Poa L.

Gramineae, E. Launert. Flora Zambesiaca 10:1. 1971

Spikelets

Spikelets solitary, pedicelled, laterally compressed, muticous, 2-several-flowered; rhachilla disarticulating above the glumes and between the florets, terete, glabrous or sparsely hairy; florets all hermaphrodite but for the usually reduced uppermost one (very rarely the 2 uppermost florets female only).

Glume

Glumes 2, slightly unequal, 1-3-nerved, thinly membranous, keeled, usually glabrous, persistent.

Lemma

Lemmas exceeding the glumes, (3)5-7-nerved, keeled, deeply concave, membranous, often with hyaline margins, apex acute to obtuse, usually pilose to a varying degree; callus short, obtuse, often with a woolly indumentum.

Palea

Paleas shorter than or as long as the corresponding lemmas, 2-keeled, thinly membranous, usually ciliolate along the keels, with the apex usually emarginate.

Lodicules

Lodicules 2, rather small, cuneate-2-lobate or lanceolate.

Stamens

Stamens 3.

Pistil

Ovary glabrous; styles distinct, rather short; stigmas plumose, laterally exserted.

Fruits

Caryopsis ovate, oblong or linear-oblong in outline, often grooved, usually free between the lemma and palea; embryo small; hilum basal, punctiform.

Habit

Annuals or perennials of a wide range of habits.

Ligules

Ligule membranous or hyaline.

Inflorescences

Inflorescence a lax or contracted sometimes spike-like panicle.

Gramineae, W. D. Clayton, S. M. Phillips And S. A. Renvoize. Flora of Tropical East Africa. 1974

Habit

Annuals or perennials

Leaves

Leaf-blades usually flat, often with a blunt or hooded tip

Inflorescences

Inflorescence an open or contracted panicle

Spikelets

Spikelets 2–several-flowered, laterally compressed; glumes slightly unequal, 1–3-nerved, keeled, usually glabrous; lemmas deeply concave, keeled on the back, membranous often with hyaline margins, 5–7-nerved, awnless; callus short, obtuse, often with loose woolly hairs; ovary glabrous, the hilum basal and punctiform.

nonem

Habit

Annual (25), or perennial (475). Rhizomes absent (364), or short (49), or elongated (94). Stolons absent (467), or present (36). Culms erect (239/323), or geniculately ascending (120/323), or decumbent (39/323), or prostrate (3/323), or rambling (5/323); robust (14/46), or slender (24/46), or weak (8/46); 1-38.73-400 cm long; firm (487), or wiry (8); without nodal roots (4/18), or rooting from lower nodes (18/18). Culm-internodes similar in length (1/2), or unequal, the upper longer (1/2); terete (158/183), or elliptical in section (31/183). Culm-nodes flush with internodes (1/4), or swollen (3/4). Lateral branches lacking (332/342), or sparse (9/342), or ample (8/342). Culm-sheaths persistent (1/1). Leaf-sheaths open for most of their length (40/80), or tubular for much of their length (40/80). Leaf-sheath auricles absent (494), or erect (1). Ligule an eciliate membrane (456), or a ciliolate membrane (42), or absent (1). Leaf-blades persistent (486), or deciduous at the ligule (9); aciculate (9), or filiform (54), or linear (435), or oblong (1), or triangular (1); herbaceous (469), or coriaceous (28); stiff (65), or firm (398), or flaccid (34); without exudate (494), or pruinose (2). Leaf-blade midrib evident (1/3), or conspicuous (2/3). Leaf-blade venation without cross veins (494), or with obscure cross veins (1). Leaf-blade margins unthickened (3/10), or cartilaginous (7/10). Leaf-blade apex muticous (479), or pungent (16).

Inflorescences

Bisexual (441), or gynodioecious (male, in this context, indicating the bisexual state) (10), or monoecious (1), or dioecious (46); with male and female spikelets in the same inflorescence (1/56), or with male and female spikelets in different inflorescences (55/56), or with sex changing according to season (1/56). Inflorescence a panicle (493), or comprising only a few spikelets (3); subtended by an unspecialized leaf-sheath (494), or bracts (1); exserted (484), or embraced at base by subtending leaf (14), or enclosed (1). Peduncle tipped by a glumaceous appendage (1/1). Panicle open (374/492), or contracted (122/492), or spiciform (21/492). Primary panicle branches not whorled (482/493), or whorled at lower nodes (2/493), or whorled at most nodes (9/493). Spikelets appressed (2/6), or ascending (2/6), or spreading (1/6), or pendulous (1/6); solitary (494), or in pairs (1). Fertile spikelets sessile (1), or sessile and pedicelled (1), or pedicelled (494). Male spikelets pedicelled (1/1); 1 in a cluster (1/1). Pedicels filiform (1/3), or oblong (1/3), or clavate (1/3); tip rectangular (1/2), or widened (1/2). Male inflorescence similar to female (51/51); a panicle (1/1). Male spikelets resembling female (46/51), or similar to female but less developed (4/51), or distinct from female (1/51); lanceolate (1/1). Male spikelet glumes 2 (3/3).

