-(100) cm. Leaf-sheath light green or purplish, submembranous, rounded, to slightly keeled above, smooth apart from minutely scabrid ribs below collar; margins ciliate, hairs tubercle-based. Ligule ciliate, hairs 0.6-1.5 mm. Leaf-blade 3-15 cm × 2-12 mm, flat, soft, linear-lanceolate, tapered to fine tip, adaxially often with scattered long hairs, ribs and margins minutely scabrid. Culm 15-30-(100) cm, internodes ridged, scabrid above on ridges. Panicle 3.5-8.5-(11) cm × 5-15 mm, often drooping, ± cylindric, with light green to purplish, rather loosely, often irregularly clustered spikelets; rachis hispidulous-scabrid on ridges with very short, minutely scabrid branches bearing shortly pedicelled spikelets, each spikelet subtended by 1-2-(3) retrorsely scabrid bristles (2.5-5.5 mm). Spikelets 2-2.4 mm, falling entire at maturity. Lower glume 1-3-nerved, c. 1 mm, upper 5-7-nerved, ≈ spikelet, almost covering upper floret at maturity. Lower floret: lemma 5-7-nerved; palea hyaline, nerveless, to ½ length of lemma. Upper floret: lemma = spikelet, elliptic-oblong, subacute, pale cream, convex, thinly crustaceous, finely rugose; palea of same texture as lemma, keels not thickened, interkeel flat; anthers 0.6-0.9 mm; caryopsis c. 1.5 mm.
Loosely tufted annuals, (4)-30-70 cm. Leaf-sheath light green or yellowish, submembranous, rounded, to slightly keeled above, glabrous, but margins ciliate. Ligule ciliate, hairs 0.7-1.5 mm. Collar hairs few, long. Leaf-blade 6-10.5-(13.5) cm × 3-5 mm, flat, long-tapering, very soft, minutely scabrid; margins minutely scabrid, tip filiform. Culm (10)-25-45-(60) cm, internodes ridged, scabrid above on ridges. Panicle 3-10 cm × 5-20 mm, very dense, cylindric, tapering above, with very light green or purplish bristles; rachis densely pilose, with short minutely pubescent-scabrid branches, bearing clusters of spikelets on very short discoid-tipped pedicels, each spikelet subtended by 1-3 antrorsely scabrid bristles (4.5-9.5 mm). Spikelets (2)-2.3-3.2 mm, light green, falling entire at maturity. Lower glume 1-3-nerved, c. 1.2-1.7 mm, upper 5-nerved, = spikelet, covering the upper ☿ floret. Lower floret: lemma = spikelet, 5-7-nerved; palea hyaline, nerveless, to ½ length of lemma. Upper floret: lemma = spikelet, elliptic-oblong, subacute or obtuse, pale creamy, convex, thinly crustaceous, very finely rugose; palea of same texture as lemma, nerves faint, interkeel flat; anthers 0.5-0.9 mm; caryopsis c. 1.5 mm.
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Tufts usually slender, (25)-40-60-(105) cm. Leaf-sheath membranous, strongly ribbed, glabrous, sometimes scabrid on ribs, or the dark brown basal sheaths pubescent. Ligule 2-4 mm, erose, abaxially glabrous. Leaf-blade 10-20 cm × 1.5-4 mm, smooth, or finely scabrid on ribs; margins finely scabrid, tip acuminate. Culm internodes glabrous. Panicle 4-18 cm, ± linear; rachis glabrous, branches short, erect, glabrous, bearing spikelets almost to base, pedicels short, glabrous, ± appressed to branchlets. Spikelets 2.8-3 mm, 1-(2)-flowered, lanceolate, light green. Glumes glabrous, ovate-lanceolate to ovate, acute to subacute, margins ciliate; lower 0.7-1 mm, upper 1-1.5 mm. Lemma ≈ spikelet, scabrid, 3-nerved, or with 2 additional fainter lateral nerves, ovate-lanceolate, acute to mucronate, or with a subapical awnlet. Palea 2.3-2.7 mm, 1-2-nerved, scabrid. Rachilla prolongation c. 0.5 mm, glabrous. Anthers (0.7)-1-1.3 mm, purplish or yellow. Caryopsis c. 1.5 mm long. 2n= 28.
Tufted, lax-leaved perennials. Leaf-sheath rounded, uppermost sheaths ± keeled above. Ligule membranous. Leaf-blade narrow linear-lanceolate, flat. Culm often decumbent, to erect. Panicle open or contracted. Spikelets small, 1-(2)-flowered; disarticulation above glumes; rachilla prolonged. Glumes unequal, « florets, membranous, keeled; lower 1-nerved, upper 1-3-nerved. Lemma 3-nerved, sometimes with 2 additional weak nerves, chartaceous, keeled, with or without subapical mucro or awnlet. Palea similar to lemma in size and texture, keeled, 1-2-nerved. Callus glabrous. Lodicules membranous, ovate-lanceolate, often asymmetrically lobed. Stamens 3. Ovary glabrous; styles apical; stigmas plumose. Caryopsis laterally compressed, ovoid; hilum punctiform, basal.
Plants weak, 25-50 cm. Leaf-sheath membranous, strongly ribbed, pubescent, especially the light brown basal sheaths. Ligule 1-3 mm, erose, abaxially pubescent. Leaf-blade 6-10 cm × 1.5-2 mm, scabrid on ribs or smooth, adaxially sometimes shortly and sparsely pubescent; margins minutely scabrid. Culm internodes glabrous. Panicle 10-15 cm, ± pyramidal; rachis glabrous, branches ± scabrid, binate, spreading to reflexed, naked in lower ½, pedicels short, pubescent, ± appressed to branchlets. Spikelets 2.5-3 mm, 1-flowered, lanceolate, light green. Glumes glabrous, ovate-lanceolate to ovate, acute, margins ciliate; lower 0.5-0.7 mm, upper 0.8-1 mm. Lemma ≈ spikelet, shortly pubescent, 3-nerved or with 2 additional fainter lateral nerves, ovate-lanceolate, acute to mucronate. Palea 2-2.5 mm, 1-2-nerved, shortly pubescent, especially on nerves. Rachilla prolongation c. 0.5 mm, very minutely ciliate. Anthers c. 1 mm. Caryopsis c. 1.5 mm long. 2n= 28.
Annual robust tufted plants to 1.5 m. Leaf-sheath chartaceous, somewhat keeled near collar, glabrous, or occasionally with sparse, long, fine hairs, straw-coloured, often suffused or blotched reddish purple. Ligule 2-3 mm, stiffly membranous, ciliate. Leaf-blade 30-90 × (1)-2.5-7 cm, with strong pale creamy midrib, linear-lanceolate, long-tapered, glabrous or rarely with a few sparse hairs, adaxially densely pubescent above ligule; margins and filiform tip finely scabrid. Culm internodes often blotched purplish red, pubescent below panicle. Panicle contracted or open, 18-25 × 4-7-(13) cm, branches stiffly ascending or spreading and sometimes pendulous, usually naked below; rachis stout. Racemes several along each branch. Pedicelled spikelet: glumes linear-lanceolate, subcoriaceous; florets Ø, or upper floret ♂; stamens 3, anthers 2.5 mm. Sessile spikelet: glumes 4-6 mm, elliptic-lanceolate to obovate, glabrous to densely pubescent; lemmas hyaline, pubescent, « glumes, lemma of upper floret often awned; stamens 3, anthers 3 mm; caryopsis c. 2.5 × 1.5 mm.
