Helictotrichon fedtschenkoi

HABIT Perennial; caespitose. Culms 40–60 cm long. Culm-internodes distally glabrous. Leaf-sheaths hispid. Ligule an eciliate membrane; 1 mm long; truncate. Leaf-blades involute; 2–3 mm wide. Leaf-blade surface hispid.

INFLORESCENCE Inflorescence a panicle. Peduncle scaberulous above.

Panicle open; oblong; dense; 6–9 cm long.

Spikelets solitary. Fertile spikelets pedicelled.

FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 2–3 fertile florets; with diminished florets at the apex. Spikelets oblong; laterally compressed; 12 mm long; breaking up at maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret. Rhachilla internodes pilose; with 2–3 mm long hairs. Floret callus pilose.

GLUMES Glumes persistent; similar; shorter than spikelet; thinner than fertile lemma. Lower glume elliptic; 11–12 mm long; 1 length of upper glume; membranous; 1-keeled; 1 -veined. Lower glume lateral veins absent. Lower glume apex acute. Upper glume elliptic; 11–12 mm long; 1.1 length of adjacent fertile lemma; membranous; 1-keeled; 3 -veined. Upper glume apex acute.

FLORETS Fertile lemma lanceolate; 10 mm long; cartilaginous; without keel; 5–7 -veined. Lemma apex dentate; 4 -fid; awned; 1 -awned. Principal lemma awn dorsal; arising 0.5 way up back of lemma; geniculate; 10–15 mm long overall; with twisted column. Apical sterile florets resembling fertile though underdeveloped.

FLOWER Anthers 3. Ovary pubescent on apex.

FRUIT Caryopsis with adherent pericarp; hairy at apex. Hilum linear.

DISTRIBUTION Asia-temperate: Soviet Middle Asia.

NOTES Aveneae. Fl USSR 1995.

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