Canastra

HABIT Perennial. Culms 40–80 cm long. Culm-nodes constricted. Ligule a ciliate membrane.

INFLORESCENCE Inflorescence a panicle.

Panicle contracted.

Spikelets solitary, or in pairs. Fertile spikelets pedicelled; 1–2 in the cluster. Pedicels filiform.

FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 1 basal sterile florets; 1 fertile florets; without rhachilla extension. Spikelets lanceolate; laterally compressed; 2–4 mm long; falling entire. Spikelet callus glabrous.

GLUMES Glumes reaching apex of florets; firmer than fertile lemma. Lower glume linear; coriaceous; without keels; 3 -veined. Lower glume surface without pits. Lower glume apex awned. Upper glume oblong; coriaceous; without keels; 5 -veined. Upper glume awned; 1 -awned.

FLORETS Basal sterile florets barren; with palea, or without significant palea. Lemma of lower sterile floret oblong; coriaceous; 5 -veined; obtuse. Fertile lemma linear; membranous; without keel; wingless; 5 -veined. Lemma surface unwrinkled; without grooves. Lemma apex obtuse. Palea hyaline; without keels.

FLOWER Lodicules 2; fleshy. Anthers 3. Stigmas 2.

FRUIT Caryopsis with adherent pericarp.

DISTRIBUTION South America.

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