Zizaniopsis microstachya

HABIT Perennial. Rhizomes elongated. Culms reed-like; 170–250 cm long; spongy. Ligule an eciliate membrane. Leaf-blades 50–100 cm long; 14–18 mm wide. Leaf-blade margins scabrous. Leaf-blade apex acuminate.

INFLORESCENCE Monoecious; with male and female spikelets in the same inflorescence. Inflorescence a panicle.

Panicle open; oblong; 60–90 cm long. Primary panicle branches whorled at most nodes.

Sexes segregated; on bisexual branches; with male below. Spikelets solitary. Fertile spikelets pedicelled. Male spikelets pedicelled. Pedicels tip cupuliform.

FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 1 fertile florets; without rhachilla extension. Spikelets ovate; laterally compressed; 4–5 mm long; falling entire.

GLUMES Glumes both absent or obscure.

FLORETS Fertile florets female. Fertile lemma ovate; 4–5 mm long; chartaceous; without keel; 7 -veined. Lemma midvein scaberulous. Lemma apex acute; awned; 1 -awned. Principal lemma awn 1–4 mm long overall. Palea 1 length of lemma; chartaceous; 3 -veined; without keels.

FLOWER Lodicules 2. Anthers 6. Stigmas 2.

FRUIT Caryopsis with free brittle pericarp; ovoid; isodiametric; apex rostrate. Hilum linear.

MALE Male spikelets distinct from female; 1 flowered; separately deciduous; lanceolate; 4–5 mm long. Male spikelet glumes absent. Male spikelet lemma 7 -veined; awned; with 1–4 mm long awn.

DISTRIBUTION South America: Brazil.

NOTES Oryzeae. Gr Bahia 1993.

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