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Robust perennials, (20)-50-100-(200) cm, with thick fleshy far-creeping rhizomes, forming rather open clumps. Leaf-sheath ± glabrous; cross-veinlets scattered, minute; margins often minutely ciliate below ligule. Ligule 1-2 mm, densely ciliate. Leaf-blade 8-45 cm × 6-15 mm, persistent, coriaceous, flat, glabrous, adaxially ribbed, much narrowed to fine hard tip. Culm erect, 8-30 mm diam. near base including closely ensheathing leaves. Panicles in N.Z. usually not developed, this description is from the two floriferous specimens seen: panicle c. 25 cm, erect, contracted; spikes 7-14, 5-7 cm; rachis of each spike glabrous, tipped by bristle 10-12 mm. Spikelets 14-17 mm, lanceolate, 1-flowered. Glumes very unequal, lanceolate, glabrous, subacute; lower slightly > ½ length of upper and much narrower, 1-3-nerved, upper = spikelet, 5-9-nerved. Lemma ≤ upper glume, 3-5-nerved, lanceolate, glabrous. Palea ≥ lemma, hyaline, glabrous. Anthers 3.5-6 mm. Caryopsis not seen.
Stiff perennials 50-100 cm, with fleshy rhizomes, forming large dense clumps or swards. Leaf-sheath glabrous. Ligule 2-3 mm, densely ciliate. Leaf-blade 5-40 cm × 5-12 mm, persistent or caducous, coriaceous, flat or inrolled, glabrous, adaxially ribbed, narrowed to fine, hard tip. Culm erect, 5-8-(10) mm diam. at base, including closely ensheathing leaves. Panicle 10-30 cm, erect, contracted; spikes 2-8, 5-15 cm; rachis of each spike glabrous, tipped by bristle 1-4 cm. Spikelets 15-20 mm, 1-flowered, very rarely 2-flowered, oblong, pubescent, falling entire at maturity. Glumes unequal, lanceolate-oblong, acute, with short scattered hairs, keels ciliate; lower ⅔-⅘ length of upper and narrower, 1-nerved, upper = spikelet, 3-6-nerved, asymmetrical. Lemma ≤ upper glume, 1-3-nerved, lanceolate-oblong, obtuse, with short hairs above and on keel. Palea ≥ lemma, hyaline, glabrous. Anthers 8-12 mm, dehiscent. Caryopsis 10-12 ×c. 1.5 mm. Fig. 19. Plate 2C.
Often stout, strongly rhizomatous perennials. Leaf-sheath firm, open. Ligule a dense fringe of fine straight hairs. Leaf-blade coriaceous, flat or involute. Inflorescence of 2-many congested persistent spike-like racemes arranged racemosely along an axis; spikes bearing spikelets in 2 rows on one side of 3-angled rachis, rachis usually prolonged beyond spikelets. Spikelets 1-flowered, very rarely 2-flowered, strongly laterally compressed, falling entire with glumes; rachilla not prolonged. Glumes unequal, firmly membranous, strongly keeled, acute to shortly awned; lower shorter, 1-3-nerved, upper usually > floret, 1-nerved or obscurely 3-(6)-nerved. Lemma keeled, firmly membranous with wide margins, 1-3-nerved, sometimes with additional indistinct nerves, tapering to narrow, subacute, awnless apex. Palea ≈ lemma, 2-nerved. Lodicules 0, or sometimes 2. Stamens 3. Caryopsis fusiform; embryo large; hilum elliptic. Fig. 19.
Stout, dioecious perennials, with much-branched, far-creeping stolons; or tussock-forming. Leaf-sheath loose, open. Ligule a ciliate rim. Leaf-blade long, ± convolute, often silky-hairy. ♂ and ♀ inflorescences very dimorphic, the ♂ hemispherical, the ♀ globular, both consisting of clusters of racemes subtended by large bract-like spatheoles, individual racemes subtended by smaller 2-keeled bracteoles; racemes in ♂ plants pedunculate, bearing several spikelets and terminating in a short bristle; racemes in ♀ plants bearing only one spikelet near base and rachis much prolonged to a scabrid bristle. Spikelets 2-flowered, sometimes 1-flowered in ♀ plants. ♂ spikelet: glumes ½ length to ≈ spikelet, unequal, 3-9-nerved, ± chartaceous, ovate-oblong, entire, glabrous or hairy; lemma of lower and upper ♂ florets similar, 3-7-nerved, lanceolate, coriaceous, glabrous or hairy; palea ± similar to lemma in size and texture, strongly 2-keeled; lodicules small, broadly obovate, ± dentate, often ± united; stamens 3 in each floret; ovary rudimentary. ♀ spikelet: glumes ≈ spikelet, 3-9-nerved, chartaceous, ovate to lanceolate, entire, glabrous or hairy; lemmas of lower and upper floret equal or ± unequal, = spikelet, nerves 3 or 0, ± chartaceous, glabrous; lower floret Ø or 0, sometimes without palea, lodicules small, stamens 3, small, rudimentary on flattened filaments, rarely polliniferous; upper floret ♀, palea ± similar to lemma, lodicules larger, stamens 3, longer, on flattened filaments, pollenless or rarely polliniferous, ovary apex glabrous and long plumose stigmas, caryopsis enclosed in, but free from, hardened anthoecium; embryo large; hilum punctiform.
Stoloniferous, often forming colonies stretching to 80-(160) m along sand dunes, with much-branched, knotted, rope-like, hard, creeping culms. Leaf-sheath coriaceous, strongly-nerved, silky-hairy. Ligule a minute ciliate rim, hairs very dense to 6 mm. Leaf-blade c. 30 cm, inrolled and c. 1.5 mm diam., coriaceous, strongly nerved, silky-villous. Culm 2.5-6 mm diam., internodes glabrous, silky-villous below inflorescence. Dioecious: ♂ inflorescence with numerous pedunculate racemes, 5-12 cm, bearing up to 15 silky-villous spikelets, and terminated by a short bristle c. 1 cm; raceme clusters subtended by spathaceous bracts ≤ raceme. ♂ spikelets 10 cm; glumes ≤ spikelet, 7-9-nerved; lemmas similar to glumes but less villous, 5-nerved; each floret with 2 emarginate lodicules 0.6 × 0.3 mm, and 3 pollen-filled anthers to 6 mm, at anthesis flexible on long filaments from open florets. ♀ inflorescence very conspicuous, globular, appearing spiny with strict bracts to 15 cm, disarticulating from culm at maturity and wheeling along sand; spikelets solitary, hidden at base of bract, 15-18 mm; glumes = spikelet, 5-7-nerved, silky-villous; lemmas shorter, less villous, rather chartaceous, 3-5-nerved; lower floret Ø, consisting of 2 lodicules, and 3 pollenless white, rudimentary anthers, 0.7-1 mm, on stout filaments, gynoecium 0; upper floret ♀, larger, with 2 lodicules c. 1 × 1 mm, and 3 stamens with stout filaments bearing white, pollenless anthers up to 1.5 mm; ovary 1.5-2 mm, stigma-styles 17-20 mm; caryopsis free, c. 4.5-5 × 2.5 mm; embryo 3 mm; hilum 0.75-1.0 mm, in a broad depression. 2n= 18. Plate 5A.
