Stereochlaena

HABIT Annual (1), or perennial (3). Culms erect (1/2), or geniculately ascending (2/2); 30–76.25–150 cm long. Ligule a ciliolate membrane. Leaf-blade margins cartilaginous.

INFLORESCENCE Inflorescence composed of racemes.

Racemes single (1), or paired (1), or digitate; unilateral. Rhachis narrowly winged; angular.

Spikelets appressed; in pairs. Fertile spikelets pedicelled; 2 in the cluster.

FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 1 basal sterile florets; 1 fertile florets; without rhachilla extension. Spikelets lanceolate (1), or elliptic (3); dorsally compressed; 2.5–3.5–4.5 mm long; falling entire.

GLUMES Glumes one the lower absent or obscure; shorter than spikelet, or reaching apex of florets (1); thinner than fertile lemma. Upper glume elliptic (1), or ovate (3); membranous; without keels; 0–1 -veined (2/2). Upper glume apex obtuse (2), or acute (2), or acuminate (2); muticous (3), or awned (3); 1 -awned (3/3).

FLORETS Basal sterile florets barren; without significant palea. Lemma of lower sterile floret lanceolate (1), or elliptic (3); membranous; 5 -veined (1), or 7 -veined (3); ribbed; acute (3/3); awned. Fertile lemma lanceolate (1), or elliptic (3); chartaceous; much thinner on margins; without keel; wingless; 3 -veined (1/1). Lemma surface unwrinkled; without grooves. Lemma margins covering most of palea. Lemma apex acute. Palea chartaceous.

DISTRIBUTION Africa.

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