,internet ,archive_/,million ,book ,project7 ,a ,,handbook ,,of ,,some ,,south ,,indian ,,grasses ,,by ,,rai ,,bahadur ,k4 ,,ranga ,,achariyar1 ,m4,a41 ,l4,t41 ,indian ,agricultural ,service1 ,agricultural ,college1 ,coimbatore1 and ,fellow of the ,madras ,university ,,assisted ,,by ,c4 ,,tadulinga ,,mudaliyar1 ,f4,l4,s41 ,agricultural ,college1 ,coimbatore4 ,,madras3 ,,printed ,,by ,,the ,,superintendent1 ,,government ,,press4 #aiba ,price1 #d rupees #h annas ,,preface ,this book is intended to serve as a guide to the study of grasses of the plains of ,south ,india4 ,for the past few years ,i have been receiving grasses for identification1 almost every week1 from the officers of the ,agricultural and ,forest ,departments and others interested in grasses4 ,the requirements of these men and the absence of a suitable book induced me to write this book4 ,i have included in this book about one hundred grasses of wide distribution in the plains of ,south ,india4 ,many of them occur also in other parts of ,india4 ,the rarer grasses of the plains and those growing on the hills are omitted1 with a view to deal with them separately4 ,the value of grasses can be realized from the fact that man can supply all his needs from them alone1 and their importance in agriculture is very great1 as the welfare of the cattle is dependent upon grasses4 ,farmers1 as a rule1 take no interest in them1 although profitable agriculture is impossible without grasses4 ,very few of them can give the names of at least half a dozen grasses growing on their land4 ,they neglect grasses1 because they are common and are found everywhere4 ,they cannot discriminate between them4 ,to a farmer grass is grass and that is all he cares to trouble himself about4 ,about grasses ,robinson writes ,grass is ,king4 ,it rules and governs the world4 ,it is the very foundation of all commerce3 without it the earth would be a barren waste1 and cotton1 gold1 and commerce all dead4 ,in the early days when the population was very much limited and when land not brought under cultivation was extensive plenty of green grasses was upon it and pastures were numerous4 ,so the farmer paid no attention to the grasses1 and it did not matter much4 ,but now1 population has increased1 unoccupied land has decreased very much and the cattle have increased in number4 ,consequently he has to pay more attention to grasses4 ,on account of the scarcity of fodder1 people interested in agriculture and cattle rearing have very often imported foreign grasses and fodder plants into this country1 but so far no one has succeeded in establishing any one of them on any large scale4 ,usually a great amount of labour and much money is spent in these attempts4 ,if the same amount of attention is bestowed on indigenous grasses1 better results can be obtained with less labour and money4 ,there are many indigenous grasses that will yield plenty of stuff1 if they are given a chance to grow4 ,the present deterioration of grasses is mainly due to overgrazing and trampling by men and cattle4 ,to prove the beneficial effects which result from preventing overgrazing and trampling1 ,mr4 ,g4 ,r4 ,hilson1 ,deputy ,director of ,agriculture 7now ,cotton ,expert71 selected some portion of the waste land in the neighbourhood of the ,farm at ,hagari and closed it for men and cattle4 ,as a result of this measure1 in two years1 a number of grasses and other plants were found growing on the enclosed area very well1 and all of them seeded well4 ,of course the unenclosed areas were bare as usual4 ,in the preparation of this book ,i received considerable help from ,m4,r4,ry4 ,c4 ,tadulinga ,mudaliyar ,avargal1 ,f4,l4,s41 ,assistant ,lecturing and ,systematic ,botanist1 in the description of species and ,i am indebted to ,m4,r4,ry4 ,p4,s4 ,jivanna ,rao1 ,m4,a41 ,teaching ,assistant1 for assistance in proofreading4 ,i have to express my deep obligation to ,mr4 ,g4 ,a4 ,d4 ,stuart1 ,i4,c4,s41 ,director of ,agriculture1 for encouragement to undertake this work and to the ,madras ,government for ordering its publication4 ,for the excellence in the get up of the book ,i am indebted to ,mr4 ,f4 ,l4 ,gilbert1 ,superintendent1 ,government ,press4 ,k4 ,,rangachari4 ,,agricultural ,,college1 ,,lawley ,,road1 ,,coimbatore1 #bnd ,june #aiba4 ,,contents ,,page ,,preface iii ,,chapter ,i--,introduction #a ,,ii--,the vegetative organs #e ,,iii--,the inflorescence and flower #ac ,,iv--,histology of the vegetative organs #ai ,v--,classification #dc ,,vi--,panicaceae #de ,,vii--,oryzeae and ,zoysieae #abc ,,viii--,andropogoneae #ach ,,ix--,agrostideae and ,chlorideae #bbj ,x--,festucaceae and ,hordeae #bhc ,,glossary #caa ,,index #cae ,a ,,handbook ,,of ,,some ,,common ,,south ,,indian ,,grasses4 ,,chapter ,i4 ,,introduction4 ,grasses occupy wide tracts of land and they are evenly distributed in all parts of the world4 ,they occur in every soil1 in all kinds of situations and under all climatic conditions4 ,in certain places grasses form a leading feature of the flora4 ,as grasses do not like shade1 they are not usually abundant within the forests either as regards the number of individuals1 or of species4 ,but in open places they do very well and sometimes whole tracts become grass-lands4 ,then a very great portion of the actual vegetation would consist of grasses4 ,on account of their almost universal distribution and their great economic value grasses are of great importance to man4 ,and yet very few people appreciate the worth of grasses4 ,although several families of plants supply the wants of man1 the grass family exceeds all the others in the amount and the value of its products4 ,the grasses growing in pasture land and the cereals grown all over the world are of more value to man and his domestic animals than all the other plants taken together4 ,to the popular mind grasses are only herbaceous plants with narrow leaves such as the hariali1 ginger grass and the kolakattai grass4 ,but in the grass family or ,gramineae the cereals1 sugarcane and bamboos are also included4 ,grasses are rather interesting in that they are usually successful in occupying large tracts of land to the exclusion of other plants4 ,if we take into consideration the number of individuals of any species of grass1 they will be found to out-number those of any species of any other family4 ,even as regards the number of species this family ranks fifth1 the first four places being occupied respectively by ,compositae1 ,leguminosae1 ,orchideae and ,rubiaceae4 ,as grasses form an exceedingly natural family it is very difficult for beginners to readily distinguish them from one another4 ,the leaves and branches of grasses are very much alike and the flowers are so small that they are liable to be passed by unnoticed4 ,the recognition of even our common grasses is quite a task for a botanist4 ,to understand the general structure of grasses and to become familiar with them it is necessary to study closely some common grasses4 ,we shall begin our study by selecting as a type one of the species of the genus ,panicum4 ,panicum javanicum is an annual herb with stems radiating in all directions from a centre4 ,the plant is fixed to the soil by a tuft of fibrous roots all springing from the bases of the stems4 ,in addition to this crown of fibrous roots1 there may be roots at the nodes of some of the prostrate branches4 ,the stems and branches are short at first1 and leaves arise on them one after the other in rapid succession4 ,after the appearance of a fair number of leaves the stem elongates gradually and it finally ends in an inflorescence4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #a4--,panicum javanicum4 7,full plant47 ,the stem consists of nodes and internodes4 ,the internodes are cylindrical and somewhat flattened on the side towards the axillary bud4 ,when young they are completely covered by the leaves and the older ones have only their lower portions covered by the leaf-sheaths4 ,usually they complete their growth in length very soon1 but the lower portion of the internode1 just above the node and enclosed by the sheath1 retains its power of growth for some time4 ,the leaf consists of the two parts1 the leaf-sheath and the leaf-blade4 ,at the junction of these two parts there is a very thin narrow membrane with fine hairs on its free margin4 ,this is called the ligule4 7,see fig4 #b47 ,the leaf-sheath is attached at its base to the node and it is slightly swollen just above the place of insertion4 ,it covers the internode1 one margin being inside and the other outside4 ,the surface of the sheath is sparsely covered with long hairs springing from small tubercles4 ,the outer margin of the sheath bears fine hairs all along its length4 7,see fig4 #b47 ,the leaf-blade is broadly lanceolate1 with a tip finely drawn out4 ,its base is rounded and the margin wavy1 especially so towards the base4 ,on the margin towards the base long hairs are seen1 and some of these arise from small tubercles4 ,the margin has a hyaline border which is very minutely serrate4 ,there is a distinct midrib and1 on holding the leaf against the light1 four or five small veins come in to view4 ,in the spaces between these veins lie many fine veins4 ,all the veins run parallel from the base to the apex4 ,at the base of the blade the veins get into the leaf-sheath and therefore the sheath becomes striated4 ,just above the ligule and at the base of the leaf-blade there is a colourless narrow zone4 ,this is called the collar4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #b4--,leaf of ,panicum javanicum4 ,a4 ,full leaf2 ,b4 a portion of the leaf showing #a4 the ligule and #b4 the collar4 ,as already stated the inflorescences appear at the free ends of branches4 ,every branch sooner or later terminates in an inflorescence which is a compound raceme4 ,there are usually five or six racemes in the inflorescence4 ,each raceme has an axis1 called the rachis1 which bears unilaterally two rows of bud-like bodies4 ,these bud-like bodies are the units of the inflorescence and they are called spikelets4 7,see fig4 #c47 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #c4--,the inflorescence of ,panicum javanicum4 #a4 ,inflorescence2 #b and #c4 the front and the back view of a raceme4 ,the spikelets are softly hairy and are shortly stalked4 ,the pedicels of spikelets are hairy and sometimes one or two long hairs are also found on them4 ,each of these spikelets consists of four green membranous structures called glumes4 ,the first two glumes are unequal1 the first being very small4 ,the second and the third glumes are broadly ovate-oblong with acute tips4 ,both are of the same height and texture1 but the second is #g-nerved and the third #e-nerved4 ,the fourth glume is membranous when young1 but later on it becomes thick1 coriaceous and rugose at the surface4 ,just opposite to the fourth glume there is a flat structure with two nerves1 similar to the glume in texture4 ,this is called the palea4 ,the fourth glume and its palea adhere together by their margins4 ,inside the fourth glume and between it and the palea there are three stamens and an ovary with two styles ending in feathery stigmas4 ,just in front of the ovary and outside the stamens two very small scale-like bodies are found4 ,these are the lodicules4 ,they are fleshy and well developed in flowers that are about to open4 ,in the spikelet there is only one full flower4 ,the third glume contains no flower in it1 but occasionally there may be in its axil three stamens4 ,the first two glumes are always empty and so they are called empty glumes4 7,see fig4 #d47 ,in mature spikelets the grain which is free is enclosed by the fourth glume and its palea4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #d4--,parts of the spikelets of ,panicum javanicum4 ,a4 ,a spikelet2 #a1 #b1 #c and #d4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively2 #c;a4 palea of the third glume2 #d;a4 palea of the fourth glume2 #e4 lodicules2 #f4 stamens2 #g4 ovary2 #h4 stigmas4 ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,,the ,,vegetative ,,organs4 ,grasses vary very much in their habit4 ,some grasses grow erect forming tufts and others form cushions with the branches creeping along the ground4 7,see figs4 #e and #f47 ,we usually find all intermediate stages from the erect to the prostrate habit4 ,underground stems such as stolons and rhizomes occur in some grasses4 ,grasses of one particular species generally retain the same habit but this does not always hold good4 ,for example ,tragus racemosus grows with all its branches quite prostrate in a poor1 dry1 open soil4 ,if1 on the other hand1 this happens to grow in rich soils1 or amidst other plants or grasses1 it assumes an erect1 somewhat tufted habit4 ,andropogon contortus and ,andropogon pertusus are other grasses with a tendency for variation in habit4 ,plants that are usually small often attain large dimensions under favourable conditions of growth4 ,ordinarily the grass ,panicum javanicum grows only to #a or #b feet4 7,see fig4 #a47 ,the same plant in a good rich soil grew to about #f feet in four months4 7,see fig4 #g47 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #e4--;,eleusine aegyptiaca4 ,some grasses are annual while others are perennial4 ,it is often difficult to determine whether a certain grass is annual or perennial4 ,but by examining the shoot-system this can be ascertained easily4 ,in an annual all the stems and branches usually end in inflorescences and they will all be of the same year4 ,if1 on the other hand1 both young leafy branches and old branches ending in inflorescences are found mixed1 it must be a perennial grass4 ,the presence of the remains of old leaves1 underground stolons and rhizomes is also evidence showing the perennial character of the plant4 ,grasses are eminently adapted to occupy completely large areas of land4 ,they are also capable of very rapid extension over large areas1 on account of the production of stolons1 rhizomes and the formation of adventitious roots4 ,the root-system4--,the root-system of grasses is very striking in its character4 ,in most grasses1 especially in erect ones1 several roots all of about the same diameter arise in a dense tuft from nearly the same level and from the