Stipa pubicalyx

HABIT Perennial; caespitose; clumped loosely. Cataphylls evident. Culms erect; 60–100 cm long; 3–4 -noded. Leaf-sheaths longer than adjacent culm internode; antrorsely scabrous. Ligule an eciliate membrane; 1 mm long; truncate. Leaf-blades 20–40 cm long; 3–5 mm wide. Leaf-blade surface scabrous; rough abaxially; pubescent; densely hairy; hairy adaxially. Leaf-blade apex acuminate.

INFLORESCENCE Inflorescence a panicle. Peduncle antrorsely scabrous above.

Panicle open; elliptic, or ovate; 15–25 cm long. Primary panicle branches ascending; 2–4 -nate; bearing spikelets almost to the base.

Spikelets solitary. Fertile spikelets pedicelled.

FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 1 fertile florets; without rhachilla extension. Spikelets lanceolate; subterete; 8–9 mm long; breaking up at maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret. Floret callus evident; 0.8 mm long; acute.

GLUMES Glumes persistent; similar; exceeding apex of florets; thinner than fertile lemma. Lower glume lanceolate; 1 length of upper glume; membranous; without keels; 3 -veined. Lower glume surface puberulous. Lower glume apex obtuse, or acute. Upper glume lanceolate; 8–9 mm long; membranous; without keels; 3 -veined. Upper glume surface puberulous. Upper glume apex obtuse, or acute.

FLORETS Fertile lemma lanceolate; subterete; 6–7 mm long; coriaceous; without keel; 3 -veined. Lemma surface pilose. Lemma margins convolute; covering most of palea. Lemma apex emarginate; awned; 1 -awned. Principal lemma awn geniculate; 10–25 mm long overall; with twisted column; persistent. Column of lemma awn hispidulous. Palea without keels.

FLOWER Anthers 3; 4–5 mm long; anther tip penicillate. Stigmas 2.

DISTRIBUTION Asia-temperate: China.

NOTES Stipeae. Fl China 2007.

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