Neuropoa fax

HABIT Annual. Culms erect; 5–30 cm long; 2–3 -noded. Ligule an eciliate membrane; 1–4 mm long. Leaf-blades 2–5 cm long; 1–2.5 mm wide; flaccid.

INFLORESCENCE Inflorescence a panicle.

Panicle contracted; linear; 3–15 cm long. Primary panicle branches appressed; 1–2 cm long.

Spikelets appressed; solitary. Fertile spikelets pedicelled. Pedicels linear; 0.5–3 mm long.

FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 5–13 fertile florets; with diminished florets at the apex. Spikelets ovate; laterally compressed; compressed strongly; 5–13 mm long; breaking up at maturity; disarticulating below each fertile floret. Rhachilla internodes 0.5–1 mm long.

GLUMES Glumes persistent; similar; shorter than spikelet; thinner than fertile lemma. Lower glume ovate; 2–3 mm long; 0.6–1 length of upper glume; membranous; 1-keeled; 3–5 -veined. Lower glume apex obtuse. Upper glume ovate; 2–5 mm long; 0.6–1.1 length of adjacent fertile lemma; membranous; 1-keeled; 3–5 -veined. Upper glume apex obtuse.

FLORETS Fertile lemma elliptic; linear in profile; 3.5–4.5 mm long; chartaceous; much thinner on margins; keeled; (5–)9–11 -veined. Lemma lateral veins ribbed. Lemma surface pilose; hairy below; hairy on veins. Lemma apex emarginate, or obtuse. Palea linear; 1 length of lemma; 2 -veined. Palea keels eciliate, or ciliate; adorned below. Apical sterile florets resembling fertile though underdeveloped.

FLOWER Anthers 3; 2–3 mm long.

FRUIT Caryopsis with adherent pericarp; 0.6–2 mm long. Hilum punctiform.

DISTRIBUTION Australasia: Australia.

NOTES Poeae. Vickery.

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