lower-most nodes of the stems4 ,the roots are all thin and fibrous in the vast majority of these plants1 and they are tough and wiry only in a few cases such as in the case of the roots of ,pennisetum cenchroides1 ,p4 ,alopecuros1 ,ischaemum pilosum and ,andropogon ,schoenanthus4 ,on a close examination it will become evident that all the roots of a grass plant are adventitious4 ,inasmuch as the growth of the primary root is soon overtaken by other roots growing from the stem1 all the roots happen to be of the same size4 ,roots arise from the nodes just above the insertion of the leaf1 and they grow piercing the leaf-sheath4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #f4--,panicum ,crus-galli4 ,grasses in which stolons and prostrate branches occur have1 in addition to the usual radiating crown of roots at the base1 aerial roots growing out of the upper nodes of the branches and fixing them to the soil4 ,such roots become supporting or prop roots and are particularly conspicuous in several stout tall grasses such as ,andropogon ,sorghum1 ,zea ,mays and ,pennisetum typhoideum4 7,see figs4 #h and #i47 ,all the roots bear branch-roots which originate from the inner portion of the mother roots in the usual manner4 ,the character and the extent of the development of the root-system is to a large extent dependent upon the nature of the soil and its moisture content4 ,in light dry soils roots remain generally stunted and in well drained rich soils they attain their maximum development4 ,in clayey soils roots penetrate only to short distances4 ,when the soil is rich and sandy roots go deeper and extend in all directions4 ,the root-systems of most grasses are superficial and so are best adapted for surface-feeding4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #g4--,panicum javanicum4 ,the shoot-system4--,the shoot-system varies with the duration of the life of the plant4 ,in annual grasses stems are in most cases erect and even if they are not entirely so they become erect at the time of flowering4 ,they are attached to the soil by a tuft of fibrous roots arising from the base of the stems4 ,but in perennials in addition to erect branches1 creeping branches1 stolons and rhizomes may occur4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #h4--,prop roots of ,andropogon ,sorghum4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #i4--;,aerial roots of ,ischaemum ciliare4 ,the stem is either cylindrical or compressed and consists of nodes and internodes4 ,in most grasses the internodes are usually hollow1 the cavity being lined by the remains of the original pith cells4 ,however1 there are also grasses in which the stems remain solid throughout4 ,in many grasses the basal portions of stems are more leafy and the internodes are short1 but in the upper portions the internodes become longer separating the leaves one from the other4 ,in young shoots the leaves grow much faster than the internodes and consequently internodes remain small1 and leaves become very conspicuous4 ,the youngest portions of the shoots are by this means always well protected by the surrounding leaf-sheaths4 ,as soon as leaves have grown fully1 the internodes begin to elongate rapidly separating the leaves4 ,at first growth in length takes place throughout its length in the internode and when it gets older this elongation ceases4 ,but1 however1 the lower portion of the internode close to the node and which is enclosed by the leaf-sheath retains its power of growth for a considerable time4 ,branches arise from the axils of leaves and when a considerable number of the axillary buds1 especially from the lower nodes1 develop into branches the plant becomes tufted in habit4 ,in most grasses branches grow upwards through the sheath and emerge at its mouth as aerial branches4 ,such branches are called intravaginal branches or stems4 ,but in some grasses axillary buds1 instead of growing straight up through the sheath1 pierce the leaf-sheath1 come out and then they grow out as branches4 ,this may be seen in the underground stolons of ,panicum repens and in the ordinary aerial branches of ,arundo ,donax4 ,branches that pierce through the sheaths are called extravaginal branches4 7,see fig4 #aj47 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #aj4--;,extravaginal shoots of #a4 ,panicum repens and #b4 ,arundo ,donax4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #aa4--,nodes4 #a4 ,glabrous node2 #b4 bearded node2 #c4 node cut longitudinally4 ,the nodes are in most cases very conspicuous and they are often found swollen4 ,however1 it must be remembered that the enlargement at the node is not due to the increase in size of the actual node1 but due to growth in thickness of the base of the leaf-sheath4 7,see fig4 #aa-c47 ,nodes may be pale or coloured1 glabrous1 hairy or bearded with long hairs4 ,when the stem is erect the nodes are short and of uniform size all round4 ,but1 if the stem is bent down or tipped over by accident1 the nodes begin to grow longer on the lower side until a curvature sufficient to bring the stem to the erect position is formed and then it ceases to grow4 ,as already noted some perennial grasses have creeping stems and stolons1 while others may have rhizomes4 ,the grass ,cynodon dactylon develops several underground stolons which are covered with white scale leaves and whose terminal buds are hard and sharp so that they may be able to make their way through the soil4 ,the rhizomes when continuous and elongated are usually sympodia formed by the lower portions of the aerial shoots4 ,the aerial shoot comes into the air and its lower portion is continued by a branch arising from a lower leaf axil beneath the soil4 ,the leaf4--,leaves are two-ranked and alternate1 and very often they become crowded at the lower portions of the shoots so as to form basal tufts1 though they are farther apart in the upper portions of these shoots4 ,three distinct kinds of leaves are met with in grasses4 ,first1 we have the fully formed foliage leaves so characteristic of grasses4 ,these are most conspicuous and are formed in large numbers4 ,the other two kinds of leaves are neither so conspicuous nor so numerous as the foliage leaves4 ,at the base of shoots occur abortive leaves which are really rudimentary sheaths4 ,these are called scales4 ,the third kind of leaf is a modified structure called the prophyll or prophyllum4 7,see fig4 #ab47 ,it is the first leaf occurring in every branch on the side next to the main shoot and it is a two-keeled membranous structure resembling somewhat the palea found in the spikelets of grasses4 ,the portion of the prophyll between the keels is concave due to the pressure of the main stem1 while the sides beyond the keels bend forward clasping the stem4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ab4--,prophylla4 ,a4 ,a branch with its prophyllum2 ,b4 prophyllum2 ,c4 section of the prophyllum4 ,the ordinary foliage leaves of grasses consist of the two parts1 the flat expanded upper portion called the blade and the lower part called the sheath that encircles the stem above the node from which it arises4 ,the leaf-sheaths usually fit close to the stem1 but they may also be loose or even inflated4 ,though the leaf-sheath surrounds the internode like a tube1 it is not a closed tube4 ,it is really a flat structure rolled firmly round the stem with one edge overlapping the other4 ,in most cases it is cylindrical and it may be compressed in a few cases4 ,occasionally it may have a prominent ridge or keel down its back4 ,the sheath may be glabrous or hairy1 smooth or striate externally1 and the outer margin is often ciliate4 ,in a few grasses the sheaths become coloured especially below or on the side exposed to the sun4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ac4--,ligules of #a4 ,oryza sativa2 #b4 ,panicum javanicum2 #c4 ,andropogon ,schoenanthus2 #d4 ,a4 contortus4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ad4--,shapes of leaf-blades4 #a1 #g and #h4 ,lanceolate2 #c and #f4 lanceolate-linear2 #b and #e4 linear2 and #d4 ovate4 ,the ligule is a structure peculiar to grasses and it varies very much4 ,in some grasses it is a distinct membrane narrow or broad1 with an even1 truncate or erose margin1 or finely ciliate4 ,very often it is only a line or fringe of hairs1 whilst in some it may be entirely absent as in the leaves of ,panicum colonum4 ,when it is a membrane it may be broad and oblong1 ovate and obtuse1 or lanceolate and acute4 7,see fig4 #ac47 ,the function of the ligule is probably to facilitate the shedding of water which may run down the leaf1 and thus lessen the danger of rotting of the stem which is sure to follow1 if the water were to find its way into the interior of the sheath4 ,sometimes1 in addition to the ligule1 other appendages may be present in grass leaves as in ,oryza sativa4 ,such outgrowths are called auricles or auricular outgrowths4 7,see fig4 #ac47 ,the leaf-blade is well developed in the foliage leaves and in most cases it follows directly on the sheath4 ,but in bamboos and some species of ,ischaemum there occurs a short petiole or stalk between the leaf-blade and the sheath4 ,the sheath corresponds morphologically to the leaf base of a leaf of other flowering plants4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ae4--,margins of leaves4 #a and #b4 ,finely serrate2 #c4 glandular2 #d and #e4 very minutely serrate2 #f4 very minutely serrate and ciliate4 ,in grasses the leaf-blades usually grow more in length than in any other direction and there is no limit to the length they may attain4 ,some grasses have very short leaves1 others very long ones4 ,the leaf-blade in most grasses is more or less of some elongated form1 such as linear1 linear-lanceolate1 lanceolate1 etc4 7,see fig4 #ad47 ,in a few grasses the leaf-blade is ovate1 but this is a rare condition4 ,therefore1 in noting the general shape of the leaf-blade the relation of the length to the breadth1 the amount of tapering towards the apex and base and the nature of the apex should be considered4 ,the veins in the leaf-blade can usually be seen on holding the leaf up to the light4 ,all the veins run parallel4 ,in most cases the midrib is prominent and in some cases there may be also a distinct keel4 ,amongst the veins running through the leaf-blade some are large and prominent1 while others are small and not conspicuous4 ,on account of this disparity1 very often1 ridges and furrows become prominent on the upper or lower1 or on both the surfaces of the leaf-blades4 ,generally the two surfaces of the leaf-blade are distinct1 and they may be glabrous or hairy4 ,in most grasses the surfaces are rough or scabrid to the touch owing to the presence of regular rows of exceedingly fine sharp pointed minute hairs4 ,the apex of the blade is generally sharp and pointed1 acute or acuminate1 or sometimes it may be drawn to a very fine point by gradual tapering4 ,blunt or obtuse tips are not altogether absent1 but it is not a common feature4 ,the leaf-blades in ,panicum colonum and in some species of ,andropogon are rounded or obtuse at the apex4 ,the margins of the leaf-blade are somewhat hyaline and they may be perfectly even or cut into serrations of fine teeth in various ways4 7,see fig4 #ae47 ,in addition to these minute teeth1 there may be long or short cilia4 ,sometimes the margins are glandular as in ,eragrostis ,willdenoviana and ,eragrostis major4 ,the base of the leaf may be narrower1 broader than1 or about the same as the breadth of the leaf-sheath4 ,it may be rounded1 amplexicaul or narrowed4 ,at the base and just above the ligular region there will always be a white distinct zone in the lamina of all grasses called the collar4 ,this collar varies in length and breadth according to the species of grass4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #af4--,transverse section of leaf-buds4 ,a4 ,conduplicate2 #a1 #b and #c4 leaf-sheaths2 #d and #e4 leaf-blades4 ,b4 ,convolute2 #a and #b1 leaf-sheaths2 #c and #d4 leaf-blades4 ,in young shoots all the leaf-blades are usually found folded at the terminal portions4 ,in most cases the leaf-blade is rolled up inwards from one end to the other so that one margin is inside and the other outside4 ,this folding is termed convolute4 ,this is the kind of folding that is found in most grasses4 ,however1 there are some grasses such as ,eleusine aegyptiaca and ,chloris barbata1 in which the folding is different4 ,in these grasses the laminas are folded flat on their midribs so that each half of the blade is folded flat on the other1 the inner surfaces being in contact4 ,the leaves are said to be conduplicate in this case4 ,when the leaves are conduplicate the shoots are more or less compressed4 7,see fig4 #af47 ,,chapter ,,iii4 ,,the ,,inflorescence ,,and ,,flower4 ,the flowers of grasses are reduced to their essential organs1 the stamens and the pistil4 ,the flowers are aggregated together on distinct shoots constituting the inflorescence of grasses4 ,sooner or later all the branches of a grass-plant terminate in inflorescences which usually stand far above the foliage leaves4 ,as in other flowering plants1 in grasses also different forms of inflorescence are met with4 ,but in grasses the unit of the inflorescence is the spikelet and not the flower4 ,the forms of inflorescence usually met with are the spike1 raceme and panicle4 ,when the spikelets are sessile or borne directly along an elongated axis as in ,enteropogon melicoides the inflorescence is a spike4 ,if the spikelets borne by the axis are all stalked1 however short the pedicels may be1 it is a raceme4 ,it must1 however1 be remembered that true spikes are very rare4 ,an inflorescence may appear to be a spike1 but on a close examination it will be seen to consist of spikelets more or less pedicelled4 ,such an inflorescence1 strictly speaking1 is a spiciform raceme4 ,the branches of the inflorescence in ,paspalum scrobiculatum or ,panicum javanicum are racemes and the whole inflorescence is a compound raceme4 ,the inflorescence is a panicle when the spikelets are borne on secondary1 tertiary or further subdivided branches4 ,panicles differ very much in appearance according to the relative length and stoutness of the branches4 ,in ,eragrostis