Clausospicula

HABIT Annual. Culms 30–45 cm long. Culm-internodes elliptical in section. Lateral branches sparse. Ligule a ciliolate membrane. Leaf-blade margins cartilaginous.

INFLORESCENCE Inflorescence a panicle with branches tipped by a raceme; exserted, or embraced at base by subtending leaf.

Panicle open.

Racemes bearing a triad of spikelets. Rhachis obsolete. Raceme-bases filiform; extended into an oblong appendage.

Spikelets in threes. Fertile spikelets sessile; 1 in the cluster. Companion sterile spikelets pedicelled; 2 in the cluster. Pedicels filiform.

STERILE SPIKELETS Companion sterile spikelets represented by barren pedicels, or rudimentary, or well-developed; separately deciduous.

FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 1 basal sterile florets; 1 fertile florets; without rhachilla extension. Spikelets obovate; dorsally compressed; 8.3–12 mm long; falling entire; deciduous with accessory branch structures. Spikelet callus cuneate; bearded; base pungent; attached obliquely.

GLUMES Glumes exceeding apex of florets; firmer than fertile lemma. Lower glume obovate; coriaceous; without keels. Lower glume surface rugose; without pits. Lower glume apex rostrate; muticous, or awned. Upper glume oblong; coriaceous. Upper glume apex attenuate; awned; 1 -awned.

FLORETS Basal sterile florets barren; without significant palea. Lemma of lower sterile floret elliptic; hyaline; 2 -veined; truncate, or obtuse. Fertile lemma linear; hyaline; wingless; 3 -veined. Lemma surface unwrinkled; without grooves. Lemma margins ciliate. Lemma apex attenuate; awned; 1 -awned. Principal lemma awn geniculate. Column of lemma awn pubescent. Palea absent or minute.

FLOWER Lodicules 2; membranous. Anthers 3.

FRUIT Caryopsis with adherent pericarp; ellipsoid. Hilum punctiform.

DISTRIBUTION Australasia.

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