Maltebrunia

HABIT Perennial. Rhizomes absent (1), or short (2), or elongated (1). Culms erect (2/2); 30–65.31–100 cm long. Leaf-sheath auricles absent (3), or erect (1). Ligule an eciliate membrane. Leaf-blade base with a false petiole. Leaf-blades lanceolate (3), or elliptic (2). Leaf-blade venation without cross veins (2), or with distinct cross veins (2).

INFLORESCENCE Inflorescence a panicle.

Panicle open.

Spikelets solitary. Fertile spikelets pedicelled. Pedicels filiform (3/3); tip cupuliform (2/2).

FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 2 basal sterile florets; 1 fertile florets; without rhachilla extension (2/2). Spikelets lanceolate; laterally compressed; 3.735–6.914–10 mm long; falling entire. Rhachilla internodes brief up to lowest fertile floret (2), or elongated below proximal fertile floret (2).

GLUMES Glumes both absent or obscure.

FLORETS Basal sterile florets barren; without significant palea. Lemma of lower sterile floret subulate (3), or linear (1); chartaceous (1/1); acuminate (1/1). Fertile lemma elliptic (2), or ovate (3); lanceolate in profile (1/1); membranous (1), or chartaceous (3); keeled (2/2); wingless; 5 -veined (3/3). Lemma lateral veins without ribs (2), or ribbed (2). Lemma surface unwrinkled; without grooves; glabrous (3), or pubescent (1). Lemma margins flat (2), or involute (2). Lemma apex acute (1/2), or acuminate (1/2). Palea 1 length of lemma; membranous (3), or chartaceous (1); 3 -veined (2/2); 1-keeled (2), or 2-keeled (2). Palea surface glabrous (3), or pubescent (1).

FLOWER Lodicules 2 (3/3); membranous (2/2); acute (2/2). Anthers 6. Stigmas 2 (2/2).

DISTRIBUTION Africa.

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