Alopecurus longearistatus

HABIT Annual. Culms geniculately ascending; 15–35 cm long. Leaf-sheaths loose; smooth. Ligule an eciliate membrane; 3–4 mm long; acute. Leaf-blades 3–10 cm long; 1–2 mm wide.

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

Panicle spiciform; linear; 4–7 cm long; 0.3–0.5 cm wide. Panicle axis with rounded ribs.

Spikelets solitary. Fertile spikelets pedicelled. Pedicels oblong.

FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 1 fertile florets; without rhachilla extension. Spikelets elliptic; laterally compressed; 2.5–3 mm long; falling entire.

GLUMES Glumes connate along margins below; 0.33–0.5 of their length connate; similar; shorter than spikelet. Lower glume oblong; 2.5–3 mm long; 1 length of upper glume; membranous; much thinner on margins; 1-keeled; 3 -veined. Lower glume primary vein ciliate. Lower glume apex acute. Upper glume oblong; 2.5–3 mm long; 1 length of adjacent fertile lemma; membranous; with hyaline margins; 1-keeled; 3 -veined. Upper glume primary vein ciliate. Upper glume apex acute.

FLORETS Fertile lemma lanceolate; 2.5–3 mm long; membranous; keeled; 3 -veined. Lemma apex acuminate; awned; 1 -awned. Principal lemma awn dorsal; arising 0.25–0.33 way up back of lemma; geniculate; 5–9 mm long overall; clearly exserted from spikelet; with twisted column. Palea absent or minute.

FLOWER Lodicules absent. Anthers 3; 0.5–0.7 mm long. Stigmas protogynous; terminally exserted; pubescent. Ovary glabrous.

FRUIT Caryopsis with adherent pericarp. Hilum punctiform. Disseminule comprising a spikelet.

DISTRIBUTION Asia-temperate: Soviet far east and China.

NOTES Aveneae. Fl USSR 1995.

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