Stipa yadongensis

HABIT Perennial; caespitose; clumped densely. Culms erect; 8–18 cm long; 0.8 mm diam.; 1–2 -noded. Leaf-sheaths longer than adjacent culm internode; glabrous on surface. Ligule an eciliate membrane; 2.5–3.5 mm long; erose. Leaf-blades filiform; involute; 2–4 cm long; 0.5–1 mm wide. Leaf-blade surface glabrous.

INFLORESCENCE Inflorescence a panicle; subtended by bracts.

Panicle open; linear; 4–7 cm long; 0.7–1 cm wide. Primary panicle branches 1–2 -nate; 0.3–2.8 cm long. Panicle branches capillary.

Spikelets solitary. Fertile spikelets pedicelled.

FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 1 fertile florets; without rhachilla extension. Spikelets lanceolate; subterete; 8.5–12.5 mm long; breaking up at maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret. Floret callus evident; pubescent; obtuse.

GLUMES Glumes persistent; similar; exceeding apex of florets; thinner than fertile lemma. Lower glume elliptic; 8.5–12.5 mm long; 1.1–1.2 length of upper glume; membranous; without keels; 3 -veined. Lower glume apex acute. Upper glume lanceolate; 8–9.5 mm long; membranous; without keels; 1 -veined. Upper glume lateral veins absent. Upper glume apex acute.

FLORETS Fertile lemma elliptic; subterete; 5.5–8 mm long; coriaceous; without keel. Lemma surface pubescent; hairy above and at base. Lemma margins convolute; covering most of palea. Lemma apex dentate; 2 -fid; awned; 1 -awned. Principal lemma awn from a sinus; geniculate; 14–16 mm long overall; with twisted column; limb glabrous, or pubescent. Column of lemma awn ciliate. Palea 5–6.5 mm long; 2 -veined; without keels. Palea surface glabrous. Palea apex obtuse.

FLOWER Anthers 3; 1.9–2.5 mm long; yellow.

FRUIT Caryopsis with adherent pericarp; linear; 3.6–4.1 mm long; light brown. Hilum linear.

DISTRIBUTION Asia-temperate: China.

NOTES Stipeae. Cai 2004.

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