Lycurus

HABIT Perennial. Culms erect (2), or geniculately ascending (1), or decumbent (2); 4–30.66–50 cm long. Ligule an eciliate membrane.

INFLORESCENCE Inflorescence a panicle.

Panicle spiciform. Panicle axis bearing deciduous spikelet clusters.

Spikelets in pairs. Fertile spikelets pedicelled; 2 in the cluster. Pedicels fused to each other; linear.

FERTILE SPIKELETS Spikelets comprising 1 fertile florets; without rhachilla extension. Spikelets lanceolate; laterally compressed; 3.5–3.75–4 mm long; falling entire; deciduous in a cluster with fused pedicels.

GLUMES Glumes shorter than spikelet; thinner than fertile lemma. Lower glume oblong; 1 length of upper glume; membranous; without keels; 2 -veined. Lower glume surface without pits. Lower glume apex awned. Upper glume oblong; 0.5 length of adjacent fertile lemma; membranous; 1-keeled; 1 -veined. Upper glume awned; 1 -awned.

FLORETS Fertile lemma elliptic; chartaceous; keeled; wingless; 3 -veined. Lemma surface unwrinkled; without grooves. Lemma margins ciliate. Lemma apex acuminate; awned; 1 -awned. Palea 2 -veined. Palea keels ciliate.

FLOWER Anthers 3.

FRUIT Caryopsis with adherent pericarp; fusiform.

DISTRIBUTION North America, or South America.

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