Erianthecium

HABIT Perennial. Culms 30–45 cm long. Ligule an eciliate membrane.

INFLORESCENCE Inflorescence a panicle.

Panicle contracted.

Spikelets solitary. Fertile spikelets pedicelled.

FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 2–4 fertile florets; with a barren rhachilla extension. Spikelets ovate; laterally compressed; 4–7 mm long; breaking up at maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret. Rhachilla internodes definite.

GLUMES Glumes persistent; shorter than spikelet; thinner than fertile lemma. Lower glume ovate; 0.8–1 length of upper glume; membranous; 1-keeled; 5 -veined. Lower glume surface without pits. Lower glume apex acute. Upper glume ovate; 1 length of adjacent fertile lemma; membranous; 1-keeled; 7 -veined. Upper glume apex acute.

FLORETS Fertile lemma ovate; coriaceous; without keel; wingless; 7 -veined. Lemma surface unwrinkled; without grooves; pubescent. Lemma apex dentate; 2 -fid; awned; 1 -awned. Principal lemma awn from a sinus. Palea 2 -veined. Palea keels ciliate. Palea surface pubescent.

FLOWER Anthers 3. Stigmas 2; pubescent. Ovary glabrous.

FRUIT Hilum elliptic.

DISTRIBUTION South America.

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