tremula the panicle is very diffuse1 in ,eragrostis ,willdenoviana less so4 ,the panicle in ,sporobolus coromandelianus is pyramidal and the branches are all verticillate1 the lower being longer than the upper4 ,the branches of a panicle are usually loose1 spreading or drooping in most grasses4 ,but in some species of grasses such as ,pennisetum ,alopecuros and ,setaria glauca1 the paniculate inflorescences become so contracted that the pedicels and the short branches are hidden and the inflorescence appears to be a spike4 ,such inflorescences as these are called spiciform panicles4 ,the inflorescences in several species of ,andropogon consist of racemes so much modified as to appear exactly like a spike4 ,what looks like a spike in these cases consists of a jointed axis and each joint bears a pair of spikelets1 one sessile and the other pedicelled4 ,the name rachis is given to the axis of the spike1 raceme and panicle1 whether the axis is the main one or of the branch4 ,the rachis of the inflorescence is usually cylindrical4 ,in some grasses it is zigzag as in ,pennisetum cenchroides4 ,it is very much flattened in ,paspalum scrobiculatum1 but somewhat trigonous in ,digitaria sanguinalis4 ,in very many grasses the rachis is continuous1 but in a few cases it consists of internodes or joints which disarticulate at maturity4 ,many species of ,andropogon have such jointed rachises4 ,sometimes the joints become greatly thickened and the surface hollowed out1 the spikelets fitting in the cavities as in ,rottboellia and ,manisuris4 ,in panicles1 especially when they are diffuse1 the primary branches may be disposed irregularly or in verticils on the main axis4 ,for example in the panicle of ,eragrostis ,willdenoviana1 the branches are irregularly disposed1 whereas in ,sporobolus coromandelianus the branches are verticillate4 ,in both these grasses fleshy cushions are developed in the axils of the branches4 ,these swellings help to spread out the branches especially at the time of anthesis4 ,the branches at the top spread out earlier than those below4 ,sometimes at the base of the rachises1 main or secondary1 glandular streaks are seen as in the rachises of ,sporobolus coromandelianus4 ,these glands secrete a viscid juice at the time of anthesis4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ag4--,the ,spikelet of ,dinebra arabica4 #a and #b4 ,empty glumes2 #c1 #d1 #e1 and #f4 flowering glumes with flowers4 ,the spikelet may be considered as a specialised branch consisting of a short axis1 the rachilla bearing a series of modified bracts1 the glumes1 the lower pair being empty but the others bearing flowers in their axils4 ,the glumes are two-ranked and imbricating4 ,as a type for the spikelet that of an ,eragrostis or ,dinebra may be chosen4 7,see fig4 #ag47 ,in this spikelet the rachilla bears a number of glumes alternating and imbricating4 ,the first two glumes at the base of the spikelet do not bear any flowers and so these two glumes are usually called empty glumes4 ,this is the case in almost all the species of grasses4 ,the third and the subsequent glumes are regularly arranged on the slender rachilla alternately in two rows4 ,in the axils of each of these glumes there is a flower1 except perhaps in the topmost glume4 ,the flower is usually enclosed by the glume and another structure found opposite the glume and differing very much from the glume4 ,this is the palea4 ,it is attached to the axis of the flower and its back is towards the rachilla4 ,generally there are two nerves in a palea and its margins are enclosed within those of the glume4 ,the palea is homologous with the prophyllum which it very much resembles4 ,the prophyllum is usually found in the branches of grasses1 but it is not confined to grasses alone4 ,it occurs in the branches of some species of ,commelina4 ,the spikelets vary very much in their structure4 ,the spikelets in grasses of several genera consist of only four glumes4 ,as usual the first two glumes are empty and the remaining two are flower-bearing glumes4 ,both these glumes may have perfect flowers as in ,isachne or the terminal one may contain a perfect flower1 the lower having either a staminate flower or only a palea4 ,very often the spikelets are unisexual and the male and female spikelets may be on the same plant as in ,coix ,lachryma-,jobi and ,polytoca barbata1 or they may be on different plants as in ,spinifex squarrosus4 ,the glumes of a spikelet are really modified bracts and some differentiate the flowering glumes from the empty ones1 by giving them different names4 ,the first two empty glumes are called glumes by all agrostologists4 ,some in ,europe call the flowering glume lower palea to distinguish it from the real palea which they call the upper palea4 ,some ,american ,authors have recently adopted for the flowering glume the term lemma introduced by ,piper4 ,considerable variation is met with in the case of the empty glumes4 ,generally they are unequal1 the first being smaller4 ,very often the first glume becomes very small and it may be altogether absent4 ,in some species of ,panicum the first glume is very small1 in ,digitaria it is very minute and in ,paspalum and ,eriochloa it is entirely suppressed4 ,the flowering glumes are generally uniform when there are many4 ,in the spikelet having only four glumes the fourth glume differs from the others mainly in texture4 ,instead of being thin and herbaceous it becomes rigid and hard1 smooth or rugose externally as in ,panicum4 ,flowering glumes instead of being like empty glumes1 become very thin1 shorter and hyaline in ,andropogon4 ,sometimes the flowering glumes are awned4 ,all of them may be awned as in ,chloris or only the fourth glume as in ,andropogon4 ,the palea is fairly uniform in its structure in many grasses1 but it is also subject to variation4 ,it becomes shorter in some and is absent in others4 ,instead of having two nerves1 it may have one and rarely more than two4 ,the palea can easily be distinguished from the glume1 because its insertion in the spikelet is different from that of the glume4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ah4--;,flower of ,chloris4 #a4 lodicules2 #b4 stamens2 #c4 ovary4 ,the lodicules are small organs and they are the vestiges of the perianth4 ,in most grasses there are only two1 but in ,ochlandra and other bamboos we meet with three lodicules4 ,there are also some species with many lodicules4 ,in shape they are mostly of some form referable to the cuneate form4 ,they are of somewhat elongated form in ,aristida and ,chloris4 ,the function of the lodicules seems to be to separate the glume and its palea so as to enable the stamens to come out and hang freely at the time of anthesis4 ,so it is only at the time of the opening of the flowers that the lodicules are at their best4 ,then they are fairly large1 fleshy and thick and conspicuous4 ,in the bud stage they are usually small and after the opening of the flower they shrivel up and are inconspicuous4 ,there are also species of grasses in which the lodicules are not found4 ,the stamens are three in number in the majority of grasses and six are met with in ,leersia1 ,hygrorhiza and ,bamboos4 ,each stamen consists of a very delicate long filament and an anther basifixed to the filament4 ,but as the anthers are long and the connective is reduced to its minimum1 they appear as if versatile when the stamens are out4 ,when there are three stamens one stands in front of the flowering glumes and the other two in front of the palea1 one opposite each edge of the palea4 ,the relative positions of the parts of the floret are shown in the floral diagrams4 7,see figs4 #ah and #ai47 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ai4--;,floral diagrams4 ,the first is that of ,chloris1 second of ,panicum and the third of ,oryza4 ,the pistil consists of an ovary and two styles ending in plumose stigmas4 ,the ovary is #a-;celled and #a-ovuled4 ,it is one carpelled according to the views of ,hackel and his followers and there are also some who consider it as #c-;carpelled because of the occurrence of three styles in the pistil of some bamboos4 ,the rachilla is usually well developed and elongated in many-flowered spikelets1 while in #a-;flowered spikelets it remains very small so that the flower appears to be terminal4 ,it often extends beyond the insertion of the terminal flower and its glume1 and then lies hidden appressed to the palea4 ,this may be seen in the spikelets of the species of ,cynodon4 ,this prolonged rachilla sometimes bears a minute glume1 which is of course rudimentary4 ,usually the glumes are rather close together on the rachilla so that the internodes are very short2 but in some grasses1 as in ,dinebra arabica1 the glumes are rather distant and so the internodes are somewhat longer and conspicuous4 ,in some species of ,panicum the rachilla is jointed to the pedicel below the empty glumes1 whereas it is articulated just above these glumes in ,chloris barbata4 ,sometimes the rachilla is articulated between the flowers4 ,this is the case in the spikelet of ,dinebra arabica4 ,pollination in most grasses is brought about by wind1 though in a few cases self-pollination occurs4 ,the terminal position of the inflorescence1 its protrusion far above the level of the foliage leaves1 the swinging and dangling anthers1 the abundance of non-sticking pollen and the plumose stigmas are all intended to facilitate pollination by wind4 ,furthermore the stamens and the stigmas do not mature at the same time4 ,in some grasses the stamens mature earlier1 7protandry7 while in others the stigmas protrude long before the stamens 7protogyny74 ,as the result of the pollination the ovary developes into a dry #a-seeded indehiscent fruit4 ,the seed fills the cavity fully and the pericarp fuses with the seed-coat and so they are inseparable4 ,such a fruit is termed a caryopsis or grain4 ,though in the vast majority of grasses the pericarp is inseparable1 in a few cases it is free from the seed-coat as in ,sporobolus indicus and ,eleusine indica4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #bj4--,longitudinal section of a portion of the grain of ,andropogon ,sorghum4 x #bhj ,p4 ,pericarp2 ,sc4 seed-coat2 ,a4 aleurone layer2 ,e4 endosperm2 ,s4 scutellum2 ,rs4 root-sheath2 ,rc4 root-cap2 ,r4 radicle2 ,pl4 plumule2 ,g4 growing point4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ba4--;,a portion of the section of the grain of ,andropogon ,sorghum4 x #ejj ,p4 pericarp2 ,i4 seed-coat2 ,a4 aleurone layer2 ,s4 starch4 ,the caryopsis consists of an embryo on one side at the base and the endosperm occupies the remaining portion4 ,the embryo can be made out on the side of the grain facing the glume1 as it is outlined as an oval area4 ,on the other face of the grain which is towards the palea1 the hilum is seen at the base4 ,the grain varies in shape considerably4 ,it may be rounded1 oval1 ellipsoidal1 narrow and cylindrical1 oblong terete or furrowed4 ,there is considerable variation as regards the colour also4 ,the embryo consists of an axis and a scutellum4 ,the axis1 which is differentiated into the plumule directed upward and the radicle downward1 is small and straight and it is covered more or less by the edges of the scutellum4 ,the scutellum is attached to the axis at about its middle and its outer surface is in contact with the endosperm4 ,this is an important organ as its function is to absorb nourishment from the endosperm during germination4 ,the scutellum is considered to represent the first leaf or cotyledon4 ,the endosperm consists mostly of starch4 ,just outside the endosperm and within the epidermis lies a layer of cells containing much proteid substance4 ,this layer is called the aleurone layer4 7,see fig4 #ba47 ,as an illustration of the caryopsis1 the grain of ,andropogon ,sorghum may be studied4 ,all the structural details are shown in fig4 #bj which is a longitudinal section of the grain4 ,the primary axis of the embryo is enclosed by a closed sheath both above and below4 ,the sheath which envelopes the radicle is called coleorhiza and that of the plumule1 pileole or germ-sheath4 ,,chapter ,,iv4 ,,histology ,,of ,,the ,,vegetative ,,organs4 ,the shoots and roots of grasses conform in their internal structure to the monocotyledonous type4 ,in all grasses numerous threads are found running longitudinally within the stem and some of these pass into the leaves1 at the nodes1 and run as nerves in the blades of the leaves4 ,these threads are the vascular bundles4 ,the rest of the tissue of the stem and leaves consists of thin-walled parenchymatous cells of different sorts4 ,the general structure of these bundles is more or less the same in all grasses4 ,a vascular bundle consists of only xylem and phloem1 without the cambium1 and so no secondary thickening can take place in the stems of grasses4 ,such bundles as these are called closed vascular bundles to distinguish them from the dicotyledonous type of vascular bundles which are called open vascular bundles on account of the existence of the cambium4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #bb4--,transverse section of a vascular bundle4 x #bej #a4 ,annular vessel2 #b4 spiral vessel2 #c4 pitted vessel2 #d4 phloem or sieve tubes2 #e4 sclerenchyma4 ,the component parts and elements of which the vascular bundles in grasses are composed may be learnt by studying the transverse and longitudinal sections of these bundles in any grass4 ,the cross and longitudinal sections of a vascular bundle of the stem of ,pennisetum cenchroides1 are shown in figs4 #bb and #bc4 ,in the figure of the transverse section the two large cavities indicated by the number #c and the two small circular cavities with thick walls lying between the larger ones and indicated by the numbers #a and #b are the chief elements of the xylem4 ,by looking at the longitudinal section it is obvious that these elements are really vessels1 the larger being pitted and the smaller annular and spiral vessels4 ,these vessels together with the numerous small thick-walled cells lying between the pitted vessels constitute the xylem4 ,just above the xylem there is a group of large and small thin-walled cells4 ,this is the phloem and it consists of