Lepturopetium

HABIT Perennial. Stolons present. Culms decumbent; 30–40–50 cm long; rooting from lower nodes. Culm-internodes terete (1), or elliptical in section (1). Ligule a ciliolate membrane (1), or a ciliate membrane (1). Leaf-blade midrib evident.

INFLORESCENCE Inflorescence composed of racemes.

Racemes single, or paired, or digitate; unilateral; bearing 10–16 fertile spikelets on each (1/1). Rhachis angular. Spikelet packing broadside to rhachis; 2 -rowed.

Spikelets appressed; solitary. Fertile spikelets sessile.

FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 1–2 fertile florets (1); with diminished florets at the apex. Spikelets elliptic; laterally compressed; 3–4.25–6 mm long; breaking up at maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret. Rhachilla internodes definite (1/1). Floret callus pubescent.

GLUMES Glumes persistent; reaching apex of florets; firmer than fertile lemma; gaping. Lower glume lanceolate; 0.33–0.4975–0.66 length of upper glume; coriaceous; 1-keeled; 1 -veined. Lower glume lateral veins absent. Lower glume surface smooth (1), or scabrous (1); without pits. Lower glume apex acuminate. Upper glume lanceolate; coriaceous; 1-keeled; 5–7 -veined. Upper glume lateral veins ribbed. Upper glume apex acuminate; muticous (1), or awned (1); 1 -awned (1/1).

FLORETS Fertile lemma elliptic; laterally compressed; cartilaginous; keeled; wingless; 3 -veined. Lemma surface smooth (1), or scabrous (1); unwrinkled; without grooves. Lemma margins eciliate (1), or ciliate (1). Lemma apex dentate; 2 -fid; awned; 1 -awned. Principal lemma awn from a sinus. Palea cartilaginous; 2 -veined. Palea keels ciliolate. Apical sterile florets 1 in number; barren; linear (1), or lanceolate (1). Apical sterile lemmas muticous (1), or awned (1).

FLOWER Anthers 3 (1/1).

DISTRIBUTION Pacific.

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