Libyella

HABIT Annual. Culms 2–5 cm long. Ligule an eciliate membrane.

INFLORESCENCE Inflorescence composed of racemes; embraced at base by subtending leaf.

Racemes single; unilateral; bearing few fertile spikelets; bearing 2–6 fertile spikelets on each. Rhachis angular. Spikelet packing broadside to rhachis.

Spikelets solitary. Fertile spikelets sessile.

FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 1 fertile florets; without rhachilla extension. Spikelets lanceolate; laterally compressed; 2.49–3.6 mm long; breaking up at maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret.

GLUMES Glumes persistent; shorter than spikelet. Lower glume ovate; 1 length of upper glume; hyaline; without keels; 1 -veined. Lower glume lateral veins absent. Lower glume surface without pits. Lower glume apex obtuse. Upper glume ovate; 0.05–0.3 length of adjacent fertile lemma; hyaline; without keels; 1 -veined. Upper glume apex obtuse.

FLORETS Fertile lemma oblong; hyaline; without keel; wingless; 3 -veined. Lemma lateral veins obscure. Lemma surface unwrinkled; without grooves. Lemma apex erose; truncate. Palea hyaline; 2 -veined.

FLOWER Lodicules absent. Anthers 3.

FRUIT Caryopsis with adherent pericarp; oblong; laterally compressed. Hilum elliptic.

DISTRIBUTION Africa.

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