Spikelets

Spikelets comprising 1-4-13 fertile florets; without rhachilla extension (3/494), or with a barren rhachilla extension (116/494), or with diminished florets at the apex (376/494). Spikelets linear (1/494), or lanceolate (31/494), or elliptic (52/494), or oblong (285/494), or ovate (195/494), or orbicular (2/494), or obovate (5/494), or oblanceolate (1/494), or cuneate (15/494); laterally compressed; 1.5-5.384-15 mm long; breaking up at maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret. Rhachilla internodes glabrous (454/487), or sparsely hairy (20/487), or pubescent (25/487), or pilose (5/487), or villous (1/487). Floret callus glabrous (237/477), or sparsely hairy (17/477), or pubescent (15/477), or pilose (19/477), or bearded (4/477), or woolly (235/477).

Fertile

Spikelets comprising 1-4-13 fertile florets; without rhachilla extension (3/494), or with a barren rhachilla extension (116/494), or with diminished florets at the apex (376/494). Spikelets linear (1/494), or lanceolate (31/494), or elliptic (52/494), or oblong (285/494), or ovate (195/494), or orbicular (2/494), or obovate (5/494), or oblanceolate (1/494), or cuneate (15/494); laterally compressed; 1.5-5.384-15 mm long; breaking up at maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret. Rhachilla internodes glabrous (454/487), or sparsely hairy (20/487), or pubescent (25/487), or pilose (5/487), or villous (1/487). Floret callus glabrous (237/477), or sparsely hairy (17/477), or pubescent (15/477), or pilose (19/477), or bearded (4/477), or woolly (235/477).

Glume

Glumes persistent; shorter than spikelet (490), or reaching apex of florets (6), or exceeding apex of florets (3); thinner than fertile lemma (2), or similar to fertile lemma in texture (494); incurved at apex (2), or parallel to lemmas (490), or recurved at apex (1), or gaping (3). Lower glume linear (12/494), or lanceolate (298/494), or elliptic (42/494), or oblong (66/494), or ovate (108/494); not clasping (1/1); 0.33-0.8492-1.5 length of upper glume; membranous (487/493), or chartaceous (3/493), or herbaceous (2/493), or coriaceous (1/493); without keels (3/493), or 1-keeled (490/493); 1 -veined (301/455), or 2 -veined (91/455), or 3 -veined (244/455), or 4-5 -veined (4/455). Lower glume lateral veins absent (282), or obscure (60), or distinct (224), or prominent (2); without ribs (285/286), or ribbed (1/286). Lower glume surface smooth (451), or asperulous (35), or scabrous (23); glabrous (493), or pubescent (1), or pilose (1). Lower glume apex entire (492), or erose (3); emarginate (1/494), or obtuse (29/494), or acute (413/494), or acuminate (76/494), or attenuate (2/494), or setaceously attenuate (1/494); muticous (492/494), or mucronate (3/494). Upper glume linear (3/494), or lanceolate (164/494), or elliptic (83/494), or oblong (70/494), or ovate (213/494), or obovate (5/494); 0.25-0.8626-1.7 length of adjacent fertile lemma; membranous (487/493), or chartaceous (3/493), or herbaceous (2/493), or coriaceous (1/493); with undifferentiated margins (441), or hyaline margins (46), or membranous margins (1), or scarious margins (7); without keels (3/493), or 1-keeled (490/493); 1 -veined (18/470), or 2 -veined (14/470), or 3 -veined (457/470), or 4 -veined (19/470), or 5 -veined (26/470), or 6-7 -veined (1/470). Upper glume primary vein eciliate (494), or ciliolate (1), or ciliate (1). Upper glume lateral veins without ribs (489/490), or ribbed (1/490); meeting at apex (1/1). Upper glume surface smooth (444), or asperulous (43), or scabrous (22), or papillose (2); glabrous (492), or pubescent (2), or pilose (1). Upper glume apex entire (491), or erose (5); emarginate (4/493), or truncate (1/493), or obtuse (49/493), or acute (407/493), or acuminate (62/493), or attenuate (1/493); muticous (492/494), or mucronate (2/494).

