Tovarochloa

HABIT Annual. Culms 0.4–1 cm long. Leaves without demarcation between sheath and blade. Ligule an eciliate membrane. Leaf-blades triangular.

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

Panicle capitate.

Spikelets solitary. Fertile spikelets pedicelled.

FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 1 fertile florets; without rhachilla extension. Spikelets oblong; laterally compressed; 3–3.5 mm long; breaking up at maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret.

GLUMES Glumes persistent; shorter than spikelet, or reaching apex of florets; thinner than fertile lemma; parallel to lemmas, or recurved at apex. Lower glume oblong; 1 length of upper glume; membranous; 1-keeled; 1 -veined. Lower glume lateral veins absent. Lower glume surface without pits. Lower glume apex cuspidate. Upper glume oblong; 0.9–1 length of adjacent fertile lemma; membranous; 1-keeled; 1 -veined. Upper glume apex cuspidate.

FLORETS Fertile lemma oblong; membranous; keeled; wingless; 1–5 -veined. Lemma surface unwrinkled; without grooves; pubescent. Lemma apex cuspidate; muticous, or mucronate. Palea 1 length of lemma; 1–2 -veined; without keels. Palea surface pubescent.

FLOWER Lodicules 2; membranous; 2-toothed. Anthers 3. Stigmas 2. Ovary glabrous.

FRUIT Caryopsis with adherent pericarp; oblong; laterally compressed. Embryo 0.4 length of caryopsis. Hilum punctiform.

DISTRIBUTION South America.

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