Micropyropsis

HABIT Perennial. Culms 30–100 cm long. Ligule an eciliate membrane.

INFLORESCENCE Inflorescence composed of racemes.

Racemes single; bilateral; bearing 6–17 fertile spikelets on each. Rhachis semiterete. Spikelet packing broadside to rhachis; distant.

Spikelets appressed; solitary. Fertile spikelets pedicelled. Pedicels oblong.

FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 3–13 fertile florets; with diminished florets at the apex. Spikelets oblong; laterally compressed; 10–26 mm long; breaking up at maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret. Rhachilla internodes definite.

GLUMES Glumes persistent; shorter than spikelet; thinner than fertile lemma. Lower glume elliptic; 0.7 length of upper glume; membranous; without keels; 1 -veined. Lower glume lateral veins absent. Lower glume surface without pits. Lower glume apex acute. Upper glume elliptic; 1 length of adjacent fertile lemma; membranous; without keels; 3 -veined. Upper glume apex acute.

FLORETS Fertile lemma elliptic; chartaceous; without keel; wingless; 5 -veined. Lemma surface unwrinkled; without grooves. Lemma apex acute; awned; 1 -awned. Principal lemma awn subapical. Palea 1 length of lemma; 2 -veined. Palea keels ciliolate. Apical sterile florets resembling fertile though underdeveloped.

FLOWER Anthers 3. Ovary glabrous.

FRUIT Caryopsis with adherent pericarp; ellipsoid.

DISTRIBUTION Europe.

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