Chamaeraphis

HABIT Perennial. Culms 25–60 cm long. Ligule a ciliolate membrane.

INFLORESCENCE Inflorescence composed of racemes.

Racemes borne along a central axis; in a bilateral false spike; bearing 1 spikelet. Central inflorescence axis flattened. Rhachis deciduous from axis; terminating in a barren extension; extension bristle-like. Spikelet packing abaxial. Raceme-bases linear.

Spikelets solitary. Fertile spikelets sessile.

FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 1 basal sterile florets; 1 fertile florets; without rhachilla extension. Spikelets linear; dorsally compressed; 6–8 mm long; falling entire; deciduous with accessory branch structures.

GLUMES Glumes one the lower absent or obscure; exceeding apex of florets. Upper glume linear; 1.5 length of adjacent fertile lemma; coriaceous; 2-keeled; 7 -veined. Upper glume apex obtuse.

FLORETS Basal sterile florets male; with palea. Lemma of lower sterile floret linear, or oblong; coriaceous; 7 -veined; acute. Fertile lemma lanceolate; cartilaginous; without keel; wingless; 3 -veined. Lemma surface unwrinkled; without grooves. Lemma margins convolute; covering most of palea. Lemma apex acute. Palea cartilaginous; without keels.

DISTRIBUTION Australasia.

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