Perotis somalensis

HABIT Annual. Culms erect; 20–45 cm long. Ligule an eciliate membrane. Leaf-blades linear, or lanceolate; 3–6 cm long; 4–6 mm wide.

INFLORESCENCE Inflorescence composed of racemes.

Racemes 1; single; multilateral; 8–10 cm long. Spikelet packing crowded, or contiguous; irregular.

Spikelets ascending; solitary. Fertile spikelets sessile.

FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 1 fertile florets; without rhachilla extension. Spikelets linear, or lanceolate; subterete; 2.5–3.5 mm long; falling entire. Spikelet callus linear; 0.5–0.7 mm long; pubescent; base obtuse.

GLUMES Glumes similar; exceeding apex of florets; firmer than fertile lemma. Lower glume lanceolate; 2.5–3.5 mm long; 1 length of upper glume; membranous; without keels; 1 -veined. Lower glume lateral veins absent. Lower glume surface pilose; hairy generally. Lower glume apex obtuse; awned; 1 -awned. Lower glume awn 35–45 mm long. Upper glume lanceolate; 3.5–4.5 mm long; 1.5–2.5 length of adjacent fertile lemma; membranous; without keels; 1 -veined. Upper glume primary vein distinct. Upper glume lateral veins absent. Upper glume surface pilose; hairy generally. Upper glume apex acuminate; awned; 1 -awned. Upper glume awn 35–45 mm long.

FLORETS Fertile lemma lanceolate; 1.5 mm long; hyaline; without keel; 1 -veined. Lemma apex acute. Palea hyaline; 0 -veined; without keels.

FLOWER Anthers 3.

FRUIT Caryopsis with adherent pericarp; laterally compressed.

DISTRIBUTION Africa: northeast tropical.

NOTES Cynodonteae. TAC.

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