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Perennials or annuals, tufted or creeping. Ligule a short-ciliate rim. Leaf-blade narrow, flat or convolute, sometimes setaceous. Culm usually erect. Inflorescence an open or contracted, sometimes spiciform panicle. Spikelets often small, fusiform, mostly glabrous, 1-flowered, usually olivaceous or olive-grey; disarticulation above glumes; rachilla rarely prolonged. Glumes equal or unequal, deciduous or persistent, 1-nerved or nerveless, thinly membranous, seldom keeled. Lemma ≥ glumes, rounded, 1-3-nerved, thinly membranous, soft, awnless. Palea ≤ lemma, of similar texture and colour to lemma, 2-keeled, apex obtuse, truncate, emarginate, or minutely bilobed. Lodicules hyaline, truncate. Callus 0. Stamens 2-3. Ovary often globose; styles free, short; stigmas plumose. Caryopsis with loose pericarp, globose to ellipsoid, rounded or truncate; embryo c. ½ length of caryopsis or less; hilum basal, punctiform.
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Slender hairy stoloniferous grass with extravaginal branching, and with long graceful glabrous culms with drooping or nodding inflorescences. Spikelets solitary, sessile at nodes, edgewise to sinuous, antrorsely toothed rachis, appressed, imbricate, in narrow slender spikes of 10-30 spikelets with 1-3 awned to mucronate florets disarticulating above glumes. Glumes parallel to rachis, scabrid, aristate, > rachis internodes, or absent or reduced to small stumps; rachis prolonged. Lodicules ciliate. Ovary with apical corona and hispid hairs. Caryopsis adherent to palea; hilum = caryopsis.
Perennial, coarse, glaucous, almost glabrous tufts arising from a short woody rhizome and from long, trailing, tough, arching, compressed, angular stolons; stolons deeply furrowed along one edge and rooting at lower nodes; branching extravaginal from rhizome, culms branching intravaginally above. Leaf-sheath light green to later creamy brown, firm, papery, strongly folded, keeled, narrow membranous margin edged with long soft hairs just below collar. Ligule a densely ciliate rim, hairs c. 0.5 mm. Collar villous. Leaf-blade (3)-10-20 cm ×c. 2-4 mm diam., strongly folded, later flattened, firm, papery, linear, abaxially glabrous, adaxially with occasional long hairs; keel pronounced, narrow; margins often inrolled, somewhat thickened, smooth, but scabrid towards obtuse, almost truncate tip. Culm to 25 cm, nodes glabrous, compressed, internodes glabrous. Panicle 3.5-7 cm, spike-like, terminal, with 1-2 lateral, pedunculate panicles from axils of upper leaves, included within or shortly exserted from uppermost sheath; rachis erect or curved, stout, dorsally flattened and (1.5)-2-3.5 mm wide, bearing numerous, short, alternate, contiguous racemes on one side, often with depressions marking off internodes, disarticulating below each raceme at maturity; racemes bearing (1)-2-3-(5) spikelets, in hollows along 3-angled rachis; raceme-rachis scabrid-angled above and prolonged to a sharp point beside upper spikelet. Spikelets 4-5 mm, elliptic-lanceolate, acute or subacuminate, pale greenish, brownish or purplish; pedicels very reduced, stout. Glumes membranous, very dissimilar; lower 0.5-1 mm, nerveless, obtuse to truncate, glabrous, or apex ciliate, upper 3.5-5 mm, 7-9-nerved, acute, glabrous. Lower floret ♂: lemma = spikelet, 5-9-nerved, subcoriaceous, scabrid near apex; palea ≈ lemma, chartaceous, glabrous, keels rounded and thickened, margins hyaline; anthers 1.6-2.8 mm. Upper floret ☿: lemma 5-nerved, more lanceolate and more acute than lemma of lower floret; both lemma and palea scabrid in upper ½; anthers 2-2.5 mm; stigmas conspicuous, purplish; caryopsis not seen.
Long-rhizomatous, long-stoloniferous or tufted perennials, or annuals. Leaf-sheath ± strongly compressed. Ligule a fringe of hairs. Leaf-blade usually disarticulating from sheath at maturity. Panicles spike-like, narrow, terminal, and often also lateral from the uppermost leaves, pedunculate, composed of numerous very short spike-like racemes embedded in hollows along a dorsally-flattened rachis, sometimes with long racemes closely appressed to rachis; panicle breaking up at nodes at maturity. Racemes bearing 1-5 sessile or pedicelled spikelets along a 3-angled rachis. Spikelets dorsiventrally compressed, falling entire at maturity, 2-flowered, florets awnless; lower floret ♂ or Ø, upper floret ☿. Glumes very dissimilar; lower minute, scale-like, upper ≈ spikelet, membranous, 5-7-nerved; or glumes similar, very minute. Lower floret: lemma = spikelet, chartaceous to coriaceous, 3-7-nerved, nerves some-times very obscure; palea ≈ lemma, 2-keeled, or palea 0. Upper floret: lemma chartaceous to subcoriaceous, faintly 3-4-nerved; palea ˜ lemma and similar in texture, faintly 2-nerved; lodicules 2, fleshy, cuneate; stamens 3; ovary apex glabrous, styles free or fused near base, stigmas pink, red, purple or black; caryopsis dorsiventrally compressed, embryo large, to ½ length of caryopsis, hilum punctiform, basal.
