Lygeum

HABIT Perennial. Rhizomes short. Culms 25–75 cm long. Ligule an eciliate membrane. Leaf-blades filiform; coriaceous; stiff.

INFLORESCENCE Inflorescence comprising only a few spikelets; subtended by a spatheole; enclosed. Spatheole lanceolate; chartaceous.

Spikelets solitary.

FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 2–3 fertile florets; without rhachilla extension. Spikelets ovate; urceolate; laterally compressed; 30–45 mm long; falling entire. Spikelet callus bearded. Rhachilla internodes definite.

GLUMES Glumes both absent or obscure.

FLORETS Fertile lemma ovate; coriaceous; much thinner above; without keel; wingless; 7–9 -veined. Lemma surface unwrinkled; without grooves; villous. Lemma margins fused below to those of opposing floret forming an urn. Lemma apex caudate. Palea 2 length of lemma.

FLOWER Lodicules absent. Anthers 3. Stigmas 1; papillose.

FRUIT Caryopsis with adherent pericarp; oblong. Embryo 0.25–0.33 length of caryopsis. Hilum linear; 2 length of caryopsis.

DISTRIBUTION Europe, or Africa.

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