Sacciolepis arenaria

HABIT Annual. Culms 20 cm long; 2–3 -noded. Culm-internodes distally pilose. Leaf-sheaths pubescent. Ligule absent. Leaf-blade surface pubescent; densely hairy.

INFLORESCENCE Inflorescence a panicle.

Panicle spiciform; linear. Primary panicle branches accrescent to a central axis; with lateral stumps on axis. Panicle axis with rounded ribs.

Spikelets solitary. Fertile spikelets pedicelled.

FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 1 basal sterile florets; 1 fertile florets; without rhachilla extension. Spikelets orbicular; laterally compressed; gibbous; 2–3 mm long; falling entire.

GLUMES Glumes dissimilar; reaching apex of florets; thinner than fertile lemma. Lower glume ovate; 0.33–0.5 length of spikelet; hyaline; without keels; 3–5 -veined. Lower glume surface pilose. Lower glume apex acute. Upper glume elliptic; gibbous; 1 length of spikelet; membranous; without keels; 5 -veined. Upper glume lateral veins ribbed. Upper glume surface hispidulous; hairy on veins. Upper glume apex acute.

FLORETS Basal sterile florets barren; without significant palea. Lemma of lower sterile floret similar to upper glume; elliptic; 1 length of spikelet; membranous; 5 -veined; ribbed; hispidulous; hairy on veins; acute. Fertile lemma elliptic; dorsally compressed; 2–3 mm long; coriaceous; shiny; without keel. Lemma margins involute. Palea involute; coriaceous.

DISTRIBUTION Africa: southern tropical.

NOTES Paniceae. Mimeur 2005.

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