sieve tubes and thin-walled cells4 ,all round the xylem and the phloem there are many thick-walled cells4 ,these are really fibres forming the bundle-sheath4 ,on account of this bundle-sheath the bundles are called fibro-vascular bundles4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #bc4--,longitudinal section of a vascular bundle4 x #bej #a4 ,annular vessel2 #b4 spiral vessel2 #c4 pitted vessel2 #d4 sieve tubes or phloem2 #e4 sclerenchyma4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #bd4--,transverse section of a portion of the stem of ,rottboellia exaltata4 x #gj #a4 ,epidermis2 #b4 sclerenchyma2 #c4 vascular bundle4 ,structure of the stem4--,the stem of a grass consists of a mass of parenchymatous cells with a number of fibro-vascular bundles imbedded in it1 and it is covered externally by a protective layer of cells1 the epidermis4 ,the stem is usually solid in all grasses in the young stage1 but as it matures the internodes become hollow in many grasses and they remain solid in a few4 ,in the internodes the fibro-vascular bundles run longitudinally and are parallel1 but in the nodes they run in all directions and form a net work from which emerge a few bundles to enter the leaves4 ,so far as the broad general features are concerned1 the stems of many grasses are more or less similar in structure4 ,however1 when we take into consideration the arrangement of bundles1 the development and arrangement of sclerenchyma1 every species of grass has its own special characteristics4 ,and these are so striking and constant that it may be possible to identify the species from these characters alone4 ,we may take as a type the stem of ,rottboellia exaltata4 ,this stem is somewhat semi-circular in transverse section and it is almost straight and flat in the front 7the side towards the axillary bud74 ,the peripheral portion of the stem becomes somewhat rigid and thick due to the aggregation of vascular bundles1 some small and others large4 ,the outermost series of bundles consisting of small and larger bundles are in contact with the layers of the cells lying just beneath the epidermis and these cells are also thick-walled4 ,a few are away from these being separated by three or four layers of cells from the peripheral bundles4 ,in all these vascular bundles the bundle-sheath is very strongly developed all round and is very much developed especially at the sides4 ,it is this great development of sclerenchyma that makes the outer portion of the cortex hard4 ,within the ground tissue are found a number of vascular bundles scattered more or less uniformly4 ,these bundles have no continuous bundle-sheaths but have instead groups of fibres at the sides and in front of the phloem4 ,the cavities near the annular vessels are somewhat larger and conspicuous in these bundles4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #be4--,transverse section of the stem of ,pennisetum cenchroides4 x #bj ,the epidermal cells are all thickened very much and the outer layer is cutinized and impregnated with silica4 ,this is the case in the epidermis of the stems and leaves of most grasses4 7,see fig4 #bd47 ,in order to give a general idea of the variations in the structure of the stem in grasses a few examples are chosen and the details of the structure of the stems of these grasses are dealt with here4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #bf4--,transverse section of a portion of the stem of ,pennisetum cenchroides4 x #gj #a4 ,epidermis2 #b4 sclerenchyma2 #c4 vascular bundle4 ,the stem of ,pennisetum cenchroides is somewhat round in outline in the transverse section with a slight curvature in the front4 ,the vascular bundles are rather numerous and irregularly scattered all over the ground tissue4 ,the peripheral bundles are not so close to the periphery of the stem as in ,rottboellia exaltata4 ,these are separated from the epidermis by several layers of parenchymatous cells4 ,further1 these peripheral bundles are all imbedded in a continuous sclerenchymatous band which runs round the stem in the form of a ring4 ,the epidermal cells as well as the layer of cells in immediate contact with it are thick-walled4 ,in the vascular bundles of the ground tissue the bundle-sheath is rather prominent and the phloem portion is well developed4 7,see figs4 #be and #bf47 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #bg4--,transverse section of the stem of ,eriochloa polystachya4 x #be ,in the stem of ,eriochloa polystachya1 all the vascular bundles are more or less peripheral in position leaving a wide area of parenchymatous cells in the centre4 ,the outline of the stem in cross section is rotund or ovate-rotund with the front side somewhat flattened and straight4 ,the epidermal cells alone are thickened4 ,a well developed continuous ring of sclerenchyma is present and this is connected with the epidermal layer at short intervals by means of short sclerenchymatous bands4 ,so the parenchymatous cells of the cortex lying outside the sclerenchymatous ring are divided into small isolated areas4 ,there are three series of vascular bundles4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #bh4--,transverse section of a portion of the stem of ,eriochloa polystachya4 x #gj #a4 ,epidermis2 #b4 sclerenchyma2 #c4 vascular bundle4 ,one series consists of small bundles lying inside the sclerenchyma ring at the base of each of the connecting bands4 ,the second series is made up of large vascular bundles imbedded in the ring so as to bulge out inside the ring4 ,the vascular bundles of the third series are found just away from the ring and separated from it by a few layers of parenchymatous cells4 7,see figs4 #bg and #bh47 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #bi4--,transverse section of the stem of ,setaria glauca4 x #ae ,illustration3 ,fig4 #cj4--,transverse section of a portion of the stem of ,setaria glauca4 x #ej #a4 ,epidermis2 #b4 sclerenchyma2 #c4 vascular bundle4 ,another stem in which the vascular bundles are more or less peripheral in position and enclosing a wide parenchyma is that of ,setaria glauca4 ,in the transverse section of the stem the outline is ovate1 laterally compressed1 obtusely keeled at the back and somewhat concave in the front4 ,the sclerenchymatous band is narrow and continuous and very close to the epidermis1 being separated from it only by two or three layers of thin-walled cells4 ,the epidermal cells alone are thickened4 ,as to the vascular bundles there are three sets4 ,one set of bundles lying just outside the sclerenchymatous ring consists of small ones connecting the ring with the epidermis4 ,just inside the sclerenchymatous ring lies a series of bundles which are connected with it4 ,still inside1 at some distance from the sclerenchymatous band1 are seen vascular bundles forming a row and enclosing a large space of the ground tissue consisting of only parenchyma4 7,see figs4 #bi and #cj47 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ca4--,transverse section of the stem of ,panicum ramosum x #bd ,illustration3 ,fig4 #cb4--,transverse section of a portion of the stem of ,panicum ramosum4 x #ge #a4 ,epidermis2 #b4 sclerenchyma2 #c4 vascular bundle4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #cc4--,transverse section of the stem of ,andropogon caricosus4 x #be ,the stem of ,panicum ramosum is semi-circular and somewhat flat on one side4 ,the epidermal cells alone are thickened4 ,there is a broad well developed continuous band of sclerenchyma1 which is connected at regular intervals with the epidermis by small vascular bundles4 ,another row of vascular bundles lies just inside the sclerenchymatous ring and each of these bundles is in contact with the band4 ,away from the ring lie a number of bundles forming a series disposed in two irregular rings around a broad portion of the ground tissue4 7,see figs4 #ca and #cb47 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #cd4--,transverse section of a portion of the stem of ,andropogon caricosus4 x #ge #a4 ,epidermis2 #b4 sclerenchyma2 #c4 vascular bundle4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ce4--,transverse section of a portion of the stem of ,panicum ,isachne4 x #ajj #a4 ,epidermis2 #b4 sclerenchyma2 #c4 vascular bundle4 ,the stem of the grass ,andropogon caricosus is oval in outline1 the front being flat4 ,the epidermal cells and those below and in contact with them are thick-walled4 ,the sclerenchymatous ring though present is very narrow and not very conspicuous4 ,it consists of one or two layers of cells connecting a few vascular bundles forming the outermost set4 ,there is a series of vascular bundles inside the ring which surrounds a large area of the ground tissue4 ,two isolated bundles1 one in front and another at the back of the ground tissue1 are found4 ,the cells of the ground tissue lying just inside the vascular bundles are all very much thickened4 7,see figs4 #cc and #cd47 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #cf4--,transverse section of the stem of ,eragrostis interrupta4 x #be ,illustration3 ,fig4 #cg4--,transverse section of the stem of ,panicum flavidum4 x #ae ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ch4--,transverse section of a portion of the stem of ,panicum flavidum4 x #gj #a4 ,epidermis2 #b4 sclerenchyma2 #c4 vascular bundle4 ,the stems of ,panicum ,isachne and ,eragrostis interrupta are hollow4 ,the stem of the former is circular in outline in cross section1 though wavy4 ,there is a sclerenchymatous ring close to the epidermis but separated from it by a few layers of parenchyma4 ,one set of bundles is imbedded in the band1 and another set just touches the inner border of it4 ,a third series is disposed around a fairly large amount of ground tissue1 which may or may not have a cavity in the centre4 ,the stem of ,eragrostis interrupta has more or less the same structure1 but the cortex has air spaces here and there4 ,other minor differences may be seen on referring to figs4 #ce and #cf4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ci4--,transverse section of a portion of the stem of ,panicum colonum4 x #gj #a4 ,epidermis2 #b4 sclerenchyma2 #c4 vascular bundle4 ,the stems of grasses growing in wet or marshy situations differ in structure from those detailed above4 ,as examples the stems of ,panicum flavidum1 ,panicum colonum1 ,panicum ,crus-galli and ,panicum fluitans may be considered4 ,the stem of ,panicum flavidum is broadly ovate in cross section with a flat front and is more or less solid1 though occasionally the parenchymatous cells in the centre get broken4 ,two rows of vascular bundles surround a fairly large amount of parenchymatous cells of the ground tissue4 ,there is a continuous ring of sclerenchyma separated from the epidermis by a fairly broad cortex4 ,the cortex has a number of fairly large air-cavities separated by bands of parenchymatous cells4 ,within the sclerenchymatous band lie small vascular bundles at regular intervals just towards the cortex4 ,a few isolated bundles are in contact with the inner border4 7,see figs4 #cg and #ch47 ,the stems of ,panicum colonum1 ,panicum stagninum and ,panicum ,crus-galli have in their centre in the ground tissue stellate cells with air-cavities4 ,this part is surrounded by a fairly broad portion of parenchymatous cells in which are imbedded two rows of bundles4 ,outside these bundles runs round the stem a narrow sclerenchymatous band with a few bundles in it of which some touch it inside and others outside4 ,two bundles are found by themselves in the tissue of stellate cells4 ,in ,panicum ,crus-galli three or four bundles are met with amidst the stellate cells4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #dj4--,transverse section of a portion of the stem of ,panicum ,crus-galli4 x #gj #a4 ,epidermis2 #b4 sclerenchyma2 #c4 vascular bundle4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #da4--,transverse section of the stem of ,panicum stagninum4 x #aj ,the cortex outside the band of sclerenchyma is full of air-cavities1 small and large4 ,in ,panicum colonum the outline of the stem is ellipsoidal with the front quite flat1 and the cortex is narrow at the sides and very broad in front and at the back4 ,the sclerenchymatous ring is circular in outline4 ,the stem of ,panicum ,crus-galli is broadly ovoid and the cortex is uniformly broad4 ,the epidermal cells as well as the lower cells are thickened in the stems of ,panicum fluitans and ,panicum ,crus-galli1 but in the stems of ,panicum colonum and ,panicum flavidum the epidermis alone is thickened4 ,in the cortical portion outside the sclerenchymatous band1 small vascular bundles occur in the stems of ,panicum colonum1 ,panicum ,crus-galli and ,panicum fluitans4 7,see figs4 #ci1 #dj1 #db and #dc47 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #db4--,transverse section of the stem of ,panicum fluitans4 x #ae ,illustration3 ,fig4 #dc4--,transverse section of a portion of the stem of ,panicum fluitans4 x #fj #a4 ,epidermis2 #b4 sclerenchyma2 #c4 vascular bundle2 #d4 air-cavity2 #e4 diaphragm4 ,the stem of ,panicum fluitans is round in outline in the transverse section and has a large cavity4 ,just close to the cavity and separated from it by only one or two parenchymatous cells are found vascular bundles forming a series4 ,outside this series of bundles lies a sclerenchymatous band which is wavy1 following the lower edges of the large air-cavities4 ,one series of bundles is connected with this sclerenchymatous ring4 ,the air-cavities are large and uniform and are separated by bands of parenchymatous cells4 ,in each of these bands lies a vascular bundle on the upper side near the periphery4 ,sometimes we find1 especially in young stages1 diaphragms of stellulate cells stretched across the air-cavities4 ,later as the stem matures these disappear and the cavities become conspicuous4 7,see figs4 #db and #dc47 ,structure of the root4--,as already stated1 the roots of grasses conform to the monocotyledonous type1 but the variations met with in their structure are not so great as in the case of the stem4 ,the root-tips are protected by root-caps1 and the actual tip of the root is very distinct in the roots of all grasses and it can be seen very clearly in a longitudinal