Aristida subulata

HABIT Perennial; caespitose. Culms 15–50 cm long; 2–4 -noded. Lateral branches sparse. Leaf-sheaths mostly shorter than adjacent culm internode; glabrous on surface. Leaf-sheath oral hairs bearded. Ligule a fringe of hairs. Collar glabrous. Leaf-blades filiform; convolute; 1 mm wide.

INFLORESCENCE Inflorescence a panicle.

Panicle open; linear; 10–15 cm long; bearing few spikelets.

Spikelets solitary. Fertile spikelets pedicelled.

FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 1 fertile florets; without rhachilla extension. Spikelets linear; subterete; 12.5–14 mm long; breaking up at maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret. Floret callus evident; pubescent; acute.

GLUMES Glumes similar; exceeding apex of florets; thinner than fertile lemma. Lower glume linear; 9–12 mm long; 0.75–0.85 length of upper glume; membranous. Lower glume primary vein scabrous. Lower glume apex acute. Upper glume linear; 10.5–14 mm long; membranous. Upper glume apex acute.

FLORETS Fertile lemma linear; subterete; 12–13 mm long; coriaceous; without keel; 3 -veined. Lemma surface asperulous; rough above. Lemma margins involute; covering most of palea. Lemma apex awned; 3 -awned. Principal lemma awn straight; with 3.5–4 mm long limb. Lateral lemma awns 3.5–4 mm long; subequal to principal.

FRUIT Caryopsis with adherent pericarp; fusiform; light brown.

DISTRIBUTION South America: southern South America.

NOTES Aristideae. Fl Pat 1995.

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