Zizaniopsis

HABIT Annual (1), or perennial (4). Rhizomes absent (1), or elongated (4). Culms reed-like (3/3); 91.2–202.9–300 cm long; spongy (4), or firm (1). Ligule an eciliate membrane. Leaf-blades stiff (1), or firm (4).

INFLORESCENCE Monoecious; with male and female spikelets in the same inflorescence. Inflorescence a panicle; exserted (4), or embraced at base by subtending leaf (1).

Panicle open. Primary panicle branches not whorled (1), or whorled at most nodes (4).

Sexes segregated; on unisexual branches (1), or bisexual branches; with male above (1), or below. Spikelets solitary. Fertile spikelets pedicelled. Male spikelets pedicelled. Pedicels tip rectangular (1/4), or cupuliform (3/4).

FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 1 fertile florets; without rhachilla extension. Spikelets lanceolate (1), or elliptic (1), or ovate (3); laterally compressed; 4–7.1–16 mm long; falling entire.

GLUMES Glumes both absent or obscure.

FLORETS Fertile florets female. Fertile lemma lanceolate (1), or elliptic (1), or ovate (3); chartaceous; without keel; wingless; 5 -veined (1), or 7 -veined (4). Lemma midvein without distinctive roughness (3), or scaberulous (2). Lemma surface smooth (4), or scabrous (1); unwrinkled; without grooves. Lemma apex acute (4), or acuminate (1); awned; 1 -awned. Palea 1 length of lemma; chartaceous; 3 -veined (4/4); without keels (4), or 1-keeled (1).

FLOWER Lodicules 2 (4/4). Anthers 6 (4/4). Stigmas 2 (4/4).

FRUIT Caryopsis with free brittle pericarp; ovoid (3/4), or orbicular (1/4); isodiametric (4/4); apex rostrate (4/4). Embryo 0.33 length of caryopsis. Hilum linear (3/3).

MALE Male spikelets distinct from female; lanceolate (3), or elliptic (1), or ovate (1). Male spikelet glumes absent. Male spikelet lemma muticous (2), or awned (3).

DISTRIBUTION North America (1), or South America (4).

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