section of the root4 ,the actual tip of the root is sharply distinct from the root-cap as there are two distinct sets of cells1 one giving rise to the root-tip and the other to the root-cap4 ,the young root-tips are always free from root-hairs1 and they are confined to the portions behind the root-tips4 ,the extent of the root-hair region will vary according to the vigour and development of the roots and the nature of the soil4 ,the root-hairs are mere protrusions of the cells of the outermost layer of the cortex of the root and this layer is called the piliferous layer4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #dd4--,transverse section of a part of the root of ,pennisetum cenchroides4 x #ajj #a4 ,root-hair2 #b4 piliferous layer2 #c4 cortex2 #d4 endodermis2 #e4 pericycle2 #f4 xylem2 #g4 phloem4 ,to learn the structure of the roots of grasses we may select as types the roots of ,pennisetum cenchroides and ,andropogon ,sorghum and consider their structural details4 ,in the transverse sections of these roots we find a fairly broad cortex consisting of thin-walled parenchymatous cells more or less regularly arranged4 7,see figs4 #dd and #de47 ,just below the piliferous layer two or three layers of thick-walled cells are seen4 ,in the roots of ,andropogon ,sorghum these thick-walled cells are very conspicuous as they consist of several layers4 ,these layers of thick-walled cells constitute the exodermis4 7,see fig4 #df47 ,the innermost layer of cells of the cortex is called the endodermis and it becomes conspicuous on account of the thickening in the lateral and inner walls of the cells of this layer4 7,see figs4 #dd and #dg47 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #de4--,transverse section of the entire root of ,andropogon ,sorghum4 x #be ,illustration3 ,fig4 #df4--,transverse section of the cortical portion of the root of ,andropogon ,sorghum4 x #aej r4h4 ,root-hair2 p4l4 piliferous layer2 ex4 exodermis2 co4 cortex4 ,the rest of the root forming the central core is the stele and at its periphery there is a single layer of cells called the pericycle4 ,the arrangement of the xylem and the phloem is different from that of the stem4 ,they lie side by side on different radii1 and not one behind the other on the same radius as in the stem4 ,the number of xylem groups is fairly large and the development of the xylem is from the pericycle towards the centre of the stele4 7,see figs4 #dd and #de47 ,the parenchymatous cells in the centre of the stele become thick-walled in older roots4 ,structure of the leaf4--,the structure of the leaf of grasses is quite characteristic of the family4 ,in every leaf a number of vascular bundles1 some small and others large1 pass from the base to the apex4 ,externally the leaf is covered on both the sides by the epidermis4 ,the spaces existing between the vascular bundles and the epidermis are filled with parenchymatous cells4 ,the larger vascular bundles consist of xylem and phloem surrounded by a bundle sheath of a single layer of cells4 ,in the smaller bundles the xylem is very much reduced4 ,around every vascular bundle there is a single row of somewhat large cells densely packed with large chloroplasts1 the chlorophyllous layer4 ,the vascular bundles are strengthened by fibres1 on both the sides in the case of larger bundles and on only one side in small bundles4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #dg4--,transverse section of the stele portion of the root of ,andropogon ,sorghum4 x #aej ,co4 ,cortex2 en4 endodermis2 pe4 pericycle2 ph4 phloem2 pr4 protoxylem2 xy4 xylem vessel4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #dh4--;,a portion of the transverse section of the leaf of ,panicum javanicum4 x #ajj ,ep4 c4 ,an ordinary epidermal cell2 st4 stomata2 sc4 sclerenchyma2 ph4 phloem2 chl c4 chlorenchyma2 m4 motor cells2 xy4 xylem4 ,for a detailed study of the structure of the leaves of grasses the leaf of the grass ,panicum javanicum may be chosen4 ,in a transverse section of this leaf1 the vascular bundles are very conspicuous4 ,the larger bundles are normal in every way1 while in the smaller ones the xylem elements are considerably reduced4 ,around every one of the vascular bundles there is a single row of large cells containing large chlorophyll grains 7the chlorophyllous layer74 ,in a well developed large vascular bundle the chlorophyllous layer is open below just close to the sclerenchymatous band4 ,on both sides of the larger vascular bundle there are bands of sclerenchyma4 ,in the case of smaller bundles some are strengthened by sclerenchyma on the lower side and others have none4 ,the spaces between the bundles are occupied by thin-walled parenchymatous cells containing small chlorophyll grains4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #di4--,upper epidermis of the leaf of ,panicum javanicum4 x #cjj ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ej4--,lower epidermis of the leaf of ,panicum javanicum4 x #cjj ,the lower epidermis of the leaf in the transverse section is even and consists of small and large round cells4 ,the upper epidermis is slightly wavy and it is made up of some small round cells alternating with groups of larger cells4 ,the epidermal cells lying over sclerenchyma and the smaller vascular bundles are small and round1 while those lying over the furrows between the vascular bundles are large and are called motor or bulliform cells4 ,the presence of motor cells is a characteristic feature of the leaves of many grasses4 ,the continuity of both the upper and the lower epidermis is interrupted by the stomata4 ,air-cavities are seen below these stomata4 ,the arrangement of the stomata1 the shape of the guard cells and the characteristics of the epidermal cells become clear on examining a piece of epidermis4 7,see figs4 #di and #ej47 ,the structure of the leaf of ,panicum javanicum may be taken as typical of the structure of the leaves of most grasses4 ,the leaves of ,eriochloa polystachya1 ,cynodon and ,paspalums are very much like the leaves of ,panicum javanicum in their internal structure4 ,considerable amount of variation1 however1 occurs in the leaves of grasses especially as regards the arrangement of fibres and motor cells4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ea4--;,a portion of the transverse section of the leaf of ,eriochloa polystachya x #abj #a4 ,motor cell2 #b4 stomata2 #c4 sclerenchyma2 #d4 chlorophyllous layer4 ,every large primary vascular bundle in the leaves of many grasses possesses sclerenchymatous bands both above and below4 ,the other vascular bundles may have bands of sclerenchyma on both sides or on one side only or none4 ,for example1 in the leaves of ,panicum repens both the primary and secondary bundles are provided with sclerenchyma on both the sides1 while those of the third order may have it on one side or not4 ,the hyaline margin of this leaf and of the leaves of other grasses consists entirely of sclerenchyma4 7,see fig4 #ec47 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #eb4--,transverse section of a portion of the leaf of ,panicum repens4 x #abj #a4 ,motor cells2 #b4 stomata2 #c4 sclerenchyma2 #d4 chlorophyllous layer4 ,all the vascular bundles in the leaves of ,aristida setacea have broad sclerenchymatous bands on both the sides4 ,besides these bands arranged like a girder above and below each bundle1 there are on the lower side bands of sclerenchyma4 ,so the sclerenchyma becomes almost continuous on the lower side4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ec4--,transverse section of the leaf margin of ,panicum repens4 x #ahj #a4 ,sclerenchyma2 #b4 stomata2 #c4 chlorophyllous layer4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ed4--,transverse section of a part of the leaf of ,aristida setacea4 x #cj4 #a4 ,vascular bundle2 #b4 sclerenchyma2 #c4 motor cells4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ee4--,transverse section of a portion of the leaf of ,aristida setacea4 x #abj #a4 ,motor cells2 #b4 stomata2 #c4 sclerenchyma2 #d4 epidermis2 #e4 cutin layer4 ,the sclerenchyma lying on the lower side of the primary bundles are contiguous with the bundle1 while those above are separated from the bundle by the chlorophyllous layer4 7,see fig4 #ee47 ,in the case of secondary and tertiary bundles the sclerenchymatous bands lying on the lower side are in contact with the chlorophyllous layer1 whereas the upper bands are either in contact with this layer or separated from it by a few parenchymatous cells4 ,all the vascular bundles in the leaves of ,eragrostis ,willdenoviana are provided with sclerenchyma on both the sides4 ,the lower band of the primary vascular bundles is continuous with the vascular bundle1 the chlorophyllous layer being open below4 ,the upper bands of the primary and the lower bands of the secondary vascular bundles just touch the chlorophyllous layer4 ,in the secondary bundles the sclerenchyma band above is separated from the chlorophyllous layer by two layers of parenchyma4 ,in the case of the leaves of ,panicum flavidum1 ,p4 colonum1 ,p4 fluitans and ,pennisetum cenchroides the sclerenchyma is separated from the chlorophyllous layer by layers of parenchyma4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ef4--,transverse section of a part of the leaf of ,eragrostis ,willdenoviana4 x #cj #a4 ,vascular bundle2 #b4 sclerenchyma2 #c4 motor cells4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #eg4--,transverse section of a portion of the leaf of ,eragrostis ,willdenoviana4 x #aej #a4 ,motor cells2 #b4 stomata2 #c4 sclerenchyma2 #d4 chlorophyllous layer2 #e4 vascular strand cut through2 #f4 hair4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #eh4--,transverse section of a part of the leaf of ,panicum colonum4 x #cj #a4 ,vascular bundle2 #b4 sclerenchyma2 #c4 motor cells4 ,even from the few examples dealt with above1 it is obvious that the range of variation of sclerenchyma in leaves is very great4 ,in the leaves of ,aristida setacea there is a considerable amount of sclerenchyma whilst in some leaves such as those of ,panicum colonum1 ,p4 flavidum and ,panicum fluitans the sclerenchyma is reduced to its minimum4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ei4--,transverse section of a part of the leaf of ,panicum fluitans4 x #cj #a4 ,vascular bundle2 #b4 sclerenchyma4 ,in the leaves of grasses growing in dry situations the development of sclerenchyma is generally very considerable4 ,the grass ,aristida setacea is a good example of a xerophytic grass4 ,the sea-shore grass ,spinifex squarrosus is another example of the same kind4 ,but in the leaves of this grass1 the development of sclerenchyma is not very considerable1 but there is a great development of parenchymatous cells free from chlorophyll within the leaf1 the chlorophyll bearing cells being confined to the upper and the lower surfaces of the leaves4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #fj4--,transverse section of a leaf of ,spinifex squarrosus4 x #aj #a4 ,vascular bundle2 #b4 sclerenchyma4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #fa4--;,a portion of the transverse section of the leaf of ,spinifex squarrosus4 x #fj #a4 ,sclerenchyma2 #b4 vascular bundle2 #c4 epidermis2 #d4 stomata4 ,the upper and the lower surfaces of the leaves of many grasses are more or less even1 but in the case of a few grasses the upper surface consists of ridges and furrows1 instead of being even4 ,in the leaves of ,panicum repens and ,eragrostis ,willdenoviana the upper surface is wavy and consists of shallow furrows and slightly raised ridges4 ,but in the leaves of ,aristida setacea and ,panicum fluitans the furrows are deeper and the ridges are more prominent4 ,in ,aristida setacea the ridges are flat-topped and they are rounded with broad furrows in ,panicum fluitans4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #fb4--,upper epidermis of the leaf ,panicum ,isachne4 x #bjj #a4 ,cells overlying the veins2 #b4 cells overlying the furrows2 #c4 stomata4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #fc4--,lower epidermis of the leaf ,panicum ,isachne4 x #bjj #a4 ,cells overlying the veins2 #b4 cells overlying the furrows2 #c4 stomata4 ,the epidermis covering the leaves consists of elongated cells with plane or sinuous walls1 various kinds of short cells intercalated between the ends of long cells1 motor-cells and stomata4 ,hairs of different sorts occur as outgrowths of the epidermis4 ,the roughness of the surface of the leaves of grasses is due to the presence of very minute short hairs borne by the epidermis4 ,in most cases these short hairs are found in regular rows4 ,although the epidermis is more or less even in the leaves of several grasses such as ,panicum repens1 ,p4 flavidum and ,eriochloa polystachya1 it is wavy or undulating in the leaves of a few grasses4 ,for example1 the upper epidermis in the leaves of ,panicum fluitans is undulating as it follows the contour of the ridges and furrows4 ,the epidermal cells have even surfaces in the leaves of most grasses but in some they bulge out4 ,in the leaves of ,panicum flavidum the cells of the lower epidermis are quite even1 whilst those of the upper epidermis bulge out4 ,the cells of both the upper and the lower epidermis are distinctly bulging out in the leaves of ,panicum colonum4 ,in ,panicum fluitans the cells of the upper epidermis bulge out so much as to form distinct papillae4 ,the free surface of the epidermis is more or less cutinised in the leaves of all grasses4 ,in some leaves the cuticle is very thick and even papillate as in the leaves of ,aristida setacea and ,panicum repens whilst in others it is very thin1 as in the leaves of ,panicum colonum and ,p4 fluitans4 ,cutinisation is rather prominent in the leaves of grasses growing under dry conditions and it is less pronounced in mesophytic grasses4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #fd4--,transverse section of a portion of the leaf of ,panicum colonum4 x #abj #a4 ,motor cells2 #b4 stomata2 #c4 sclerenchyma2 #d4 chlorophyllous layer4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #fe4--,transverse section of a portion of the leaf of ,panicum fluitans4 x #abj #a4 ,motor cells2 #b4 stomata2 #c4 sclerenchyma2 #d4 chlorophyllous