Neuropoa

HABIT Annual. Culms erect; 5–30 cm long. Ligule an eciliate membrane. Leaf-blades flaccid.

INFLORESCENCE Inflorescence a panicle.

Panicle contracted.

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

FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 5–13 fertile florets; with diminished florets at the apex. Spikelets ovate; laterally compressed; 5–13 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 ovate; 0.6–1 length of upper glume; membranous; 1-keeled; 3–5 -veined. Lower glume surface without pits. Lower glume apex obtuse. Upper glume ovate; 0.6–1.1 length of adjacent fertile lemma; membranous; 1-keeled; 3–5 -veined. Upper glume apex obtuse.

FLORETS Fertile lemma elliptic; linear in profile; chartaceous; much thinner on margins; keeled; wingless; 5–11 -veined. Lemma lateral veins ribbed. Lemma surface unwrinkled; without grooves; pilose; hairy on veins. Lemma apex emarginate, or obtuse. Palea 1 length of lemma; 2 -veined. Palea keels eciliate, or ciliate. Apical sterile florets resembling fertile though underdeveloped.

FLOWER Anthers 3.

FRUIT Caryopsis with adherent pericarp. Hilum punctiform.

DISTRIBUTION Australasia.

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