Rather tall and coarse, tufted perennials or annuals. Leaf-sheath variable. Ligule membranous, ± ciliate. Leaf-blade flat or folded. Culm leafy. Inflorescence a loose panicle, the axils of uppermost culm-leaves bearing lateral branches topped by a cluster of spikelets; each cluster subtended by a spathe and composed of 1-3 spikelet-fascicles; each fascicle further subtended by a smaller spathe-like bract and consisting of an involucre of 2 paired, ± sessile, ♂ or Ø spikelets surrounding a pair (or terminal triplet) of spikelets; one spikelet sessile, ☿, the other 1 or 2 spikelets pedicelled, ♂ or Ø. Rachis of spikelet-cluster terete, glabrous, disarticulating above the involucre of spikelets and below the paired spikelets. All spikelets 2-flowered; lower floret often reduced to empty lemma, upper floret ☿ in sessile member of spikelet-pair, ♂ or Ø in involucral spikelets and in pedicelled spikelets. Involucral spikelets and pedicelled spikelets with 2-keeled, ± herbaceous lower glume, and membranous, rarely 0, upper glume; both florets present, ♂ or Ø, or one or both suppressed, lemmas hyaline, and upper floret with or without palea. Sessile spikelet of spikelet-pair terete, often awned, with acute to pungent densely bearded callus; lower floret Ø, upper floret ☿; glumes equal, coriaceous, lower tightly involute, very obscurely nerved, upper 3-nerved, with deep longitudinal groove on each side; lemmas unequal, lower hyaline, nerveless, upper consisting of a short base and a stiff geniculate awn, rarely awn reduced; palea hyaline, nerveless, small, or 0; lodicules 2, rather large, glabrous; stamens 3; ovary apex glabrous, stigmas subterminal or median; caryopsis subterete, embryo c. ½ length of caryopsis, hilum punctiform or shortly elliptic.
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Bluish grey tufts 25-60 cm, often forming large colonies from long-creeping wiry rhizomes. Leaf-sheath abaxially glabrous, adaxially abundantly finely hairy, subcoriaceous, straw-coloured or often purplish, auricles 0. Ligule to 1 mm, scarious, ciliate, hairy. Leaf-blade (7)-10-30 cm, often involute, or flat and up to 4 mm wide, stiff or ± flexuous, abaxially smooth, adaxially prominently ribbed, ribs minutely densely hairy, long-tapered to fine, acute tip, margins minutely ciliate. Culm 10-35 cm, erect or drooping, internodes glabrous. Spike 4-20 × 1-2 cm, erect or curved, with close-set or distant spikelets; rachis very fragile, glabrous. Spikelets 15-25 mm, oblong, elliptic or wedge-shaped, 3-7-flowered; rachilla prolongation short. Glumes ± equal, 9-20 mm, 7-11-nerved, oblong, obtuse, coriaceous and very tough, asymmetrically keeled, or rounded on back, abaxially glabrous, adaxially clothed in fine hairs, mucronate or blunt, margins membranous. Lemma 10-15 mm, coriaceous, 5-7-nerved, abaxially glabrous and shining, adaxially clothed in fine hairs, apex notched, mucro between 2 short lobes. Palea to 14 mm, ≤ lemma, keels finely ciliate, interkeel with fine hairs towards margins, flanks finely hairy; apex produced, ciliate. Callus short, glabrous, articulation oblique. Rachilla 2 mm, finely hairy. Lodicules to 2 mm, lobed, ciliate, hairy. Anthers 6-7 mm, orange, filaments brown. Gynoecium: ovary 2 mm, turbinate, brown; stigma-styles to 3 mm.
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Dense tufts to 60 cm with culms often much overtopping the densely, very minutely scabrid leaves; branching intravaginal. Leaf-sheath 2-5-(8) cm, firmly membranous, grey-brown to light greenish brown, sometimes reddish, very densely minutely papillose or minutely scabrid to pubescent, sometimes glabrous. Ligule 0.8-1 mm, truncate, erose, sparsely finely ciliate. Collar sometimes with a few stiff hairs to 1.5 mm. Leaf-blade (3)-12-25-(30) cm × (0.5)-1-4 mm, folded with inrolled margins or flat, hard, dull green or reddish, abaxially scabrid with very dense minute prickle-teeth, or smooth, or sparsely scabrid above, adaxially ribbed with dense fine minute prickle-teeth or minutely densely pubescent on ribs; margins finely scabrid. Culm 10-40 cm, internodes glabrous or finely pubescent above, rarely pilose, or minutely prickle-toothed below panicle. Panicle 5-20 × 1-1.5-(3) cm, lanceolate, with short, inconspicuous branches, ± interrupted, not very dense, rarely more open, but spikelets clustered and individually inconspicuous; rachis, branches, and pedicels very densely minutely strigose or rarely puberulous. Spikelets 6-8 mm, light green often tinged reddish brown. Glumes unequal, membranous, keels with minute prickle-teeth in upper ½; lower c. ¾ length of upper, narrow oblong to narrow ovate, upper ¾ to ≈ spikelet, elliptic-oblong; margins broadly hyaline, sparsely prickle-toothed near acute to acuminate sometimes mucronate tip. Lemma 3.5-6 mm, bidentate or sometimes bicuspid, papillose, minutely prickle-toothed near midnerve; awn 3.5-7.5 mm, recurved, insertion in upper ¼ of lemma. Palea minutely prickle-toothed on keels almost throughout and on margins near tip. Callus hairs to 1 mm. Rachilla hairs to 2 mm. Lodicules 0.8-1.2 mm, glabrous. Anthers 0.8-1.5-(2) mm. Gynoecium: ovary c. 0.8 mm; stigma-styles c. 1.2 mm. Caryopsis 2.5-3 × 0.7-0.8 mm.
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Compact tufts 3-20-(55) cm, with stiff leaves, densely pubescent to villous culms usually not much overtopping leaves, and dense ± oblong panicles usually from two to four times as long as wide; branching extravaginal. Leaf-sheath to 3 cm, glabrous to shortly hairy above, to densely pubescent throughout; margins glabrous to ciliate. Ligule 0.5-2-(4) mm, ± erose, truncate to tapered, short-ciliate, abaxially glabrous or with minute hairs. Leaf-blade 1.5-14 cm × 0.5-4.5 mm, rolled or folded, often with inrolled margins, or flat (mainly on Subantarctic Islands), abaxially glabrous except near semipungent minutely prickle-toothed tip, or with sparse prickle-teeth in upper ½, to densely pubescent throughout, adaxially ribbed, sparsely minutely hairy or prickle-toothed, to densely pubescent on ribs; margins with scattered long hairs especially near base, or with short hairs or prickle-teeth. Culm 2-17-(40) cm, internodes either densely villous with soft retrorse hairs, and antrorse hairs just below panicle, or with all hairs antrorse to spreading, or with very short, sparse hairs, exceptionally glabrous on Chatham Is. Panicle 1-6.5-(15) × 0.3-2-(2.5) cm, dense, spike-like, sometimes interrupted near base, oblong, to lanceolate- or ovate-oblong; rachis and branches pubescent. Spikelets 4.3-6.5-(7.4) mm, brownish to greenish, often with purplish bands on glumes and lemmas, later stramineous. Glumes subequal or sometimes unequal, with minute to hair-like prickle-teeth on keel and margins in upper ½, and in Chatham Is, Auckland Is and Campbell Id with minute hairs or prickle-teeth scattered on surface; lower ≤ upper, narrowly elliptic, upper ≤ spikelet, more broadly elliptic; apex subacute to acuminate, sometimes shortly mucronate. Lemma 3.5-6.2 mm, bidentate to conspicuously bicuspid, papillose, minutely prickle-toothed only near base of awn to throughout lemma; awn 2-6.5 mm, straight to recurved, insertion in upper ¼ of lemma. Palea minutely prickle-toothed on upper ¾ of keel or almost throughout, in Subantarctic Is with prickle-teeth also on flanks. Callus hairs 0.2-0.6 mm. Rachilla hairs 0.4-0.8 mm, very sparse to moderately dense. Lodicules c. 1 mm, glabrous or ciliate, dentate or bilobed. Anthers 0.6-1-(1.5) mm. Gynoecium: ovary c. 0.8 mm; stigma-styles c. 1.2 mm. Caryopsis 1.5-1.8 × 0.5-0.7 mm.
