Mosdenia leptostachys

HABIT Perennial; mat forming. Rhizomes elongated. Culms 40–90 cm long. Ligule a ciliolate membrane. Leaf-blades 2–3 mm wide.

INFLORESCENCE Inflorescence composed of racemes.

Racemes 1; single; erect; multilateral; 4–14 cm long. Rhachis angular; glabrous on surface.

Spikelets spreading; solitary. Fertile spikelets sessile.

FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 1 fertile florets; without rhachilla extension. Spikelets lanceolate; curved; dorsally compressed; 2.5–4 mm long; falling entire. Spikelet callus square; pubescent; base truncate; attached transversely.

GLUMES Glumes similar; exceeding apex of florets; firmer than fertile lemma. Lower glume lanceolate; 2.5–4 mm long; 1 length of upper glume; membranous; without keels; 1 -veined. Lower glume primary vein scaberulous. Lower glume lateral veins absent. Lower glume apex acuminate. Upper glume lanceolate; 1.5 length of adjacent fertile lemma; membranous; without keels; 1 -veined. Upper glume primary vein conspicuous; scaberulous. Upper glume lateral veins absent. Upper glume apex acuminate.

FLORETS Fertile lemma elliptic; 2 mm long; hyaline; without keel; 3 -veined. Lemma apex obtuse. Palea hyaline; 2 -veined.

FRUIT Caryopsis with adherent pericarp.

DISTRIBUTION Africa: south.

NOTES Cynodonteae. WDC.

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