Lophacme

HABIT Annual (1), or perennial. Culms erect, or geniculately ascending (1); 20–35–60 cm long. Ligule an eciliate membrane (1), or a fringe of hairs (1), or absent (1). Leaf-blades stiff (1), or firm (1).

INFLORESCENCE Inflorescence composed of racemes.

Racemes digitate; unilateral. Rhachis angular. Spikelet packing broadside to rhachis; lax.

Spikelets solitary. Fertile spikelets sessile.

FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 1–2 fertile florets (1); with diminished florets at the apex. Spikelets oblong (1), or cuneate (1); laterally compressed; 3–4.375–6 mm long; breaking up at maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret. Rhachilla internodes definite (1/1). Floret callus evident; pubescent.

GLUMES Glumes persistent; shorter than spikelet (1), or exceeding apex of florets (1); parallel to lemmas (1), or gaping (1). Lower glume linear; 0.75–0.775–0.8 length of upper glume; membranous; without keels; 1 -veined. Lower glume lateral veins absent. Lower glume surface without pits. Lower glume apex obtuse (1), or acuminate (1). Upper glume linear (1), or lanceolate (1); 0.8–0.85–0.9 length of adjacent fertile lemma; membranous; without keels; 1 -veined. Upper glume apex obtuse (1), or acuminate (1).

FLORETS Fertile lemma lanceolate; membranous; keeled; wingless; 1–2 -veined (1), or 3 -veined. Lemma midvein eciliate (1), or ciliate (1). Lemma surface unwrinkled; without grooves; glabrous (1), or pilose (1). Lemma margins eciliate (1), or ciliate (1). Lemma apex dentate; 2 -fid; incised 0.2 of lemma length; awned; 1 -awned. Principal lemma awn apical (1), or subapical (1); straight (1), or flexuous (1). Apical sterile florets 1–2 in number (1), or 3 in number, or 4–5 in number (1); male (1), or barren; in a clump; rudimentary. Apical sterile lemmas awned.

DISTRIBUTION Africa.

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