Small tufts 2-35-(55) cm, with slender, often almost filiform culms usually » grey-green often involute leaves at maturity; branching extravaginal. Leaf-sheath 0.5-2 cm, glabrous, or sparsely finely prickle-toothed on ribs to densely pubescent. Ligule 0.2-1 mm, truncate or rounded, ciliate. Leaf-blade 1-12-(18) cm × 0.3-1.5-(2) mm, abaxially glabrous to finely scabrid to pubescent, sometimes with scattered long hairs, adaxially ribbed, minutely scabrid to shortly pubescent; margins minutely prickle-toothed, occasionally with scattered long hairs. Culm (1)-2-20-(45) cm, internodes glabrous, or sometimes densely pubescent with ascending or tangled spreading hairs, occasionally hairs retrorse below. Panicle 0.5-8.5 × 0.5-1.2 cm, ± spike-like with very short close-set branches but rachis visible, or more open with short ascending branches; rachis glabrous and branches with a few minute prickle-teeth, or rachis and branches pubescent. Spikelets (3.5)-4-5.5 mm, pale green or red-tinged. Glumes subequal, membranous, keels with prickle-teeth in upper ⅓ to upper ½; lower ≤ upper, elliptic, very rarely oblong-lanceolate, upper ≤ spikelet, broadly elliptic; margins with very minute prickle-teeth near obtuse to acute rarely almost mucronate tip. Lemma 3.5-5 mm, minutely bidentate, papillose, minutely scabrid near keel; awn 2-3-(4) mm, insertion in upper ¼ of lemma. Palea minutely prickle-toothed on keels except near base and sparsely minutely prickle-toothed on margins. Callus hairs 0.2 mm. Rachilla hairs few, to 0.8 mm. Lodicules c. 0.7 mm, glabrous. Anthers 0.6-1.3 mm. Gynoecium: ovary c. 0.7 mm; stigma-styles c. 1.2 mm. Caryopsis c. 2 × 0.5 mm.
Erect ± open tufts to 100 cm, with flat dull green leaves usually « culms and long, narrow-lanceolate, silvery panicles; branching extravaginal. Leaf-sheath to 5 cm, often pubescent or puberulous, sometimes minutely prickle-toothed or glabrous, upper sheaths usually with long fine soft scattered retrorse hairs. Ligule 1-1.5 mm, erose or lacerate, shortly stiff-ciliate, abaxially often with minute hairs. Leaf-blade 3-15 cm × 1-7 mm, sometimes with scattered long hairs, abaxially glabrous to minutely scabrid above, adaxially finely ribbed, ribs minutely prickle-toothed; margins scabrid, sometimes with scattered long hairs. Culm 9-60 cm, internodes mainly glabrous but usually with soft hairs above and below nodes, scabrid to puberulous below panicle and often with a few long hairs, occasionally pubescent to villous throughout. Panicle 3-15-(24) × 0.5-2 cm, lanceolate-oblong, ± spike-like and rachis visible, or lower branches sometimes slightly distant, narrowly branched, each branch bearing few spikelets crowded to base; rachis usually scabrid, sometimes smooth or pubescent, lower nodes often with tufts of long hairs, branches scabrid or sometimes pubescent. Spikelets 5.5-8 mm, light green, purplish or brownish tinged. Glumes subequal, membranous, keels with prickle-teeth in upper ½; lower ≤ upper, elliptic-oblong to elliptic, upper ≈ spikelet, wider elliptic; margins very minutely prickle-toothed near acute or sometimes finely mucronate tip. Lemma 5-6.5 mm, bidentate to shortly bicuspid, closely finely scabrid with prickle-teeth more prominent near keel; awn 4-7 mm, slightly to strongly recurved, insertion in upper ¼ of lemma. Palea minutely prickle-toothed on keels throughout, on flanks, and on margins above. Callus hairs to 0.5 mm. Rachilla hairs to 1 mm. Lodicules c. 1 mm, glabrous. Anthers 0.8-1.3 mm. Gynoecium: ovary to 1 mm; stigma-styles to 2 mm. Caryopsis c. 2.7 × 0.8 mm.
Erect, robust, green or ± glaucous annual tufts, 30-100 cm. Leaf-sheath firm, subcoriaceous, shortly pubescent or glabrous, green or straw-coloured. Auricles 2-3.5 mm, pale green to pinkish, usually ciliate-margined. Ligule 0.6-4 mm, hyaline, truncate, shortly denticulate and minutely ciliate. Leaf-blade 4-30 cm × 2-12 mm, abaxially smooth, adaxially minutely scabrid, margins finely scabrid, tip acuminate and slightly hooded. Culm 25-80 cm, internodes smooth or minutely scabrid. Spike distichous, linear-oblong, lax- to dense-flowered, 4-9 × 1-2.5 cm; rachis tough, margins ± ciliate. Spikelets 3-6-flowered. Glumes 7-10 mm, coriaceous, or pubescent, especially on margins below, truncate, keel with sparse prickle-teeth produced above to a short tooth or awn. Lemma 9.5-12 mm, coriaceous and rigid, 7-nerved, acute and awnless or awned between 2 small lobes; awn 1-50-(70) mm, scabrid. Palea ≈ lemma, not folded, submembranous, keels hairy, interkeel with some small hairs especially below, margins membranous, meeting, glabrous. Rachilla 1-1.5 mm, hairy. Lodicules 1.5-1.75 mm, long ciliate. Anthers 2.5-4 mm. Gynoecium: ovary 2 mm; stigma-styles short 1-1.5 mm. Caryopsis 7-7.5 × 3.4-3.8 mm, ellipsoid, ovate-ellipsoid or ovoid, variously coloured; embryo 2.5 mm. Cleistogamous, but briefly chasmogamous.