Florets

Fertile florets bisexual (448), or female (55). Fertile lemma linear (2/494), or lanceolate (73/494), or elliptic (55/494), or oblong (110/494), or ovate (282/494), or oblate (1/494); without auricles (494), or auriculate at base (1), or thickened on margins at base (1); laterally compressed (2/2); lanceolate in profile (22/134), or elliptic in profile (9/134), or oblong in profile (112/134), or ovate in profile (1/134); membranous (474/493), or chartaceous (8/493), or herbaceous (6/493), or coriaceous (6/493); of similar consistency above (442), or much thinner above (52), or firmer above (1); of similar consistency on margins (426), or much thinner on margins (69); without keel (1), or keeled (494); 0-5-11 -veined. Lemma midvein without distinctive roughness (398), or scaberulous (50), or scabrous (62); eciliate (272), or ciliolate (63), or ciliate (148), or pectinately ciliate (1), or pubescent (34). Lemma lateral veins obscure (57/135), or with distinct primaries but obscure intermediates (21/135), or distinct (30/135), or prominent (31/135); extending close to apex (2/36), or stopping well short of apex (32/36), or less than two thirds length of lemma (2/36). Lemma surface smooth (388), or granulose (8), or asperulous (31), or scaberulous (66), or scabrous (40), or papillose (9), or punctate (4), or pitted (1); glabrous (368), or puberulous (51), or pubescent (98), or pilose (16), or hirsute (2), or villous (2); hairy on back (100/162), or on veins (55/162), or between veins (9/162), or in lines (1/162); with simple hairs (161/162), or turgid hairs (1/162); without hair tufts (494), or with basal hair tufts near margin (1). Lemma margins flat (494), or involute (1); eciliate (321), or ciliolate (51), or ciliate (111), or pubescent (25), or pilose (2), or villous (2), or woolly (1). Lemma apex entire (482), or erose (9), or dentate (7); 2 -fid (5/6), or 3 -fid (1/6); incised 0.2 of lemma length; emarginate (6/486), or truncate (6/486), or obtuse (148/486), or acute (342/486), or acuminate (20/486), or cuspidate (2/486), or apiculate (2/486); muticous (485), or mucronate (16), or awned (5); 1 -awned (5/5). Principal lemma awn apical (15/19), or from a sinus (4/19). Palea 0.2-0.9418-1 length of lemma; 2 -veined (8/9), or 3 -veined (1/9). Palea keels separated (493), or approximate (2); wingless (494), or winged (1); smooth (213), or scaberulous (101), or scabrous (195), or spinulose (2); eciliate (390), or puberulous (5), or pubescent (1), or ciliolate (82), or ciliate (33). Palea surface glabrous (451), or puberulous (24), or pubescent (37), or pilose (3). Palea apex entire (1/8), or dentate (8/8). Apical sterile florets resembling fertile though underdeveloped (371/376), or distinct from fertile (5/376).

Flowers

Lodicules 1 (1/444), or 2 (443/444); membranous (442/442); glabrous (442/444), or ciliate (9/444); with a small lateral lobe (2/3), or irregularly toothed (1/3); obtuse (1/1). Anthers 1 (1/488), or 3 (487/488). Stigmas 2-3 (1/1). Ovary glabrous (11/11).

Fruits

Caryopsis with adherent pericarp (460/460); lanceolate (4/49), or fusiform (8/49), or ellipsoid (19/49), or oblong (11/49), or ovoid (5/49), or obovoid (1/49), or oblanceolate (1/49); laterally compressed (1/1); trigonous (15/15); striate (1/2), or rugose (1/2). Embryo 0.2-0.2567-0.33 length of caryopsis. Hilum punctiform (446/448), or elliptic (2/448).

Male

Male inflorescence similar to female (51/51); a panicle (1/1). Male spikelets resembling female (46/51), or similar to female but less developed (4/51), or distinct from female (1/51); lanceolate (1/1). Male spikelet glumes 2 (3/3).

