Ellisochloa

HABIT Perennial. Culms 12–29.25–50 cm long. Ligule a fringe of hairs. Leaf-blades filiform (1), or linear (1). Leaf-blade apex muticous (1), or pungent (1).

INFLORESCENCE Inflorescence a panicle; exserted (1), or embraced at base by subtending leaf (1).

Panicle contracted.

Spikelets solitary. Fertile spikelets pedicelled.

FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 2 fertile florets, or 3 fertile florets (1); with a barren rhachilla extension (1), or with diminished florets at the apex (1). Spikelets cuneate; laterally compressed; 9–13–18 mm long; breaking up at maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret. Rhachilla internodes definite. Floret callus evident; pubescent (1), or pilose (1).

GLUMES Glumes persistent; exceeding apex of florets; thinner than fertile lemma; gaping. Lower glume lanceolate; 1 length of upper glume; membranous; without keels; 1–2 -veined (1), or 3 -veined. Lower glume surface without pits. Lower glume apex acute (1), or acuminate (1). Upper glume lanceolate; 1.3–1.5–1.7 length of adjacent fertile lemma; membranous; without keels; 1–2 -veined (1), or 3 -veined. Upper glume apex acute (1), or acuminate (1).

FLORETS Fertile lemma oblong; chartaceous; without keel; wingless; 9 -veined. Lemma surface unwrinkled; without grooves; pubescent; with a transverse row of hair tufts. Lemma apex lobed; 2 -fid; incised 0.5 of lemma length; awned; 1 -awned. Principal lemma awn from a sinus; geniculate. Palea surface glabrous (1), or pilose (1). Apical sterile florets resembling fertile though underdeveloped (1/1).

FLOWER Lodicules 2; fleshy; truncate. Anthers 3.

FRUIT Caryopsis with adherent pericarp.

DISTRIBUTION Africa.

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