Phyllosasa

HABIT Perennial. Rhizomes elongated; leptomorph. Culms erect; 300–400 cm long; woody. Culm-internodes semiterete. Lateral branches dendroid. Culm-sheath blade linear. Ligule a ciliolate membrane. Leaf-blade base with a brief petiole-like connection to sheath. Leaf-blades lanceolate, or oblong.

INFLORESCENCE Synflorescence bractiferous; fasciculate; with spathaceous subtending bracts; without axillary buds at base of spikelet.

Fertile spikelets sessile.

FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 2–5 fertile florets; with a barren rhachilla extension. Spikelets lanceolate; laterally compressed; 16.6–24 mm long; breaking up at maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret. Rhachilla internodes definite; pubescent.

GLUMES Glumes one the lower absent or obscure; persistent; shorter than spikelet. Upper glume ovate; chartaceous; 9–11 -veined. Upper glume lateral veins with cross-veins. Upper glume apex acute.

FLORETS Fertile lemma ovate; chartaceous; without keel; wingless; 20 -veined. Lemma surface unwrinkled; without grooves. Lemma apex acuminate. Palea chartaceous; 10–12 -veined. Palea keels ciliolate.

FLOWER Lodicules 3; obtuse. Anthers 6. Stigmas 3.

FRUIT Caryopsis with adherent pericarp.

DISTRIBUTION Temperate Asia.

Please cite this publication as detailed in How to Cite Version: 16th November 2012.