Scolochloa

HABIT Perennial. Rhizomes elongated. Culms erect; 100–150 cm long. Ligule an eciliate membrane.

INFLORESCENCE Inflorescence a panicle.

Panicle open.

Spikelets solitary. Fertile spikelets pedicelled.

FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 3–4 fertile florets; with diminished florets at the apex. Spikelets ovate; laterally compressed; 6.64–9.6 mm long; breaking up at maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret. Rhachilla internodes definite. Floret callus pilose.

GLUMES Glumes persistent; shorter than spikelet, or reaching apex of florets; thinner than fertile lemma. Lower glume lanceolate; 0.75 length of upper glume; membranous; without keels; 3 -veined. Lower glume surface without pits. Lower glume apex acute. Upper glume elliptic; 0.75–1 length of adjacent fertile lemma; membranous; without keels; 5 -veined. Upper glume apex acute.

FLORETS Fertile lemma elliptic; scarious; without keel; wingless; 7 -veined. Lemma surface smooth, or granulose; unwrinkled; without grooves. Lemma apex erose; acute. Apical sterile florets resembling fertile though underdeveloped.

FLOWER Lodicules 2; membranous. Anthers 3. Ovary pubescent on apex.

FRUIT Caryopsis with adherent pericarp. Hilum linear.

DISTRIBUTION Europe, or Temperate Asia, or North America.

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