Aphanelytrum

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).

INFLORESCENCE 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).

FERTILE 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. Rhachilla internodes definite.

GLUMES 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 surface without pits (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; wingless; 3–4 -veined (1), or 5 -veined. Lemma surface smooth (1), or scaberulous (1); unwrinkled; without grooves. 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).

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

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

DISTRIBUTION South America.

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