Distribution

Europe (54), or Africa (29), or Temperate Asia (158), or Tropical Asia (95), or Australasia (84), or Pacific (7), or North America (80), or South America (120), or Antarctica (10).

nonem

Habit

Annual. Culms 0.4-1 cm long. Leaves without demarcation between sheath and blade. Ligule an eciliate membrane. Leaf-blades triangular.

Inflorescences

Inflorescence a panicle; subtended by an inflated leaf-sheath; embraced at base by subtending leaf. Panicle capitate. Spikelets solitary. Fertile spikelets pedicelled.

Spikelets

Spikelets comprising 1 fertile florets; without rhachilla extension. Spikelets oblong; laterally compressed; 3-3.5 mm long; breaking up at maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret.

Fertile

Spikelets comprising 1 fertile florets; without rhachilla extension. Spikelets oblong; laterally compressed; 3-3.5 mm long; breaking up at maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret.

Glume

Glumes persistent; shorter than spikelet, or reaching apex of florets; thinner than fertile lemma; parallel to lemmas, or recurved at apex. Lower glume oblong; 1 length of upper glume; membranous; 1-keeled; 1 -veined. Lower glume lateral veins absent. Lower glume apex cuspidate. Upper glume oblong; 0.9-1 length of adjacent fertile lemma; membranous; 1-keeled; 1 -veined. Upper glume apex cuspidate.

Florets

Fertile lemma oblong; membranous; keeled; 1-5 -veined. Lemma surface pubescent. Lemma apex cuspidate; muticous, or mucronate. Palea 1 length of lemma; 1-2 -veined; without keels. Palea surface pubescent.

Flowers

Lodicules 2; membranous; 2-toothed. Anthers 3. Stigmas 2. Ovary glabrous.

Fruits

Caryopsis with adherent pericarp; oblong; laterally compressed. Embryo 0.4 length of caryopsis. Hilum punctiform.

Distribution

South America.

nonem

Habit

Perennial. Culms geniculately ascending (1), or prostrate (1); 14-29.5-50 cm long; rooting from lower nodes (1/1). Ligule an eciliate membrane. Leaf-blades firm (1), or flaccid (1).

Inflorescences

Inflorescence a panicle. Panicle open. Primary panicle branches not whorled (1), or whorled at most nodes (1). Spikelets solitary. Fertile spikelets pedicelled. Pedicels filiform (1/1).

Spikelets

Spikelets comprising 2 fertile florets (1), or 3 fertile florets; with a barren rhachilla extension. Spikelets linear (1), or oblong (1), or cuneate (1); laterally compressed; 5-7.75-12 mm long; breaking up at maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret.

Fertile

Spikelets comprising 2 fertile florets (1), or 3 fertile florets; with a barren rhachilla extension. Spikelets linear (1), or oblong (1), or cuneate (1); laterally compressed; 5-7.75-12 mm long; breaking up at maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret.

Glume

Glumes both absent or obscure (1), or two (1); persistent (1/1); shorter than spikelet (1/1). Lower glume linear (1/1); 1 length of upper glume; 1 -veined (1/1). Lower glume lateral veins absent (1/1). Lower glume apex acute (1/1). Upper glume lanceolate (1/1); 0.25-0.29-0.33 length of adjacent fertile lemma; 3-4 -veined (1/1). Upper glume apex entire (1/1), or dentate (1/1); 2 -fid (1/1); acute (1/1).

Florets

Fertile lemma lanceolate; herbaceous; keeled; 3-4 -veined (1), or 5 -veined. Lemma surface smooth (1), or scaberulous (1). Lemma apex entire (1), or dentate (1); 3 -fid (1/1); setaceously attenuate (1/1). Palea keels smooth (1), or scabrous (1). Palea apex dentate (1/1).

Flowers

Lodicules 2 (1/1). Anthers 3. Ovary glabrous.

Fruits

Caryopsis with adherent pericarp (1/1). Hilum elliptic (1/1).

Distribution

South America.

nonem

Habit

Annual. Culms erect; 5-30 cm long. Ligule an eciliate membrane. Leaf-blades flaccid.

Inflorescences

Inflorescence a panicle. Panicle contracted. Spikelets appressed; solitary. Fertile spikelets pedicelled. Pedicels linear.

Spikelets

Spikelets comprising 5-13 fertile florets; with diminished florets at the apex. Spikelets ovate; laterally compressed; 5-13 mm long; breaking up at maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret.

