Alopecurus saccatus

HABIT Annual; caespitose. Culms 10–25 cm long. Culm-internodes distally glabrous. Ligule an eciliate membrane; 2 mm long. Leaf-blades 5–12 cm long; 1–5 mm wide.

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

Panicle spiciform; linear, or oblong; loose; 2–4 cm long; 1–1.5 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 linear.

FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 1 fertile florets; without rhachilla extension. Spikelets oblong; laterally compressed; 4–5 mm long; falling entire.

GLUMES Glumes connate along margins below; 0.5 of their length connate; similar; exceeding apex of florets. Lower glume oblong; 4–5 mm long; 1 length of upper glume; membranous; 1-keeled; 3 -veined. Lower glume primary vein ciliate. Lower glume surface puberulous; hairy on veins. Lower glume apex obtuse. Upper glume oblong; 4–5 mm long; 1.5–1.7 length of adjacent fertile lemma; membranous; 1-keeled; 3 -veined. Upper glume primary vein ciliate. Upper glume surface puberulous; hairy on veins. Upper glume apex obtuse.

FLORETS Fertile lemma ovate; 2.7–3 mm long; membranous; keeled; 5 -veined. Lemma margins connate below. Lemma apex obtuse; awned; 1 -awned. Principal lemma awn dorsal; arising 0.2–0.25 way up back of lemma; geniculate; 8–12 mm long overall. Palea absent or minute.

FLOWER Lodicules absent. Anthers 3; 1 mm long. Stigmas protogynous; terminally exserted; pubescent. Ovary glabrous.

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

DISTRIBUTION North America: northwest USA, southwest USA, and Mexico.

NOTES Aveneae. Gr Baja Cal 1994.

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