Glaziophyton

HABIT Perennial. Rhizomes short; pachymorph. Culms erect; reed-like; 180–230 cm long. Culm-internodes unequal, the upper longer; terete. Lateral branches lacking. Leaves with blades commonly suppressed, transferring photosynthetic function to sheath and culm. Ligule absent.

INFLORESCENCE Synflorescence bractiferous; paniculate; with glumaceous subtending bracts; without axillary buds at base of spikelet.

Fertile spikelets sessile.

FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 1–3 fertile florets; with diminished florets at the apex. Spikelets lanceolate; laterally compressed; 7–12 mm long; breaking up at maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret. Rhachilla internodes definite.

GLUMES Glumes several; persistent; shorter than spikelet. Lower glume ovate; 0.7–0.8 length of upper glume; scarious; without keels; 3 -veined. Lower glume surface without pits. Lower glume apex acute. Upper glume ovate; 0.6–0.8 length of adjacent fertile lemma; scarious; without keels; 3 -veined. Upper glume apex acute.

FLORETS Fertile lemma ovate; scarious; without keel; wingless; 7 -veined. Lemma surface unwrinkled; without grooves. Lemma apex acute. Palea 1 length of lemma; scarious; 2 -veined. Palea keels ciliolate. Apical sterile florets 1 in number; barren; lanceolate.

FLOWER Lodicules 3; membranous; acute. Anthers 3. Stigmas 2.

DISTRIBUTION South America.

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