Fertile

Spikelets comprising 5-13 fertile florets; with diminished florets at the apex. Spikelets ovate; laterally compressed; 5-13 mm long; breaking up at maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret.

Glume

Glumes persistent; shorter than spikelet; thinner than fertile lemma. Lower glume ovate; 0.6-1 length of upper glume; membranous; 1-keeled; 3-5 -veined. Lower glume apex obtuse. Upper glume ovate; 0.6-1.1 length of adjacent fertile lemma; membranous; 1-keeled; 3-5 -veined. Upper glume apex obtuse.

Florets

Fertile lemma elliptic; linear in profile; chartaceous; much thinner on margins; keeled; 5-11 -veined. Lemma lateral veins ribbed. Lemma surface pilose; hairy on veins. Lemma apex emarginate, or obtuse. Palea 1 length of lemma; 2 -veined. Palea keels eciliate, or ciliate. Apical sterile florets resembling fertile though underdeveloped.

Flowers

Anthers 3.

Fruits

Caryopsis with adherent pericarp. Hilum punctiform.

Distribution

Australasia.

nonem

Habit

Annual (3), or perennial (11). Rhizomes absent (12), or short (1), or elongated (1). Culms erect (3/7), or geniculately ascending (2/7), or decumbent (3/7); slender (1/1); 2-9.803-35 cm long. Ligule an eciliate membrane. Leaf-blades herbaceous (12), or coriaceous (2); stiff (3), or firm (11).

Inflorescences

Inflorescence a panicle. Panicle open (2), or contracted (4), or spiciform (8). Spikelets solitary. Fertile spikelets pedicelled.

Spikelets

Spikelets comprising 2 fertile florets, or 3 fertile florets (1); without rhachilla extension. Spikelets ovate; laterally compressed; 2.4-3.889-6.5 mm long; breaking up at maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret.

Fertile

Spikelets comprising 2 fertile florets, or 3 fertile florets (1); without rhachilla extension. Spikelets ovate; laterally compressed; 2.4-3.889-6.5 mm long; breaking up at maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret.

Glume

Glumes persistent; reaching apex of florets (6), or exceeding apex of florets (9); thinner than fertile lemma. Lower glume lanceolate (9), or oblong (2), or ovate (4); 1 length of upper glume; membranous (12), or chartaceous (1), or cartilaginous (1); 1-keeled; 3 -veined (12/12). Lower glume lateral veins obscure (1), or distinct (13); without ribs (13), or ribbed (1). Lower glume apex acute (12), or acuminate (2). Upper glume lanceolate (7), or oblong (2), or ovate (6); 1-1.332-2 length of adjacent fertile lemma; membranous (12), or chartaceous (1), or cartilaginous (1); with undifferentiated margins (13), or hyaline margins (1); 1-keeled; 3 -veined (12/12). Upper glume lateral veins without ribs (13), or ribbed (1). Upper glume apex obtuse (1), or acute (11), or acuminate (2).

Florets

Fertile lemma lanceolate (3), or elliptic (1), or oblong (2), or ovate (8); chartaceous (13), or cartilaginous (1); of similar consistency above (12), or much thinner above (2); keeled; 3 -veined. Lemma midvein without distinctive roughness (11), or scabrous (3). Lemma surface smooth (9), or asperulous (1), or scaberulous (3), or scabrous (1); glabrous (10), or puberulous (2), or pubescent (1), or hispidulous (1). Lemma apex entire (13), or dentate (1); 3 -fid (1/1); truncate (2), or obtuse (4), or acute (9), or acuminate (1). Palea keels smooth (13), or scaberulous (3); eciliate (11), or ciliolate (3).

Flowers

Anthers 3 (11/11). Ovary glabrous (11/11).

Distribution

North America (2), or South America (13).

nonem

Habit

Perennial. Culms erect (2/2); 25-69.16-120 cm long. Leaf-sheath auricles absent, or falcate (1). Ligule an eciliate membrane. Leaf-blades filiform (1), or linear (2); coriaceous; stiff. Leaf-blade apex muticous (2), or pungent (1).

Inflorescences

Inflorescence a panicle. Panicle open (2), or contracted (1). Spikelets solitary. Fertile spikelets pedicelled. Pedicels cuneate (1/1).

Spikelets

Spikelets comprising 3 fertile florets (1), or 4-5 fertile florets, or 6 fertile florets (1); with diminished florets at the apex. Spikelets oblong; laterally compressed; 9-13-18 mm long; breaking up at maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret. Rhachilla internodes pilose (1), or villous (2). Floret callus pubescent (1), or pilose (2).