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Velvety-leaved clumps to 180 cm, from short, stout rhizome, stoloniferous, sometimes rooting below; branching extravaginal. Leaf-sheath light yellow-green to light brown, papery, rounded, to somewhat keeled above, densely pilose, hairs soft, tubercle-based. Ligule c. 1 mm, densely ciliate. Leaf-blade c. 20 cm × 5-15 mm, linear-lanceolate, rounded at base, papery, flat, with numerous tubercle-based hairs, ribs numerous, fine, midrib thicker; margins somewhat thickened with close-set, long, prickle-teeth, tapered above to fine acuminate tip. Culm 2-5 mm diam., simple, or narrowly branched, nodes densely villous, internodes glabrous. Panicle of up to 12 racemes on a rachis up to 16 cm. Racemes to 7 cm, of numerous paired spikelets secund on flattened rachis; rachis with scabrid margins and a few, long, bulbous-based hairs; pedicels with a few long hairs. Spikelets 3-3.5 mm, glabrous. Glumes dissimilar; lower c. 1.5 mm, 1-nerved, ± triangular, upper ≈ spikelet, 5-nerved, elliptic. Lower floret ♂: lemma ≈ upper glume and similar in texture, 5-nerved; palea ≈ lemma; anthers c. 1.2 mm. Upper floret ☿: lemma c. 2.5 mm, 5-nerved, subcoriaceous, very finely papillose; palea c. 2 mm, of similar texture to lemma; anthers c. 1.5 mm; caryopsis c. 1.8 × 1.2 mm.
Annuals or perennials. Ligule a membranous shortly ciliate rim. Culm erect or decumbent, simple or sparingly branched. Inflorescence a panicle of racemes along a common rachis; branches appressed or spreading, terminating in a spikelet. Spikelets secund, ± appressed to rachis adaxially or abaxially, terete or dorsiventrally compressed, solitary, paired or clustered, 2-flowered; disarticulation below glumes; lower floret Ø, ♂, sometimes ☿, upper floret ☿. Lower glume nerveless, upper ≈ spikelet, 5-nerved. Lower floret: lemma 5-7-nerved, membranous to chartaceous, muticous; palea present or 0. Upper floret: lemma ≈ lemma of lower floret, chartaceous to cartilaginous, dull, rugose, margins incurved and clasping palea, apex muticous to mucronate; palea 2-nerved, similar to lemma in texture; lodicules 2, cuneate, truncate; stamens 3; ovary apex glabrous, styles free to base, stigmas plumose; caryopsis ovoid to ellipsoid, dorsiventrally compressed, embryo ½-¾ length of caryopsis, hilum subbasal, punctiform, elliptic or linear.
Annual, slender, rather stiff tufts or solitary shoots, 3-60-(80) cm, with panicles usually conspicuously exserted above uppermost leaf-sheath. Leaf-sheath hyaline, glabrous, green to purplish, lower sheaths darker brown with paler ribs. Ligule 0.2-0.5 mm, a membranous, truncate rim. Leaf-blade (1.5)-3-10 cm × 0.8-1.5 mm, flat or involute, abaxially glabrous, adaxially short-ciliate on ribs; margins and acute tip scabrid. Culm 3-40 cm, erect or decumbent at base, internodes glabrous, or sparsely to more densely hairy. Panicle 1.5-12-(17) cm, secund, erect or slightly nodding, lanceolate to narrow-oblong, often rather lax below and with upper branches erect-appressed, sometimes reduced to a single spikelet; rachis, branches and stiff pedicels scabrid on angles. Spikelets (8)-10-20-(25) mm, 5-7-flowered, uppermost 1-2-(3) florets Ø, cuneate or oblong; flowering usually cleistogamous. Glumes very unequal with broad green nerves and hyaline margin, acute to apiculate; lower 2.5-4.2 mm, ½-¾ length of upper, 1-nerved, subulate, smooth, upper 4.7-7.8 mm, 3-nerved, oblong-lanceolate, midnerve scabrid near tip. Lemma 5.5-7.5-(10.5) mm, 5-nerved, firmly membranous, rounded, elliptic-lanceolate, scabrid; awn 4.5-11 mm, fine, minutely scabrid. Palea keels scabrid, interkeel scabrid near apex. Callus glabrous. Rachilla glabrous. Anthers usually 1, rarely 2, (0.2)-0.4-0.6 mm, or 0.8-1.5 mm. Caryopsis (2)-3-4.2 × 0.5 mm.
Short-lived annuals, rarely perennials; branching intravaginal. Leaf-sheath rounded. Ligule membranous. Leaf-blade flat, convolute when dry. Culm erect or decumbent, branching mainly at base. Inflorescence a narrow, usually secund panicle, usually sparsely branched, or sometimes a spiciform or compound raceme. Spikelets laterally compressed, (1)-3-12-flowered, ☿, the upper 1-2-(3) florets ♂ or Ø; disarticulation above and sometimes below glumes, and below each ☿ floret. Glumes usually very unequal; lower sometimes minute, 1-nerved, or nerves 0, upper 1-3-nerved, acute to acuminate. Lemma (3)-5-nerved, rounded or occasionally keeled, subcoriaceous, acuminate, mucronate or tapering to a long straight awn. Palea ≈ lemma, 2-keeled, apex bifid. Callus rounded or pointed, glabrous or pubescent. Lodicules 2, membranous, bilobed or bidentate, narrow or sometimes ovate. Stamens 1-(3), often small. Ovary apex glabrous or pubescent; styles free. Caryopsis linear to narrowly ellipsoid, dorsiventrally compressed, longitudinally grooved; embryo small; hilum linear, at least ¾ length of caryopsis.
Annuals, (3)-9-90 cm, in dense or loose tufts, or as solitary shoots, with base of panicle usually hidden by leaf-sheath. Leaf-sheath firmly membranous, glabrous, green to purplish, or light brown. Ligule 0.2-0.5-(0.7) mm, a truncate membranous ciliate rim, sometimes asymmetrical. Leaf-blade (1.5)-3.5-20 cm × 0.3-0.5 mm diam., inrolled, or flat and 0.5-2.5 mm wide, abaxially glabrous, adaxially covered with minute silky hairs; margins and fine acute tip scabrid. Culm 5-40-(60) cm, erect, or curved upwards from decumbent base, internodes glabrous. Panicle linear, secund, curved or nodding, dense, usually ± racemose above, shortly branched below; rachis, stiff ± appressed branches and short stiff pedicels scabrid on angles. Spikelets 15-25 mm, 5-6-(7)-flowered, uppermost 1-(2) florets Ø, oblong or cuneate, green to purplish. Glumes extremely unequal, glabrous, acute; lower 0.5-1-(2) mm, ⅙ to almost ½ length of upper, 1-nerved, sub-ulate, upper (2.7)-3-4.5 mm, 3-nerved, narrow-lanceolate. Lemma 5.5-8.5 mm, faintly 5-nerved, firm, rounded, linear-lanceolate, scabrid, especially above near awn; awn 9-14.5 mm, fine, scabrid. Palea keels scabrid near apex. Anthers usually 1, rarely 2, (0.4)-0.5-0.6 mm, or 0.8-1.5-(2.5) mm. Caryopsis 3.5-4.5 × 0.4-0.6 mm.
Panicle (2.5)-4-24 cm. Lemma entirely glabrous. Plate 4F.
Panicle (5)-10-28 cm. Lemmas ciliate on margins above; sometimes almost entirely glabrous in some spikelets.