layer4 ,as regards size1 the epidermal cells overlying the sclerenchyma are small and those lying over parenchyma are larger4 ,amongst the larger cells some may be motor-cells4 ,the stomata occur in regular rows between the vascular bundles and they are quite characteristic of grasses4 ,they are more or less similar in structure in all grasses4 ,in the leaves of many grasses stomata are found in both the upper and the lower epidermis and they are confined to the lower epidermis in a few grasses only4 ,the motor-cells vary very much both as regards their shape and position4 ,in some leaves as in the leaves of the grass ,panicum flavidum the motor-cells are confined to the midrib on the upper surface4 ,the epidermal cells of this leaf are large and uniformly round4 7,see figs4 #ff and #fg47 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ff4--,transverse section of a leaf of ,panicum flavidum4 x #bj #a4 ,vascular bundle2 #b4 sclerenchyma2 #c4 motor-cells4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #fg4--,transverse section of the leaf of ,panicum flavidum4 x #aej #a4 ,motor-cells2 #b4 stomata2 #c4 sclerenchyma2 #d4 chlorophyllous layer4 ,in the case of most grasses the motor-cells are found in groups of three1 four or five between the vascular bundles4 ,the central motor-cell is usually the largest and it is somewhat obovate in shape in a transverse section of the leaf4 ,in the leaves of ,panicum javanicum and ,eriochloa polystachya there are three or four motor cells in the group and the group consists of four1 five or rarely six motor cells in the leaves of ,eragrostis ,willdenoviana4 ,when there are distinct furrows between ridges these cells lie in the furrows and they are many in number4 ,in the leaves of ,panicum repens there are five to seven motor-cells in the furrows and the single row of cells stretched between the motor-cells and the lower epidermis in the furrow consists of more or less clear cells with sparsely scattered small chlorophyll grains4 7,see fig4 #eb47 ,the motor-cells occupying the furrows in the leaves of ,aristida setacea are more in number than in ,panicum repens and are of a different shape4 ,all the cells lying in the furrow between the motor-cells and the sclerenchyma are clear cells free from chlorophyll grains4 ,although the motor-cells differ in shape from the ordinary epidermal cells in most grasses1 there are1 however1 a few grasses in which the motor-cells do not differ very much from the epidermal cells except in size4 ,for example1 in the leaves of ,panicum colonum the motor-cells are just like the ordinary epidermal cells in shape but are larger4 7,see fig4 #fd47 ,motor-cells are usually confined to the upper epidermis1 but they may also be found in the lower epidermis4 ,in the leaves of ,pennisetum cenchroides motor-cells are found in both the upper and the lower epidermis1 the group in the upper epidermis alternating with that in the lower4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #fh4--,transverse section of a portion of the leaf of ,pennisetum cenchroides4 x #ajj #a4 ,motor-cells2 #b4 stomata2 #c4 sclerenchyma2 #d4 chlorophyllous layer4 ,,chapter ,v4 ,,classification4 ,the family ,gramineae is usually divided into two series taking into consideration the presence or absence of a joint in the pedicel or rachis1 the number of flowers in the spikelet and the position of the fertile flower4 ,all the species in which there is a joint just below the spikelet1 in the pedicel1 in the rachis1 or at the base of a cluster of spikelets come under one series ,panicaceae4 ,the spikelets of the grasses coming under this series1 when mature1 fall away singly by themselves1 or with their pedicels1 or in groups with portions of the rachis4 ,the spikelets are all similar and consist of usually four glumes4 ,each spikelet contains a single perfect flower and sometimes in addition a staminate flower just below the perfect flower4 ,in this series the tendency for imperfection is always confined to the lower flowers1 the terminal flower alone being perfect4 ,for inclusion under this series the grass plant should have both the characters1 articulation and position of the flower as mentioned above4 ,the second series ,poaceae includes those grasses in which the spikelets are one to many-flowered and continuous with their pedicels4 ,but the rachilla of the spikelet may be jointed just above the empty glumes or between the flowering glumes4 ,the complete flower is the lowest and the tendency for imperfection is in the upper flowers4 ,of the two series the ,panicaceae appears to be more highly developed than the ,poaceae4 ,,key ,,to ,,tribes4 ,series ,i4--,panicaceae4 ,a4 ,rachis of inflorescence not jointed4 ,spikelets #b-;flowered2 upper flower bisexual and lower male or neuter2 the first glume the smallest ,i4 ,paniceae4 ,spikelets #a-;flowered2 ,spikelets articulate on their pedicels and falling away from them2 flowers bisexual and usually with six stamens ,,ii4 ,oryzeae4 ,spikelets falling away with their pedicels2 flowers bisexual or rarely imperfect ,,iii4 ,zoysieae4 ,b4 ,rachis of inflorescence usually jointed4 ,spikelets usually binate 7#c-nate at the top71 pairs of spikelets alike or dissimilar2 empty glumes larger and the flowering glumes smaller1 hyaline1 the fourth glume awned or reduced to an awn ,,iv4 ,andropogoneae4 ,series ,,ii4--,poaceae4 ,a4 ,rachilla produced or not beyond the flowering glume4 ,spikelets #a-;flowered1 with three glumes2 first and second empty1 third flowering and awned2 rachilla jointed ,v4 ,agrostideae4 ,spikelets #a- or more-flowered1 biseriate and secund on an inarticulate spike or on the spiciform branches of a slender panicle2 flowers all or the lower only bisexual ,,vi4 ,chlorideae4 ,b4 ,rachilla produced beyond the uppermost flowering glume and articulate4 ,spikelets #b- or more-flowered1 pedicelled1 rarely sessile1 in effuse1 contracted or rarely spiciform panicles ,,vii4 ,festucaceae4 ,spikelets #a- or more-flowered1 sessile1 #a- to #b- or more-seriate on the rachis of a simple spike1 or partially sunk in cavities of the same4 ,glumes awned or not1 first and second glumes are opposite or subcollateral1 persistent or separately deciduous2 first glume minute or absent ,,viii4 ,hordeae4 ,,chapter ,,vi4 ,series ,i--,panicaceae4 ,,tribe ,i--,,paniceae4 ,this is a fairly large and important tribe flourishing mostly in the warm regions and the tropics4 ,it is very well represented in ,south ,india and fifteen genera are met with4 ,the inflorescence varies very much within this tribe and consists of spikes1 racemes and panicles4 ,the spikelets are usually four-glumed and contain one terminal perfect flower and a staminate or neutral flower below4 ,but in the genus ,isachne both the flowers are perfect4 ,in some grasses the spikelets contain only staminate or pistillate flowers4 ,in ,coix and ,polytoca the plant bears both male and female spikelets in the same inflorescence1 but in ,zea on the same plant they occur as distinct inflorescences4 ,the littoral grass ,spinifex is dioecious4 ,the first glume of the spikelet is the smallest4 ,in ,panicum it is nearly two-thirds or less than the third glume4 ,it is very small in ,digitaria and entirely suppressed in ,paspalum4 ,in ,eriochloa it is reduced to a minute ridge lying just close to the swollen ring-like joint of the rachilla4 ,the second and the third glumes are more or less equal and similar in texture4 ,the fourth glume becomes firm and rigid along with its palea and usually encloses the grain4 ,the pedicel is jointed in some genera and in others it is continuous with the spikelet and not jointed4 ,when mature the spikelets fall away either by themselves1 singly with their pedicels or in groups with portions of rachis1 according to the position of the joint4 ,bristles 7branchlets7 are often found on the pedicels4 ,in ,setaria a few are borne by the pedicels4 ,the bristles form a regular involucre at the base of a group of spikelets in ,pennisetum1 and in ,cenchrus these become united at the base into a mass forming a kind of burr around the spikelets4 ,,key ,,to ,,the ,,genera4 ,a4 ,spikelets articulate on their pedicels4 ,b4 ,spikelets without involucels4 ,c4 ,spikelets dorsally flattened1 awnless4 ,inflorescence racemed2 glumes three2 nerves of second glume five or less1 side nerves curved #a4 ,paspalum4 ,inflorescence digitate2 glumes three with a minute glume2 nerves of second glume five to seven1 straight and prominent #b4 ,digitaria4 ,inflorescence panicled2 glumes three with a thickening at the base of the spikelet #c4 ,eriochloa4 ,inflorescence racemed or paniculate2 glumes four1 first two glumes unequal #d4 ,panicum4 ,inflorescence panicled1 branches of panicle produced beyond the uppermost spikelet2 glumes four1 the first being minute and hyaline #e4 ,chamaeraphis4 ,spikelets unisexual and dioecious #f4 ,spinifex4 ,,cc4 ,spikelets awned4 ,glumes four1 second glume broadly fimbriate with hairs2 palea of the third glume short and deeply cleft1 fourth glume awned #g4 ,axonopus4 ,,bb4 ,spikelets involucellate #h4 ,setaria4 ,,aa4 ,spikelets not jointed but continuous4 ,spikelets in involucelled deciduous fascicles4 ,involucre of bristles free #i4 ,pennisetum4 ,involucre of bristles united #aj4 ,cenchrus4 #a4 ,paspalum1 ,l4 ,these are annuals or perennials4 ,the spikelets are plano-convex1 orbicular to oblong1 obtuse1 secund1 #b-ranked on the flattened or triquetrous rachis of the spike-like branches of a raceme1 one-flowered and falling off entire from the very short or obscure pedicels4 ,there are three glumes1 all more or less equal and similar4 ,the first and the second glumes are membranous1 alike and as long as the third1 the second glume is usually epaleate and occasionally with a minute palea4 ,the third glume is chartaceous to sub-coriaceous and paleate4 ,lodicules are two and small4 ,stamens are three4 ,the styles are slender and distinct with plumose stigmas exserted at the top of the spikelet4 ,grain is tightly enclosed in the third glume and its palea4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #fi4--,paspalum scrobiculatum4 ,paspalum scrobiculatum1 ,l4 ,this is an annual grass1 with stems tufted on very short rhizomes1 erect or very shortly bent at base1 glabrous1 bifariously leafy and varying in height from #a to #c feet or more4 ,leaf-sheaths are compressed1 glabrous1 loose1 keeled1 mouth hairy or not4 ,the ligule is a short thin membrane4 ,the nodes are glabrous4 ,the leaf-blade is linear-lanceolate1 finely acuminate1 keeled with a distinct midrib1 and with very minutely serrulate margins1 #f to #ah inches by #a_/ab to #a_/c inch4 ,the inflorescence consists of #b to #e sessile alternate spikes1 usually distant and spreading and varying in length from #a to #h inches2 the rachis is flattened and winged4 ,the spikelets are either orbicular or ovate-oblong1 as broad as the rachis1 glabrous1 closely imbricating in two rows 7rarely in three or four rows71 sessile or rarely geminate on a common pedicel4 ,there are three glumes4 ,the first glume is concave1 #c- to #e-nerved 7rarely #c- to #g-nerved74 ,the second glume is flat1 #e-nerved1 with two strong sub-marginal nerves1 sometimes with shallow transverse pits along the margins4 ,the third glume is thickly coriaceous1 brownish1 shining1 minutely striolate1 margins roundly incurved throughout its length1 paleate2 the palea is similar to the glume in structure and colour1 margins strongly inflexed and with two broad membranous auricles almost overlapping just below the middle4 ,there are three stamens4 ,the stigmas are white both when young and while fading4 ,the style branches are diverging widely and then straight4 ,there are two oblong cuneate fleshy lodicules4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #gj4--,paspalum scrobiculatum4 #a and #b4 ,front and back view of a portion of spike2 #c1 #d and #e4 spikelets2 #f1 #g and #h4 the first1 second1 and the third glume1 respectively2 #i4 palea of the third glume2 #aj4 the ovary1 stamens and the lodicules4 ,this grass flourishes all over the ,presidency in moist places1 such as1 bunds of wet lands1 edges of ponds and lakes and in marshy land4 ,there are two forms of this grass1 one with round and another with ovate oblong spikelets4 ,they also vary in the size of the spikelets--some forms have small spikelets and others large4 ,sometimes the spikelets show variation in the number of glumes4 ,this grass is also cultivated for its grain4 ,in cultivated forms the spikelets are larger and the whole plant grows bigger4 ,it is grown both in wet and dry land4 ,distribution4--,throughout ,india 7wild and also cultivated74 #b4 ,digitaria1 ,rich4 ,annuals or perennials4 ,the spikelets are lanceolate1 #b- to #c-nate1 in digitate or racemose spikes1 jointed on the pedicels but not thickened at the base1 #a-;flowered4 ,there are usually four dissimilar glumes in the spikelet4 ,the first glume is hyaline very minute1 sometimes absent in the same species4 ,the second glume is membranous1 #a- to #e-nerved or nerveless4 ,the third glume is membranous1 almost equal to the fourth1 usually #g- to #i-nerved1 the nerves being straight1 close1 parallel and prominent1 with a minute palea or without a palea4 ,the fourth glume is chartaceous or sub-chartaceous1 usually #c-nerved and paleate2 palea is equal to and similar to the fourth glume1 #b-nerved4 ,lodicules are two1 small1 broadly cuneate4 ,stamens are three4 ,styles are distinct with plumose stigmas exserted laterally near the apex of the spikelet4 ,grain is enclosed in the fourth glume and its palea4 ,,key ,,to ,,the ,,species4 ,spikelets #a_/aj inch or more4 ,spikes usually few1 spikelets bearded #a4 ,d4 sanguinalis4 ,var4 ciliaris4 ,spikelets not bearded #b4 ,do4 ,var4 extensum4 ,spikes usually many2 spikelets spreading #c4 ,do4 ,var4 ,griffithii4 ,spikelets less than #a_/aj inch4 ,spikes narrowly winged2 spikelets subsilky with slender 7not clavellate7 hairs #d4 ,d4 longiflora4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ga4--;,digitaria sanguinalis1 ,var4 ciliaris4 ,digitaria sanguinalis1 ,scop4 ,var4 ciliaris4 ,this is an annual grass either with erect tall stems or long prostrate stems1 varying in length from #a to #c feet or more4 ,the