Stipa talassica

HABIT Perennial; caespitose; clumped densely. Culms 45–50 cm long. Culm-internodes distally pubescent. Leaf-sheaths pubescent; outer margin hairy. Ligule a ciliolate membrane; 0.3–1.2 mm long. Leaf-blades filiform; convolute; 0.5–1 mm wide. Leaf-blade surface ribbed; scabrous; rough abaxially; puberulous; hairy adaxially.

INFLORESCENCE Inflorescence a panicle; subtended by an inflated leaf-sheath; embraced at base by subtending leaf.

Panicle open; linear.

Spikelets solitary. Fertile spikelets pedicelled.

FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 1 fertile florets; without rhachilla extension. Spikelets lanceolate; subterete; 40–50 mm long; breaking up at maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret. Floret callus evident; curved; 1 mm long; pilose; hairy in a ring above; acute.

GLUMES Glumes persistent; similar; exceeding apex of florets; thinner than fertile lemma. Lower glume lanceolate; 1 length of upper glume; membranous; without keels. Lower glume apex acuminate. Upper glume lanceolate; 40–50 mm long; membranous; without keels. Upper glume apex acuminate.

FLORETS Fertile lemma lanceolate; subterete; 12.5–13 mm long; coriaceous; without keel; 5 -veined. Lemma surface pubescent; hairy below; hairy in lines. Lemma margins convolute; covering most of palea. Lemma apex awned; 1 -awned. Principal lemma awn geniculate; 140 mm long overall; with twisted column; limb plumose; with 4–5 mm long hairs. Column of lemma awn 35–40 mm long. Palea without keels.

FLOWER Anthers 3. Stigmas 2. Ovary glabrous.

FRUIT Caryopsis with adherent pericarp; fusiform. Hilum linear.

DISTRIBUTION Asia-temperate: Soviet Middle Asia.

NOTES Stipeae. Pazij 1995.

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