Oreochloa

HABIT Perennial. Rhizomes absent (1), or short (1), or elongated (2). Culms 5–18.25–40 cm long. Ligule an eciliate membrane. Leaf-blades filiform (2), or linear (2); stiff (1), or firm (3).

INFLORESCENCE Inflorescence composed of racemes.

Racemes single; oblong; unilateral. Spikelet packing broadside to rhachis; crowded; 2 -rowed.

Spikelets solitary. Fertile spikelets pedicelled. Pedicels oblong.

FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 3–4 fertile florets, or 5–7 fertile florets (3); with diminished florets at the apex. Spikelets ovate; laterally compressed; 4–5.625–7 mm long; breaking up at maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret. Rhachilla internodes definite; glabrous (3), or pilose (1).

GLUMES Glumes persistent; shorter than spikelet. Lower glume ovate; 1 length of upper glume; membranous; 1-keeled; 1 -veined, or 2–3 -veined (3). Lower glume lateral veins absent, or obscure (3). Lower glume surface without pits. Lower glume apex acute. Upper glume ovate; 0.5–0.69–0.9 length of adjacent fertile lemma; membranous; 1-keeled; 1 -veined, or 2–3 -veined (3). Upper glume apex acute.

FLORETS Fertile lemma ovate; membranous; much thinner on margins; keeled; wingless; 5 -veined. Lemma lateral veins obscure (3/3). Lemma surface unwrinkled; without grooves; puberulous (2), or pubescent (1), or pilose (1). Lemma apex acute; muticous, or mucronate (2). Palea keels ciliate. Apical sterile florets resembling fertile though underdeveloped.

FRUIT Hilum elliptic.

DISTRIBUTION Europe.

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