leaf-sheath is herbaceous1 loose and glabrous4 ,the ligule is a distinct membrane4 ,the nodes are glabrous4 ,the leaf-blade is linear-lanceolate or linear1 flat1 glabrous or very sparsely hairy1 varying in length from #b to #e or #f inches and in breadth from #a_/f to #a_/c inch4 ,the spikes are usually few1 #b to #f1 #c to #f inches long1 with a triquetrous1 narrowly winged rachis4 ,the spikelets are oblong1 acute1 binate1 one pedicel being shorter than the other1 usually appressed to the rachis and not spreading4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #gb4--;,digitaria sanguinalis4 ,var4 ciliaris4 #a4 ,a portion of the spike showing the binate spikelets2 #b4 a spikelet2 #c4 the minute scale-like first glume2 #d1 #e and #f4 the second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively2 #g4 the palea of the fourth glume4 ,there are four glumes including the minute glume4 ,the first glume is a very minute scale4 ,the second glume is about half as long as the third glume1 membranous1 usually #c-nerved and sometimes #c- to #e-nerved1 distinctly ciliate4 ,the third glume is oblong-lanceolate1 acute1 membranous1 #c- to #e-nerved1 sparingly hairy in the lower spikelet and densely bearded with soft spreading hairs in the upper spikelet4 ,the fourth glume is lanceolate1 or oblong-lanceolate1 acute1 somewhat chartaceous1 paleate2 palea is like the glume in texture4 ,anthers are pale yellow4 ,stigmas are white4 ,there are two small cuneate lodicules4 ,this is an excellent fodder grass4 ,it grows well in all kinds of soils1 rich or poor1 and is very common in dry fields brought under cultivation4 ,distribution4--,throughout ,india4 ,digitaria sanguinalis1 ,scop4 ,var4 ,griffithii4 ,this is an annual with stems ascending from a prostrate or geniculate base1 glabrous and varying in length from #a to #c feet4 ,the leaf-sheath is glabrous1 thinly herbaceous and loose4 ,the ligule is a distinct membrane and the nodes are glabrous4 ,the leaf-blade is linear or linear-lanceolate1 flat1 acuminate1 varying in length from #b inches to #ab inches and in breadth #a_/f to #a_/c inch4 ,the inflorescence is of several slender spikes1 usually drooping1 #b to #d inches2 the rachis is filiform and trigonous4 ,the spikelets are linear-lanceolate1 solitary or in distant pairs1 glabrous or ciliate1 pedicelled and when binate the upper pedicel often longer than the spikelets1 usually spreading and not appressed to the rachis4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #gc4--;,digitaria sanguinalis1 ,var4 ,griffithii4 #a4 ,inflorescence2 #b4 a portion of the spike2 #c and #d4 sessile and pedicelled spikelets front and back view1 respectively2 #e4 the scale-like first glume2 #f1 #g and #h4 the second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively2 #i4 palea of the fourth glume2 #aj4 the lodicules1 stamens and the ovary4 ,there are four glumes4 ,the first glume is a minute scale4 ,the second glume is shorter than the third and narrower1 #e-nerved1 ciliate1 acute or sometimes with two fine teeth4 ,the third glume is oblong-lanceolate1 acute1 #e-nerved 7rarely #c-nerved71 ciliate on the nerves4 ,the fourth glume is lanceolate1 acute1 sub-chartaceous1 paleate2 palea is like the glume in texture4 ,anthers are yellow and stigmas are white4 ,lodicules are two and small4 ,this seems to be a good fodder grass4 ,it grows in all kinds of soils4 ,it is not so common in the plains as on the hills1 though it occurs in the plains at the base of the hills4 ,distribution4--,throughout ,india4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #gd4--;,digitaria sanguinalis1 ,var4 extensum4 ,digitaria sanguinalis1 ,scop4 ,var4 extensum4 ,this grass is an annual with stems ascending from a prostrate or geniculate1 rooting branched base1 greenish or purplish1 glabrous and varying in length from #a to #b-a_/b feet4 ,the leaf-sheath is thin1 herbaceous1 rather loose1 keeled and glabrous4 ,the ligule is a distinct membrane1 truncate1 rarely irregularly toothed4 ,the nodes are glabrous4 ,the leaf-blade is linear-lanceolate1 acuminate1 flat when mature and convolute when young1 glabrous1 #a to #ab inches long and #a_/f to #a_/c inch broad1 the margin is very closely and finely serrate1 the midrib is prominent with three or four main veins on each side4 ,the inflorescence consists of a few or many spikes1 corymbosely arranged on a short angular slightly rough axis1 erect or spreading1 #a-a_/b to #d inches long1 the lowest ones in whorls of two to four2 the rachis is nearly triquetrous1 laterally winged1 base thickened and with a few long white hairs2 the peduncle is cylindric1 smooth1 #f to #ab inches long4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ge4--;,digitaria sanguinalis1 ,var4 extensum4 #a4 ,a portion of spike2 #b1 #c and #c;a4 the back and front views of a spikelet2 #d1 #e and #f the first1 second and the third glume1 respectively2 #g4 palea of the third glume2 #h4 anthers1 lodicules and the ovary4 ,the spikelets are oblong-lanceolate1 acute1 about #a_/aj inch long1 binate1 one pedicelled and the other subsessile1 the pedicel is angular1 about #a_/b to #b_/c the length of the spikelet4 ,there are three glumes in the spikelet corresponding to the second1 third and fourth glumes of a ,panicum1 the first glume being obsolete4 ,the first glume is membranous1 ovate-lanceolate1 acute1 about #a_/c the length of the spikelet or very much less1 #c-nerved1 densely ciliate along the margins and silkily hairy between the nerves4 ,the second glume is greenish1 oblong lanceolate1 acute1 ciliate along the margins and with fine appressed silky hairs between the lateral nerves1 #e-nerved1 palea is very minute or absent4 ,the third glume is oblong1 sub-acuminate1 a little shorter than the second glume1 #c-nerved1 sub-chartaceous1 paleate2 palea is similar to the glume in texture4 ,anthers are pale yellow with a tinge of purple4 ,stigmas are white4 ,lodicules are two1 minute and cuneate4 ,this is an excellent fodder grass and is very much liked by cattle4 ,it grows very rapidly and is found in cultivated fields and in somewhat rich loamy soils4 ,distribution4--,throughout the ,presidency in the plains and low hills4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #gf4--;,digitaria longiflora4 ,digitaria longiflora1 ,pers4 ,this is a perennial grass with short underground branches covered with scales4 ,stems are many1 tufted1 slender1 creeping and rooting1 or ascending and suberect1 simple or branched1 #f to #bj inches long and leafy and leaves bifarious and divaricate4 ,leaf-sheaths are hairy or glabrous1 compressed1 keeled4 ,the ligule is a short membrane4 ,nodes are glabrous4 ,leaf-blades are broadly lanceolate or linear-lanceolate1 acute1 spreading1 flat1 or in short-leaved forms1 stiff and pungent1 #a to #b inches long 7rarely also #e inches long71 glabrous above and below1 ciliate at the margins towards the base1 and with a very minutely serrate hyaline margin4 ,the inflorescence consists of two to four terminal spikes with a slender1 long1 hairy or glabrous peduncle4 ,the spikes are slender1 erect or spreading with fine winged glabrous rachis4 ,the spikelets are small1 #a_/bj to #a_/ad inch1 geminate1 one short and the other long pedicelled1 appressed to the rachis1 elliptic1 silky with slender crisped hairs1 pale green or purplish4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #gg4--;,digitaria longiflora4 #a4 ,a portion of the spike2 #b4 the first glume2 #c and #d4 the second and third glumes2 #e and #f4 the fourth glume and its palea2 #g4 lodicules1 ovary and stamens4 ,there are three glumes with a rudimentary first glume4 ,the first glume is very minute and hyaline4 ,the second glume is as long as the third1 membranous1 #e-nerved 7rarely #c- to #g-nerved71 silkily hairy4 ,the third glume is similar to the second and usually #g-nerved 7rarely #c- to #e-nerved74 ,the fourth glume is sub-chartaceous1 ovate-oblong1 paleate1 slightly shorter than the third glume1 pale brown1 smooth4 ,there are two small lodicules4 ,styles are long and purple4 ,this grass grows in cultivated dry fields4 ,it seems to like a sandy loamy soil4 ,distribution4--,throughout ,india4 #c4 ,eriochloa1 ,h4 ,b4 ,k4 ,these are annuals or perennials4 ,leaves are flat4 ,the inflorescence is a raceme or a panicle4 ,spikelets are one-flowered1 borne unilaterally on the branches1 and the base is thickened and jointed on the top of a short pedicel4 ,the spikelet has three glumes4 ,the first and the second glumes are subequal1 membranous4 ,the third glume is apiculate1 hardened in fruit4 ,the lodicules are small and truncate4 ,there are three stamens with linear anthers4 ,styles are two free1 with plumose stigmas4 ,the grain is oblong1 free within the hardened glume and its palea4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #gh4--;,eriochloa polystachya4 ,eriochloa polystachya1 ,h4 ,b4 ,k4 ,this grass is a densely tufted perennial1 varying in height from #b to #c feet1 with a short creeping root-stock4 ,stems are slender1 or stout1 simple and branching1 ascending from a short creeping and rooting base1 glabrous1 slightly channelled on one side4 ,the leaf-sheath is glabrous1 green or partly purplish1 striate1 loose1 mouth and margins above sometimes pubescent4 ,the ligule is a short villous ridge4 ,nodes are perfectly glabrous4 ,the leaf-blade is flat1 linear or linear-lanceolate1 acuminate1 glabrous on both sides1 with a slender or prominent midrib1 veins more or less uniform1 #b to #aj inches long and #a_/f to #a_/c inch wide1 convolute when young4 ,sometimes the blade is purplish below4 ,the inflorescence is a panicle on a long or short glabrous stalk1 striate1 #b to #g inches long1 with four to fifteen erect or spreading1 lax branches1 the main rachis is glabrous1 angular and deeply grooved4 ,spikes or branches are slender1 alternate1 #a to #b-a_/b inches1 becoming shorter upwards1 thickened and puberulous at the base1 and the secondary rachis is flexuous1 grooved1 angular1 and obscurely pubescent4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #gi4--;,eriochloa polystachya4 #a4 ,a portion of the branch2 #b1 #c and #d4 the first1 second and the third glume1 respectively2 #d;a4 back view of the third glume2 #e4 palea of the third glume2 #f4 lodicules1 stamens and the ovary2 #g4 grain4 ,the spikelets are green or purplish1 ovate1 lanceolate1 acuminate #a_/h to #a_/f inch long1 softly hairy1 stalked1 solitary above and binate below and then one with a long and the other with a short pedicel rising from a common short branchlet1 loosely imbricate1 distichous and shortly stipitate and the stipe with a purple thickening2 pedicel is short1 #a_/bd to #a_/ab inch with sometimes long deciduous hairs and the tip somewhat thickened4 ,there are three glumes in the spikelet4 ,the first glume is membranous1 covered densely with silky hairs1 ovate-lanceolate1 acuminate1 tip very minutely #c-toothed with three to five fine nerves4 ,the second glume is similar to the first glume but with a more pointed tip1 faintly #c- to #e-nerved2 palea is not present and if present it is very small1 hyaline and empty4 ,the third glume is shorter than the first and the second glumes1 thinly coriaceous1 punctate1 oblong1 obtuse1 pale1 faintly #c- to #e-nerved with a short scaberulous awn1 paleate2 palea is oblong1 similar to the glume in texture1 margin infolded4 ,anthers are three1 linear1 pale yellow4 ,stigmas are feathery1 white when young and purple later4 ,lodicules are two and distinct4 ,this is a common succulent grass growing in large or small tufts in moist situations such as sides of water channels1 rivulets and bunds of paddy fields4 ,it is very much liked by cattle4 ,this grass is easily recognized by the silky lanceolate spikelets which have a purple thickening at the base4 ,distribution4--,plains of ,india and ,ceylon and in all hot countries4 #d4 ,panicum1 ,l4 ,the grasses of this genus are annual or perennial and of various habits4 ,inflorescence is either a raceme of spikes or1 a lax or contracted panicle4 ,spikelets are small1 solitary or two to four1 rarely more ranked1 #a- to #b-;flowered1 ovoid or oblong1 rounded1 or dorsally or laterally compressed1 falling entire with the pedicels4 ,there are four glumes in a spikelet4 ,the first two glumes are empty and the first glume is small 7sometimes minute7 and fewest nerved4 ,the second glume is equal or very nearly equal to the third glume1 oblong-ovate or lanceolate1 #e- to many-nerved4 ,the third glume is similar to the second1 male or neuter1 paleate or not1 #c- to #i-nerved4 ,the fourth glume is chartaceous1 sometimes shortly stalked1 ovate-oblong or lanceolate1 hardened in the fruit1 smooth or rough1 bisexual1 paleate2 the palea is as long and of the same texture as the glume4 ,lodicules are cuneate or quadrate and two in number4 ,there are three stamens and an ovary with two style branches ending in feathery stigmas4 ,grain is free and enclosed by the hardened fourth glume and its palea4 ,,key ,,to ,,the ,,species4 ,a4 ,inflorescence racemose of simple 7rarely branched7 spikes bearing secund spikelets4 ,i4 ,rachis of spikes broad and flattened4 7a7 ,spikelets biseriate4 ,spikelets villous4 #a4 ,p4 ,isachne4 ,spikelets glabrous4 ,spikes shorter than the internodes4 #b4 ,p4 flavidum4 ,spikes longer than the internodes4 #c4 ,p4 fluitans4 7b7 ,spikelets #c- to #e-seriate4 ,third glume awned4 ,stems stout1 erect4 #d4 ,p4 ,crus-galli4 ,stems stout1 prostrate at base4 #e4 ,p4 stagninum4 ,third glume cuspidate4 ,stems slender4 #f4 ,p4 colonum4 ,,ii4 ,rachis of spikes narrow1 filiform1 terete or angular4 ,first glume shorter than the third4 ,first glume semilunate1 about #a_/d of the third glume4 #g4 ,p4 prostratum4 ,first glume #a_/b of or less than #a_/b of third glume1 #e-nerved4 #h4 ,p4 ramosum4 ,leaf base broad or cordate4 ,fourth glume shortly awned4 #i4 ,p4 javanicum4 ,fourth glume muticous4 #aj4 ,p4 distachyum4 ,b4 ,inflorescence a contracted or open panicle4 ,i4 ,panicle contracted and spike-like4 ,spikelets lanceolate and first glume minute4 #aa4 ,p4 interruptum4 ,,ii4 ,panicle effuse4 ,annuals2 first glume nearly #c_/d of the third glume4 #ab4 ,p4 trypheron4 ,perennials2 first glume less than #a_/c of the third glume4 #ac4 ,p4 