Microchloa annua

HABIT Annual; caespitose. Culms erect; 19–35 cm long; 2–5 -noded. Culm-internodes distally glabrous, or woolly. Lateral branches sparse. Leaf-sheaths keeled; woolly. Ligule a ciliolate membrane. Leaf-blades 0.4–3.5 cm long; 2–3 mm wide. Leaf-blade surface glabrous. Leaf-blade margins cartilaginous. Leaf-blade apex obtuse.

INFLORESCENCE Inflorescence composed of racemes.

Racemes 1; single; straight, or arcuate; unilateral; 3.3–5.5 cm long. Rhachis semiterete. Spikelet packing broadside to rhachis; regular; 1 -rowed.

Spikelets appressed; solitary. Fertile spikelets sessile.

FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 1 fertile florets; with diminished florets at the apex. Spikelets lanceolate; dorsally compressed; compressed slightly; 2.4–2.5 mm long; breaking up at maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret. Floret callus pubescent.

GLUMES Glumes deciduous; similar; exceeding apex of florets; firmer than fertile lemma; parallel to lemmas. Lower glume elliptic; 2.4–2.5 mm long; 1 length of upper glume; membranous; 1-keeled; 1 -veined. Lower glume lateral veins absent. Lower glume apex obtuse. Upper glume elliptic; 2.4–2.5 mm long; 1.2–1.3 length of adjacent fertile lemma; membranous; without keels; 1 -veined. Upper glume lateral veins absent. Upper glume apex obtuse.

FLORETS Fertile lemma ovate; 1.8–2 mm long; hyaline; keeled; 3 -veined. Lemma margins ciliate; hairy above. Lemma apex acute. Palea 2 -veined. Rhachilla extension 0.3–0.4 mm long. Apical sterile florets 1 in number; male; oblong; 1 mm long.

FLOWER Anthers 3; 1.1–1.5 mm long. Stigmas 2.

FRUIT Caryopsis with adherent pericarp.

DISTRIBUTION Africa: southern tropical.

NOTES Cynodonteae. Kup & Cope.

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