Anthochloa

HABIT Perennial. Culms 3–12 cm long. Ligule an eciliate membrane.

INFLORESCENCE Inflorescence a panicle; embraced at base by subtending leaf.

Panicle spiciform.

Spikelets solitary. Fertile spikelets pedicelled. Pedicels oblong.

FERTILE 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. Rhachilla internodes definite.

GLUMES 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 surface without pits. 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; wingless; 5 -veined. Lemma surface unwrinkled; without grooves. 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.

Please cite this publication as detailed in How to Cite Version: 3rd February 2016.