Alopecurus bonariensis

HABIT Annual; caespitose. Culms geniculately ascending; 5–30 cm long. Ligule an eciliate membrane; 2–3.5 mm long; obtuse. Leaf-blades 3–6 cm long; 2.5–3 mm wide. Leaf-blade apex acuminate.

INFLORESCENCE Inflorescence a panicle; subtended by an inflated leaf-sheath; exserted, or embraced at base by subtending leaf. Peduncle cylindrical at apex.

Panicle spiciform; oblong, or ovate; 1–3 cm long; 0.4–0.5 cm wide. Panicle axis with rounded ribs.

Spikelets solitary. Fertile spikelets pedicelled. Pedicels oblong.

FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 1 fertile florets; without rhachilla extension. Spikelets oblong; laterally compressed; 2.6–2.8 mm long; falling entire.

GLUMES Glumes connate along margins below; 0.33 of their length connate; similar; exceeding apex of florets. Lower glume ovate; 2.6–2.8 mm long; 1 length of upper glume; membranous; 1-keeled; 3 -veined. Lower glume primary vein scabrous; ciliate (below & tip). Lower glume surface pubescent. Lower glume apex obtuse. Upper glume ovate; 2.6–2.8 mm long; 1.1 length of adjacent fertile lemma; membranous; 1-keeled; 3 -veined. Upper glume primary vein scabrous; ciliate (below & tip). Upper glume surface pubescent. Upper glume apex obtuse.

FLORETS Fertile lemma oblong; 2.5 mm long; membranous; keeled; 5 -veined. Lemma margins connate below; with 0.33 of their length connate. Lemma apex obtuse; awned; 1 -awned. Principal lemma awn dorsal; arising 0.5 way up back of lemma; geniculate; 3–3.5 mm long overall; with twisted column.

FLOWER Lodicules absent. Anthers 3; 0.5–0.6 mm long. Stigmas protogynous; terminally exserted; pubescent. Ovary glabrous.

FRUIT Caryopsis with adherent pericarp; 1.3–1.5 mm long. Hilum punctiform. Disseminule comprising a spikelet.

DISTRIBUTION South America: southern South America.

NOTES Aveneae. Fl Pat 1995.

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