Tall, aquatic, monoecious annuals or perennials, sometimes with creeping rhizomes. Leaves flat. Inflorescence a large, terminal panicle with lower branches spreading or ascending and bearing pendent, early deciduous ♂ spikelets, upper branches ascending to erect at maturity, bearing ascending, tardily deciduous ♀ spikelets. Spikelets 1-flowered, falling entire from the pedicel; lower lemmas suppressed, rachilla modified to a callus-like structure at base of floret. Glumes obsolete, a small, collar-like ridge at tip of pedicel. ♂ spikelets: lemma membranous, 5-7-nerved, acuminate to shortly awned; palea ≈ lemma, 3-nerved; stamens 6. ♀ spikelets: lemma chartaceous, 3-nerved, tapering to a long slender awn; palea 2-keeled, the keels tightly clasped by lemma margins. Lodicules 2. Styles fused, stigma narrowly plumose. Caryopsis linear; embryo ½ length caryopsis to ≈ caryopsis; hilum ≈ caryopsis. Fig. 3.
Robust, stout perennials, to 3 m, with strong rhizomes and large, rather narrow, purplish panicle. Cataphylls broad. Leaf-sheath glabrous, many-nerved, spongy and honey-combed with numerous transverse septa beneath the stiff epidermis, pale greenish, straw-coloured or light brown to purplish; margins papery. Ligule 25-40 mm, nerved, smooth, acute, entire or later fimbriate. Collar conspicuous abaxially and separating sheath and blade. Leaf-blade 50-120 × 1-2.5 cm, linear-lanceolate, light green, tough, midnerve much thickened abaxially below, glabrous, margins scabrid; tip pungent. Culm to 2 cm diam., internodes glabrous. Panicle 30-70 cm, with sparsely scabrid pulvinate branches with long white hairs in axils, all branches and spikelets ascending, upper branches with ♀ spikelets, pedicels slender, capillary, tips cupule-like equally wide, sometimes short-ciliate; lower branches with ♂ spikelets and also ♂ spikelet at times among ♀ spikelets in middle branches. ♂ spikelets: lemma 12-15 mm, nerves 7, raised, purplish, linear-lanceolate, membranous, very finely scabrid on and between nerves, long-acuminate to shortly (c. 2 mm) awned. Palea c. 10.5 mm, 3-nerved, sparsely scabrid on keel and between nerves above, margins wide, hyaline. Lodicules 0.75 mm. Stamens 6; anthers (5)-6-7 mm, bright orange-yellow, tailed. ♀ spikelets: lemma 15-20 mm, 7-nerved, linear, chartaceous, greenish to sometimes slightly purplish, scabrid on nerves and very finely scabrid between nerves, awn scabrid, erect 12-30 mm. Palea 10-13 mm, 3-keeled, nerves scabrid, interkeels faintly scabrid. Gynoecium: ovary 1.5 mm, beaked; stigma-styles c. 20 mm, stigma white exserted beyond lemma apex. Caryopsis c. 6 × 1.5 mm. Fig. 3.
Small tufts 3-13 cm from long fine rhizomes, of many dense fine leaves with needle-like tips subtending short racemose inflorescences at first partly concealed among leaves, later borne well above on elongate stems; branching intravaginal. Leaf-sheath to 8 mm, keeled, glabrous, wider than blade, lobed apically. Auricles 0. Ligule c. 0.5 mm, tapered and longer at centre, noticeably ciliate. Leaf-blade 1-2.6 cm × 0.5 mm diam., tightly inrolled, light green with cream cross-veinlets, glabrous, pinched into curved, pale tip; margins with minute prickle-teeth. Culm very slender, minutely pubescent below inflorescence. Raceme c. 1 cm, of 3-6 spikelets; pedicels with dense, minute prickle-teeth. Spikelets 5-7.5 mm, laterally compressed. Glumes ± equal, 2-3.5 mm, c. ½ length of spikelet, lanceolate, subacute, keeled above, glabrous, margins with minute prickle-teeth; lower 1-nerved, upper 3-nerved. Ø lemmas unequal, lanceolate, long-narrowed above, keel and margins minutely prickle-toothed; lower Ø lemma 5-5.5 mm, 5-nerved, callus hairs 1-1.5 mm; upper Ø lemma 6-6.8 mm, 3-nerved, callus hairs 1.5-2 mm. ☿ lemma 3-4 mm, narrow elliptic, glabrous, tip truncate, erose to almost lacerate, ciliate. Palea 2.5-2.75 mm, apex ciliate. Lodicules c. 0.75 mm, flabellate, erose. Anthers 1.1-1.5 mm. Gynoecium: ovary c. 0.6 mm; stigma-styles c. 1 mm, stigmas plumose. Caryopsis not seen.
Perennial, (4)-15-(45) cm, forming narrow tufts with yellow-green, papery leaves from long, trailing culms, narrowly branching intravaginally and bare below except for remains of old sheaths. Leaf-sheath smooth, cross-veinlets ± visible, cream. Ligule 0.1-0.2 mm, a truncate minutely ciliolate rim. Leaf-blade 4-10 cm × 1.5 mm, ± erect, linear, flat, becoming inrolled, ribs and cross-veinlets cream, abaxially smooth, adaxially minutely scabrid on ribs, long-tapering to acicular tip, margins minutely scabrid. Panicle (1)-3-5-(7) cm, loosely spike-like, curved or drooping; branches smooth to slightly scabrid. Spikelets (6)-7-10 mm, shortly pedicelled. Glumes obtuse to acute, to truncate and shortly mucronate, margins finely ciliate above; lower 2-3.7 mm, upper 2.5-4 mm. Ø lemmas abaxially smooth, sometimes cross-veinlets visible, ± scabrid on keel, adaxially minutely pubescent above, awn 2-3 mm, scabrid; callus hairs dense, 2-3 mm; lower Ø lemma 5-6-(8) mm; upper Ø lemma (5)-6-9 mm. ☿ lemma 4-5.5 mm, obtuse tip ciliolate, occasionally obliquely truncate and very shortly mucronate, keel smooth. Palea 2.5-4 mm. Rachilla prolongation to 0.7 mm, minutely hairy at apex, or reduced to a minute knob tipped by fine hairs. Lodicules 1-1.5 mm, cuneate, erose to lacerate. Anthers c. 2 mm. Gynoecium: ovary to 1 mm; stigma-styles to 1.5 mm. Caryopsis c. 2.5 × 1 mm. 2n=c. 48.
