Arctophila

HABIT Perennial. Rhizomes elongated. Culms 15–80 cm long. Ligule an eciliate membrane.

INFLORESCENCE Inflorescence a panicle.

Panicle open.

Spikelets solitary. Fertile spikelets pedicelled. Pedicels linear, or oblong.

FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 2–6 fertile florets; without rhachilla extension, or with diminished florets at the apex. Spikelets oblong, or ovate; laterally compressed; 2.5–7 mm long; breaking up at maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret. Rhachilla internodes definite. Floret callus pilose.

GLUMES Glumes persistent; shorter than spikelet. Lower glume ovate; 0.75 length of upper glume; membranous; 1-keeled; 1–3 -veined. Lower glume surface without pits. Lower glume apex acute. Upper glume ovate; 0.9–1 length of adjacent fertile lemma; membranous; 1-keeled; 3 -veined. Upper glume apex acute.

FLORETS Fertile lemma oblong; membranous; much thinner above; keeled; wingless; 3 -veined. Lemma lateral veins obscure; less than two thirds length of lemma. Lemma surface unwrinkled; without grooves. Lemma apex erose; acute. Palea 0.75 length of lemma; 2 -veined. Apical sterile florets resembling fertile though underdeveloped.

FLOWER Anthers 3.

FRUIT Caryopsis with adherent pericarp. Hilum elliptic.

DISTRIBUTION Europe, or Temperate Asia, or North America.

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