Steirachne

HABIT Perennial. Culms 15–30.5–47 cm long. Ligule a ciliolate membrane (1), or a fringe of hairs (1). Leaf-blades filiform (1), or linear.

INFLORESCENCE Inflorescence a panicle.

Panicle open.

Spikelets solitary. Fertile spikelets pedicelled.

FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 6 fertile florets (1), or 7–8 fertile florets, or 9–10 fertile florets (1); with diminished florets at the apex. Spikelets oblong; laterally compressed; 8–9.75–12 mm long; breaking up at maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret, or below groups of fertile florets. Rhachilla internodes definite; pubescent.

GLUMES Glumes persistent; shorter than spikelet. Lower glume lanceolate; 0.5–0.75–1 length of upper glume; membranous; 1-keeled; 1 -veined. Lower glume lateral veins absent. Lower glume surface without pits. Lower glume apex acuminate. Upper glume lanceolate; 0.5–0.625–0.8 length of adjacent fertile lemma; membranous; 1-keeled; 1 -veined. Upper glume apex acuminate.

FLORETS Fertile lemma ovate; membranous; keeled; wingless; 3 -veined. Lemma midvein without distinctive roughness (1), or scaberulous (1). Lemma lateral veins prominent (1/1). Lemma surface smooth (1), or asperulous (1); unwrinkled; without grooves. Lemma apex attenuate; awned; 1 -awned. Palea 1 length of lemma; 2 -veined. Palea keels winged; ciliolate. Apical sterile florets resembling fertile though underdeveloped.

FLOWER Anthers 2.

FRUIT Caryopsis with adherent pericarp; oblong (1/1).

CLEISTOGENES AND VIVIPARY Cleistogenes present; in upper sheaths (1), or in lower sheaths (1).

DISTRIBUTION South America.

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