Fertile

Spikelets comprising 3 fertile florets (1), or 4-5 fertile florets, or 6 fertile florets (1); with diminished florets at the apex. Spikelets oblong; laterally compressed; 9-13-18 mm long; breaking up at maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret. Rhachilla internodes pilose (1), or villous (2). Floret callus pubescent (1), or pilose (2).

Glume

Glumes persistent; shorter than spikelet. Lower glume linear; 0.9-0.9 length of upper glume; coriaceous; 1-keeled; 3 -veined. Lower glume surface asperulous. Lower glume apex acute. Upper glume lanceolate (2), or ovate (1); 0.75-0.9583-1 length of adjacent fertile lemma; coriaceous; 1-keeled; 3-4 -veined (1), or 5 -veined. Upper glume surface asperulous. Upper glume apex acute.

Florets

Fertile lemma elliptic (2), or ovate (1); coriaceous; of similar consistency above (2), or much thinner above (1); keeled; 5 -veined (2), or 6 -veined (1), or 7 -veined (2), or 8-11 -veined (1). Lemma midvein without distinctive roughness (2), or scabrous (1); eciliate (2), or ciliolate (1). Lemma surface asperulous (1), or scaberulous (1), or scabrous (1). Lemma apex entire (1), or erose (1), or dentate; 2 -fid; truncate (1/2), or acute (1/2); mucronate (1), or awned (2); 1 -awned (2/2). Principal lemma awn subapical (1), or from a sinus (2). Palea 1 length of lemma. Palea keels smooth (1), or scabrous (2); eciliate (2), or ciliolate (1). Palea apex dentate (2/2). Apical sterile florets resembling fertile though underdeveloped.

Flowers

Lodicules 2; membranous; glabrous (2), or ciliate (1); 2-toothed (1/1). Anthers 3. Ovary glabrous.

Fruits

Caryopsis with adherent pericarp. Hilum elliptic.

Distribution

Australasia.

nonem

Habit

Annual. Culms 2-5 cm long. Ligule an eciliate membrane.

Inflorescences

Inflorescence composed of racemes; embraced at base by subtending leaf. Racemes single; unilateral; bearing few fertile spikelets; bearing 2-6 fertile spikelets on each. Rhachis angular. Spikelet packing broadside to rhachis. Spikelets solitary. Fertile spikelets sessile.

Spikelets

Spikelets comprising 1 fertile florets; without rhachilla extension. Spikelets lanceolate; laterally compressed; 2.49-3.6 mm long; breaking up at maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret.

Fertile

Spikelets comprising 1 fertile florets; without rhachilla extension. Spikelets lanceolate; laterally compressed; 2.49-3.6 mm long; breaking up at maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret.

Glume

Glumes persistent; shorter than spikelet. Lower glume ovate; 1 length of upper glume; hyaline; without keels; 1 -veined. Lower glume lateral veins absent. Lower glume apex obtuse. Upper glume ovate; 0.05-0.3 length of adjacent fertile lemma; hyaline; without keels; 1 -veined. Upper glume apex obtuse.

Florets

Fertile lemma oblong; hyaline; without keel; 3 -veined. Lemma lateral veins obscure. Lemma apex erose; truncate. Palea hyaline; 2 -veined.

Flowers

Lodicules absent. Anthers 3.

Fruits

Caryopsis with adherent pericarp; oblong; laterally compressed. Hilum elliptic.

Distribution

Africa.

nonem

Habit

Perennial. Culms 3-12 cm long. Ligule an eciliate membrane.

Inflorescences

Inflorescence a panicle; embraced at base by subtending leaf. Panicle spiciform. Spikelets solitary. Fertile spikelets pedicelled. Pedicels oblong.

Spikelets

Spikelets comprising 3-8 fertile florets; with diminished florets at the apex. Spikelets cuneate; laterally compressed; 4-7 mm long; breaking up at maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret.

Fertile

Spikelets comprising 3-8 fertile florets; with diminished florets at the apex. Spikelets cuneate; laterally compressed; 4-7 mm long; breaking up at maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret.

Glume

Glumes persistent; shorter than spikelet. Lower glume ovate; 0.6-0.8 length of upper glume; hyaline; without keels; 1 -veined. Lower glume lateral veins absent. Lower glume apex obtuse. Upper glume orbicular; 0.6-0.7 length of adjacent fertile lemma; hyaline; without keels; 3 -veined. Upper glume apex obtuse.

