Polypogon mollis

HABIT Annual. Rhizomes elongated. Culms geniculately ascending; 30–75 cm long. Lateral branches lacking. Ligule an eciliate membrane; 3–6 mm long; lacerate. Leaf-blades 10–25 cm long; 4–8 mm wide. Leaf-blade surface smooth.

INFLORESCENCE Inflorescence a panicle.

Panicle spiciform; oblong; continuous, or interrupted; 10–15 cm long; 1.5–2 cm wide.

Spikelets solitary. Fertile spikelets pedicelled. Pedicels linear; 2–6 mm long; scabrous.

FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 1 fertile florets; without rhachilla extension. Spikelets oblong; laterally compressed; 2.5–4.5 mm long; falling entire; deciduous with the pedicel.

GLUMES Glumes similar; exceeding apex of florets; firmer than fertile lemma. Lower glume lanceolate; 2.5–4.5 mm long; 1 length of upper glume; membranous; 1 -veined. Lower glume lateral veins absent. Lower glume surface hispidulous. Lower glume apex acuminate; awned; 1 -awned. Lower glume awn 1–2.5 mm long. Upper glume lanceolate; 2.5–4.5 mm long; membranous; 1 -veined. Upper glume lateral veins absent. Upper glume surface hispidulous. Upper glume apex acuminate; awned; 1 -awned. Upper glume awn 1–2.5 mm long.

FLORETS Fertile lemma ovate; 2–2.5 mm long; hyaline; without keel; 5 -veined. Lemma lateral veins excurrent. Lemma surface scaberulous; rough on veins. Lemma apex obtuse; awned; 1 -awned. Principal lemma awn subapical; 0.6–1.5 mm long overall. Palea oblong; 1 mm long; hyaline; 0 -veined.

FLOWER Anthers 3; 0.3–1 mm long.

FRUIT Caryopsis with adherent pericarp; oblong; 1 mm long.

DISTRIBUTION Antarctic: Subantarctic islands.

NOTES Aveneae. Hubbard 1999.

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