Alopecurus nepalensis

HABIT Annual. Culms erect, or geniculately ascending; (5–)15–45 cm long. Leaf-sheaths inflated (slightly). Ligule an eciliate membrane; 2–3 mm long; obtuse. Leaf-blades 4–9 cm long; 2.5–3 mm wide. Leaf-blade surface glabrous.

INFLORESCENCE Inflorescence a panicle.

Panicle spiciform; linear; tapering above; 1–5 cm long; 0.3–0.5 cm wide. Primary panicle branches accrescent to a central axis; with evident branchlets on axis. Panicle axis with rounded ribs.

Spikelets solitary. Fertile spikelets pedicelled. Pedicels oblong.

FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 1 fertile florets; without rhachilla extension. Spikelets elliptic; laterally compressed; 3–3.5 mm long; falling entire.

GLUMES Glumes connate along margins below; similar; reaching apex of florets. Lower glume oblong; 3–3.5 mm long; 1 length of upper glume; membranous; 1-keeled; winged on keel; 3 -veined. Lower glume primary vein ciliolate. Lower glume surface glabrous. Lower glume apex obtuse, or acute. Upper glume oblong; 3–3.5 mm long; 1 length of adjacent fertile lemma; membranous; 1-keeled; winged on keel; 3 -veined. Upper glume primary vein ciliolate. Upper glume surface glabrous. Upper glume apex obtuse, or acute.

FLORETS Fertile lemma elliptic; 3–3.5 mm long; membranous; keeled; 4 -veined. Lemma margins connate below. Lemma apex obtuse, or acute; muticous (or with a basal stump). Palea absent or minute.

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

FRUIT Caryopsis with adherent pericarp. Hilum punctiform. Disseminule comprising a spikelet.

DISTRIBUTION Asia-temperate: Soviet Middle Asia. Asia-tropical: India.

NOTES Aveneae. Fl Pak.

ADDITIONAL CHARACTERS Glumes connate for 0.25–0.33 of their length.

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