Rhizocephalus

HABIT Annual. Culms 0.5–2 cm long. Ligule an eciliate membrane.

INFLORESCENCE Inflorescence a panicle; subtended by an inflated leaf-sheath; embraced at base by subtending leaf.

Panicle capitate.

Spikelets solitary. Fertile spikelets pedicelled. Pedicels oblong.

FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 1 fertile florets; without rhachilla extension. Spikelets lanceolate; laterally compressed; 3.5–6.5 mm long; breaking up at maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret.

GLUMES Glumes connate along margins below; persistent; shorter than spikelet. Lower glume obovate; 1 length of upper glume; coriaceous; 1-keeled; 3 -veined. Lower glume surface without pits; pubescent. Lower glume apex cuspidate. Upper glume obovate; 0.6–0.7 length of adjacent fertile lemma; coriaceous; 1-keeled; 3 -veined. Upper glume surface pubescent; with clavate hairs. Upper glume apex cuspidate.

FLORETS Fertile lemma oblong; coriaceous; much thinner on margins; keeled; wingless; 5 -veined. Lemma surface scaberulous; unwrinkled; without grooves; pubescent; with clavate hairs. Lemma apex attenuate; awned; 1 -awned. Palea 0.8 length of lemma; 2 -veined.

FLOWER Lodicules absent. Anthers 2. Ovary glabrous.

FRUIT Caryopsis with adherent pericarp; ellipsoid; trigonous; apex rostrate. Embryo 0.25–0.33 length of caryopsis. Hilum punctiform.

DISTRIBUTION Temperate Asia.

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