Rhizomatous perennials, compact, cushion-like, with close-set leaves, sometimes forming tufts from trailing culms; branching intravaginal. Leaf-sheath cross-veinlets few. Auricles fringed with some long fine hairs, or auricles 0. Ligule a minute ciliolate rim, or ciliate. Leaf-blade flat or inrolled, cross-veinlets prominent. Inflorescence a contracted panicle or reduced to a raceme. Spikelets laterally compressed, shortly pedicelled, falling entire from above persistent subequal glumes; 3-flowered, 2 lower reduced to unequal awned Ø lemmas; uppermost floret ☿, awnless; rachilla minutely prolonged. Glumes = ½ length of florets, ovate, subcoriaceous, smooth; lower usually faintly 3-nerved, upper usually faintly 5-nerved. Ø lemmas narrowly ovate-lanceolate, slightly narrowed above to a short, relatively thick, scabrid awn, cartilaginous, abaxially smooth or scarcely scabrid, adaxially minutely pubescent, keel smooth or scabrid, shortly hairy callus at base; lower Ø lemma 5-7-nerved; upper Ø lemma longer, usually 7-nerved. ☿ lemma ≥ lower Ø lemma, ≤ upper Ø lemma, slightly broader, ovate-lanceolate, awnless, subcoriaceous, smooth, but sometimes ± scabrid on midnerve, faintly 5-7-nerved, callus smooth. Palea membranous with 2 close-set central nerves. Lodicules 2, finely many-nerved in lower ½. Stamens 2. Styles free naked below; stig-mata plumose. Caryopsis narrow-oblong; embryo c. ⅕ caryopsis; hilum ≈ caryopsis.
Rhizomatous perennials, with culms branching freely intravaginally and forming light green, dense, low mats (1.5)-2-4-(8) cm high. Leaf-sheath smooth, usually cream, cross-veinlets few. Ligule almost a line. Leaf-blade 0.5-1.8 cm × 1.4-2-(3) mm, spreading, usually flat, margins incurved but sometimes more inrolled, lanceolate, glabrous, cream cross-veinlets visible, only slightly tapering to short, acute tip, margins minutely scabrid. Culm erect, only slightly projecting beyond leaves at flowering but later elongating to c. 8 cm. Inflorescence an erect raceme 0.5-1-(1.5) cm, of (2)-4-7 spikelets, occasionally reduced to a single spikelet. Spikelets (3.5)-4.5-6 mm, on short, smooth pedicels appressed to rachis. Glumes obtuse, margins smooth, rarely ciliate above; lower 1-1.5 mm, upper 1.2-2 mm. Ø lemmas abaxially smooth, sometimes cross-veinlets visible, adaxially minutely pubescent above, awn scabrid, 1-1.5 mm; callus hairs dense, c. 1 mm; lower Ø lemma 3-4.5 mm; upper Ø lemma 3.5-5.5 mm. ☿ lemma 2.3-5 mm, acute or obliquely truncate, occasionally mucronate, smooth, keel sometimes minutely scabrid near tip. Palea 2.5-3.5 mm, keel scabrid near base. Rachilla prolongation to 0.5 mm, or reduced to a minute knob. Lodicules c. 0.8-1 mm, ± elliptic to cuneate, erose. Anthers 1-1.7 mm. Gynoecium: ovary c. 0.8 mm; stigma-styles 1-1.3 mm. Caryopsis 2-2.5 ×c. 0.7 mm. 2n=c. 48.
Rhizome stout, long, to 1.5 mm diam., whitish, smooth; cataphylls smooth, grey or whitish; shoots to 5-(10) cm, branching several times intravaginally at or above ground. Leaf-sheath shining white below, purplish above, striate, margins membranous, wide, glabrous. Ligule 0.1-0.2 mm, ciliate. Collar glabrous, swollen, recurved, very rarely with 1-2 long hairs. Leaf-blade 5-30 mm, distinctly divergent, folded, abaxially smooth, adaxially scabrid on ribs; margins incurved, thickened and scabrid. Culm to 2 cm, terete to usually laterally compressed, ridged, usually scabrid on ridges below spikelet otherwise glabrous, bearing 1 leaf or leaf reduced to sheath, and often a minute bract above. Spikelet 1, occasionally 2-3, peduncles narrowly ovate, lanceolate, c. 1 mm wide. Glumes indurated, lower usually absent, if present much reduced, occasionally complete and awned, to c. 4.5 mm, upper glume (3)-3.5-7 mm, minutely scabrid above and on margins, ± golden to golden-brown, nerves 7-9, very weak; awn 0.2-2.5 mm, scabrid. Lemma 3-4.5 mm, ovate-lanceolate, 1-nerved, firm-hyaline, shallowly bifid, glabrous. Palea 3-4 mm. Anthers c. 2 mm. Gynoecium: ovary 0.5-0.75 mm; stigma-styles 7-7.5 mm. Caryopsis 1.5-1.75 mm; embryo 0.75 mm; pericarp detaching with 0.25-0.35 mm beak. Protogynous.
Rhizome stout, long, 1-1.5 mm diam., shining, light brown; cataphylls smooth, grey or whitish; shoots 10-15 cm, branching several times intravaginally at or above ground. Leaf-sheath shining, white below, purplish above, striate, margins membranous, wide, glabrous. Ligule 0.2-0.3 mm, ciliate. Collar hairs few to many, 2-4 mm, rarely glabrous. Leaf-blade to 10 cm, divergent to erect, folded to flat and 1-2-4 mm wide, abaxially smooth, adaxially finely scabrid on ribs or glabrous; margins thickened, sparsely scabrid, tip blunt. Culm 3-10 cm, terete to laterally compressed, ridged, glabrous, bearing 1 leaf or leaf reduced to sheath, and a minute bract above. Raceme 0.5-2 cm, of (1)-2-5-9 lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate, imbricate, spikelets c. 1-1.5 mm wide, frequently congested, rachis and pedicels flattened, scabrid on edges. Glumes indurated, lower glume if present a reduced bract, upper glume 4-6-(7) mm, minutely hairy above and on margins, ± golden ochreous often tinged pinkish at first, nerves 7 very weak; awn 0.5-2-(5) mm, scabrid. Lemma 3-3.75 mm, ovate-lanceolate, 1-nerved, firm-hyaline, glabrous. Palea 2.75-3.5 mm, transparent. Anthers c. 2-2.6 mm, apiculate, filaments ligulate. Gynoecium: ovary 0.75-1 mm; stigma-styles 3.5-5 mm. Caryopsis 1.5-2.0 × 0.75 mm; embryo 0.6-0.75 mm; pericarp thin, detaching with beak. Protogynous.
Perennials with extensive monopodial rhizomes. Culms few noded. Leaves distichous. Ligule ciliate; collar distinct, ± long-ciliate with cushion-based hairs. Leaf-blade linear to linear-lanceolate, tapering. Inflorescence a cylindrical raceme or a solitary terminal spikelet. Spikelets 1-flowered, disarticulating above pedicels and falling entire at maturity. Lower glume usually 0, occasionally present as small bract, very rarely complete; upper laterally compressed, enfolding floret, indurated, ± awned. Lemma entire, firmly membranous, 1-nerved. Palea nerveless. Lodicules 0. Stamens 3. Ovary glabrous; styles 2; stigmas long, emerging apically. Caryopsis elliptic, laterally compressed; embryo c. ½ length of caryopsis, pericarp free.

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Names_Plants
19 September 2013
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