Florets

Fertile lemma flabellate; hyaline; without keel; 5 -veined. Lemma apex emarginate. Palea 0.5 length of lemma; hyaline; 2 -veined. Palea apex lobed. Apical sterile florets resembling fertile though underdeveloped.

Distribution

South America.

nonem

Habit

Annual. Culms 5-27.1-65 cm long. Ligule an eciliate membrane. Leaf-blades firm (4), or flaccid (1).

Inflorescences

Inflorescence a panicle. Panicle open. Primary panicle branches whorled at most nodes; without sterile bristles (3), or sterile at lowest node (2). Spikelets solitary. Fertile spikelets pedicelled. Pedicels filiform; tip rectangular (1/1).

Spikelets

Spikelets comprising 1 fertile florets (3), or 2-3 fertile florets (4), or 4-7 fertile florets (2), or 8 fertile florets (3), or 9 fertile florets (2), or 10-12 fertile florets (1); with diminished florets at the apex. Spikelets elliptic; laterally compressed; 2-5.15-11.5 mm long; breaking up at maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret.

Fertile

Spikelets comprising 1 fertile florets (3), or 2-3 fertile florets (4), or 4-7 fertile florets (2), or 8 fertile florets (3), or 9 fertile florets (2), or 10-12 fertile florets (1); with diminished florets at the apex. Spikelets elliptic; laterally compressed; 2-5.15-11.5 mm long; breaking up at maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret.

Glume

Glumes persistent; shorter than spikelet. Lower glume elliptic (1), or ovate (4); 0.6-0.711-0.8 length of upper glume; membranous; 1-keeled; 1 -veined. Lower glume lateral veins absent. Lower glume apex acute. Upper glume elliptic (1), or ovate (4); 0.6-0.856-1 length of adjacent fertile lemma; membranous; 1-keeled; 3 -veined. Upper glume apex acute.

Florets

Fertile lemma lanceolate; oblong in profile; membranous; much thinner above; keeled; 5 -veined. Lemma midvein eciliate (4), or ciliolate (1). Lemma surface glabrous (2), or pubescent (3); hairy on back (1/3), or on veins (2/3). Lemma apex truncate (3), or obtuse (2), or acute (1). Palea keels eciliate (4), or ciliolate (1). Apical sterile florets resembling fertile though underdeveloped.

Flowers

Anthers 3.

Fruits

Caryopsis with adherent pericarp; lanceolate (1/1); trigonous (1/1). Embryo 1.1-1.15-1.2 length of caryopsis.

Distribution

Europe (1), or Africa (1), or Temperate Asia, or Tropical Asia (2).

nonem

Habit

Annual. Culms decumbent; 8-21 cm long. Ligule an eciliate membrane.

Inflorescences

Inflorescence a panicle. Panicle open. Primary panicle branches whorled at most nodes. Spikelets solitary. Fertile spikelets pedicelled.

Spikelets

Spikelets comprising 2-5 fertile florets; with diminished florets at the apex. Spikelets elliptic; laterally compressed; 3-4.5 mm long; breaking up at maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret.

Fertile

Spikelets comprising 2-5 fertile florets; with diminished florets at the apex. Spikelets elliptic; laterally compressed; 3-4.5 mm long; breaking up at maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret.

Glume

Glumes persistent; shorter than spikelet. Lower glume elliptic; 0.8 length of upper glume; membranous; 1-keeled; 1 -veined. Lower glume lateral veins absent. Lower glume surface scabrous. Lower glume apex acute. Upper glume elliptic; 0.8 length of adjacent fertile lemma; membranous; with hyaline margins; 1-keeled; 3 -veined. Upper glume surface scabrous. Upper glume apex acute.

Florets

Fertile lemma elliptic; membranous; keeled; 3 -veined. Lemma midvein scaberulous. Lemma surface scaberulous; pilose; hairy between veins. Lemma apex acute; muticous, or mucronate. Palea 1 length of lemma. Palea keels ciliate. Apical sterile florets resembling fertile though underdeveloped.

Flowers

Lodicules 2; membranous; with a small lateral lobe; acute. Anthers 3. Stigmas 2.

Fruits

Caryopsis with adherent pericarp; fusiform. Embryo 0.1 length of caryopsis. Hilum punctiform.

Distribution

Temperate Asia.