repens4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #hj4--,panicum ,isachne4 ,panicum ,isachne1 ,roth4 ,this is an annual grass usually growing in tufts with fine fibrous roots and many slender spreading branches1 all of them at first creeping and horizontal1 rooting at the nodes and then becoming erect and varying in length from #a to #b feet4 ,stems are very slender1 glabrous or covered with scattered hairs1 purplish or pale green1 and branching freely towards the base4 ,the leaf-sheath is shorter than the internodes1 green or purplish1 striate1 externally hairy with scattered bulbous-based hairs1 varying in length from #a_/b to #c inches1 the outer margin of the sheath is ciliate with long hairs and at the mouths sometimes long hairs are present1 especially when the leaves are young4 ,the ligule is merely a dense fringe of long hairs4 ,nodes are tumid1 purplish1 covered with long hairs4 ,the leaf-blade is flat but convolute when young1 lanceolate or linear-lanceolate1 acuminate1 base rounded and margin with minute serrations4 ,it is glabrous or occasionally hairy with scattered1 tubercle-based1 deciduous hairs1 and varying in length from #a to #c inches generally 7sometimes in well-grown plants it is #e inches7 and in breadth from #a_/h to #a_/d inch4 ,the midrib is prominent though slender at the base and four veins are present on each side with five or six smaller ones between them4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ha4--,panicum ,isachne4 #a and #a;a4 ,front and back view of a spike2 #b and #b;a4 back and front views of a spikelet2 #c and #d4 the first and the second glume1 respectively2 #e and #e;a4 the third glume and its palea2 #f and #f;a4 the fourth glume and its palea2 #g4 lodicules1 anthers and ovary2 #h4 grain4 ,the inflorescence is an erect1 narrow panicle consisting of spikes varying in number from #e to #ab and in length from #b to #c inches4 ,the spikes are erect1 pressed to the very slender rachis1 longer than the internodes of the main rachis1 stalked or sessile1 mostly simple but sometimes the lower dividing into two or three branches1 #a_/b to #a inch long4 ,the rachis of the spike is very slender1 angular1 flexuous1 narrower than the spikelets1 scaberulous with a few long cilia at the angles4 ,the spikelets are very small1 #a_/af inch long1 turned all to one side and closely packed in two rows1 oblong or oval-oblong1 obtuse or subacute1 softly hairy1 pale green or purplish1 with very short pedicels which are pubescent with a few long hairs towards the thickened cupular tips4 ,there are four glumes in the spikelet4 ,the first glume is very small1 membranous1 glabrous1 broader than long1 cordate or triangular1 broadly but shallowly emarginate1 nerveless or very obscurely #a- to #b-nerved4 ,the second glume is pale or purplish1 #e-nerved1 hairy1 as long as the third glume1 membranous1 oblong and obtuse4 ,the third glume is pale1 nearly equal to the second glume with a longitudinal depression at the back1 less hairy than the second glume1 #c-nerved 7rarely #e-nerved also72 palea is present1 and it is hyaline1 shorter than the glume1 truncate or shallowly retuse1 usually barren but occasionally with three stamens4 ,the fourth glume is oblong1 rounded1 coriaceous1 smooth1 shining1 dorsally flattened1 #c- or indistinctly #e-nerved2 palea is similar to the glume in texture and with folded margins4 ,there are three stamens with yellow anthers4 ,lodicules are two1 very small and distinct4 ,ovary has two styles with feathery stigmas white at first1 but turning deep purple while withering4 ,this delicate and small grass occurs here and there as mere tufts especially in sheltered situations4 ,it usually flourishes in black cotton soils amidst cholam 7,andropogon ,sorghum71 although it thrives equally well in other rich soils4 ,this is considered to be a very good fodder grass4 ,distribution4--,it is fairly common all over the ,madras ,presidency1 and goes up to #c1jjj or #d1jjj feet4 ,it occurs in ,africa1 ,america and ,italy4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #hb4--,panicum flavidum4 ,panicum flavidum1 ,retz4 ,this plant is a tufted annual4 ,it branches freely from the base2 branches are tufted1 decumbent at first but soon becoming erect1 slender1 glabrous1 compressed and leafy1 varying in length from #a to #c feet4 ,leaves are somewhat distichous4 ,the leaf-sheath is compressed1 glabrous1 sometimes with a tinge of purple1 the lower ones swollen at the base and the mouth is hairy4 ,the ligule is a fringe of hairs4 ,nodes are glabrous4 ,the leaf-blade is flat1 thinly coriaceous1 linear-lanceolate and acuminate1 or ligulate with a rounded tip1 #c to #e inches in length1 #c_/af to #e_/af inch wide1 glabrous or very thinly scaberulous1 base rounded or slightly cordate with long white ciliate hairs on the small basal lobes4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #hc4--,panicum flavidum4 #a and #b4 ,front and back view of a portion of spike2 #a;a and #b;a4 the front and back view of a spikelet2 #c and #d4 the first and the second glume1 respectively2 #e and #e;a4 the third glume and its palea2 #f and #f;a4 the fourth glume and its palea2 #g4 anthers and ovary2 #h4 grain4 ,the inflorescence is a raceme of spikes1 #e to #aj inches long1 erect or inclined on a short or long1 glabrous1 strongly channelled peduncle2 the main rachis is grooved1 angled and scaberulous4 ,spikes are few or many1 #a_/d to #a inch long1 erect1 pressing on the rachis of the inflorescence along the groove1 distant and sessile2 the lower spikes are very much shorter than the internodes1 but the upper equal to or longer than the internodes2 the rachis of the spike is angular1 flattened below1 erect or slightly recurved4 ,the spikelets are white1 in two rows on a flattened rachis1 obliquely ovoid or gibbously globose1 glabrous1 sessile1 #a_/h inch in length4 ,there are four glumes4 ,the first glume is suborbicular1 about half the length of the third glume1 usually #c-nerved4 ,the second glume is broadly ovate1 obtuse1 concave1 larger than the first glume and nearly equal to or shorter than the fourth glume1 #g-nerved1 rarely #g- to #i-nerved1 nerves are anastomosing1 tip rounded4 ,the third glume is broadly ovate or oblong1 equal to or longer than the fourth glume1 obtuse1 #c- to #e-nerved1 paleate1 mostly with and rarely without stamens4 ,the anthers are yellow and they do not open until the stigmas and anthers of the fourth glume are thrown out4 ,lodicules are two and conspicuous4 ,palea is hyaline with infolded margins4 ,the fourth glume is coriaceous1 broadly ovate1 tip acutely pointed and almost cuspidate or acute1 mucronate1 white or brownish1 reticulately minutely pitted4 ,anthers are three and yellow4 ,stigmas are purplish4 ,lodicules are small but conspicuous4 ,this grass is very common throughout the plains and grows in the bunds of paddy fields and in wet situations1 and goes up to moderate elevations on the hills4 ,cattle eat this grass greedily and seem to like it4 ,it is considered to be an excellent fodder4 ,distribution4--,in wet situations all over ,india ascending to #f1jjj feet4 ,occurs also in ,ceylon1 ,africa1 ,tropical ,asia and ,australia4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #hd4--,panicum fluitans4 ,panicum fluitans1 ,retz4 ,this is a perennial grass with prostrate branches which afterwards become erect towards the free ends4 ,the young branches are covered with scale-leaves4 ,stems are stout1 glabrous1 smooth and hollow1 rooting at the lower nodes4 ,the leaf-sheath is loose1 glabrous1 striate1 margins not ciliate4 ,the ligule is a ridge with a row of erect long hairs4 ,nodes are glabrous4 ,the leaf-blade is firm1 linear1 finely acuminate1 base rounded1 rather narrower than the sheath at the white band1 very thinly scaberulous above and glabrous below1 veins prominent above1 #c to #i inches long1 #a_/d to #g_/af inch broad2 margins are slightly incurved and the midrib is conspicuous only at the lower portion of the blade4 ,the scale-leaves persist at the base of the stems4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #he4--,panicum fluitans4 #a and #b4 ,front and back view of a spike2 #a;a4 and #b;a4 front and back view of a spikelet2 #c1 #d and #e4 first1 second and third glume respectively2 #e;a4 palea of the third glume and stamens in it2 #f and #f;a4 fourth glume and its palea2 #g4 stamens and ovary4 ,the inflorescence is a compound spike varying in length from #d to #aj inches1 erect2 the main rachis is triquetrous1 dorsally rounded1 glabrous and very thinly scaberulous at the edges4 ,spikes are many 7fifteen and more71 sessile1 secund1 generally longer than the internodes1 and appressed to the rachis1 #a_/d to #a-a_/b inches long2 the rachis of the spike is angular1 edges scaberulous and with very fine short hairs4 ,the spikelets are pale1 ovoid1 acute1 biseriate1 imbricate1 very shortly pedicellate1 glabrous1 #a_/af to #a_/h inch1 pedicels are hairy with a few long hairs towards the base4 ,there are four glumes4 ,the first glume is white1 thin1 membranous1 truncate and wavy at the apex1 nerveless or sometimes with one to three short nerves1 less than one-third of the third glume1 broader than long and clasping at the base4 ,the second glume is ovate1 obtuse or subacute1 concave1 submembranous1 slightly shorter than the fourth glume1 #e-nerved but occasionally #f- or #g-nerved4 ,the third glume is a little longer than the second and the fourth1 usually #e-nerved1 broadly ovate1 acute1 paleate1 always with three stamens which come out only after the fading of the stigmas and enlargement of the ovary in the fourth glume4 ,lodicules are distinct and conspicuous2 palea is broad with incurved broad margins and hyaline4 ,the fourth glume is thinly coriaceous1 shining1 striolate1 broadly ovate1 mucronate1 compressed1 faintly and thinly #e-nerved and palea with infolded margins4 ,anthers are yellow4 ,stigmas are white when young4 ,lodicules are distinct4 ,it is a common grass of the wet lands met with in many parts of the ,presidency and often confused and united with ,panicum punctatum1 ,burm4 ,distribution4--,throughout ,india and ,ceylon4 ,it is also found in ,arabia1 ,afghanistan1 ,africa and ,tropical ,america4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #hf4--,panicum ,crus-galli4 ,panicum ,crus-galli1 ,l4 ,it is a tufted annual with many erect branches growing to a height varying from #b to #c or #d feet and the whole plant is glabrous4 ,stem is stout or slender1 simple or branched4 ,the leaf-sheath is smooth1 glabrous and loose1 varying in length from #b to #f inches1 keeled4 ,the ligule is only a smooth semilunar line without hairs4 ,nodes are glabrous and the lower nodes bear adventitious roots4 ,the leaf-blade is narrowly linear-lanceolate1 flat1 finely acuminate1 glabrous or very minutely scabrid with a stout midrib2 margin is minutely serrate and with tubercle-based hairs near the base4 ,the blades of the lower leaves are longer than those in the upper and at the junction with the sheath the blade is narrow1 just as broad or less than the sheath1 and becomes broader about the middle2 the length varies from #f to #aj inches generally1 also to #ad inches1 and breadth at base #a_/d inch and at the middle #e_/af inch2 the upper leaf-blade is generally shorter1 varying from #e to #aj inches and very broad at the base near the sheath1 about #g_/af inch and gets gradually narrow upwards4 ,it is convolute when young4 ,the inflorescence is a compound spike varying in length from #d to #h inches1 contracted and pyramidal and always erect2 the main rachis is stout1 angled with very minute hairs on the ridges and with a tuft of bristly hairs and also tubercle-based hairs at the place of insertion of the spikes4 ,spikes are many 7up to #af or rarely more71 simple or branched1 the lower ones longer1 but getting gradually shorter upwards1 and varying in length from #a_/b to #b inches4 ,the rachis of the spike is angular1 with scattered tubercle-based bristly hairs4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #hg4--,panicum ,crus-galli4 #a and #b4 ,front and back views of spike2 #c4 spikelet2 #d and #e4 first and second glumes2 #f and #g4 third glume and its palea2 #h4 fourth glume1 front and back view2 #i4 ovary1 anthers and lodicules4 ,the spikelets are turgid1 densely packed on one side of the rachis in three to five rows1 sessile or subsessile1 sub-globose or ovoid1 with unequal tubercle-based bristly hairs on the nerves of the glumes and with short minute hairs on the outer surface of the glumes1 #a_/ab to #a_/h inch2 awn #a_/d inch to #e_/af inch4 ,there are four glumes4 ,the first glume is #a_/c to #a_/b of the third glume1 suborbicular1 abruptly acuminate or rarely mucronate and #e-nerved 7very rarely #e- to #g-nerved71 clasping at base and margins thinly ciliolate4 ,the second glume is ovate oblong1 short1 awned and #e-nerved2 sometimes with partial nerves at the apex between the central and the lateral nerves1 and then #e- to #g- or #e- to #i-nerved1 hispidly hairy on the nerves1 margins ciliolate4 ,the third glume is as long as the second1 ovate-oblong and the apex abruptly ending in a stout scabrid nerved awn1 varying in length from #a_/d to #c_/h inch1 rarely #a inch2 #e- to #g-nerved 7two partial at tip71 paleate and sometimes with three stamens2 palea is hyaline1 ovate-oblong with infolded margins4 ,the fourth glume is smooth1 shining1 broadly oblong1 faintly #e-nerved1 apex rounded or cuspidate with a few cilia2 paleate with a single bisexual flower2 palea is similar to the glume in structure4 ,anthers are orange yellow1 and lodicules are very small4 ,stigmas are white4 ,grain is smooth and ovoid4 ,this grass grows in paddy fields and wet places generally4 ,it is considered to be a very good fodder grass in ,australia and ,america4 ,this is the ,barn-yard grass of the ,americans1 highly valued as a fodder grass4 ,distribution4--,throughout ,india in wet places and in paddy fields4 ,panicum stagninum1 ,retz4 ,it is an annual4 ,the stems are glabrous1 creeping and somewhat prostrate at the base1 and the upper portion is erect1 #c to #d feet long1 and rooting at the nodes in the geniculate portion of the stem4 ,the leaf-sheath is smooth1 striate1 glabrous1 sometimes pubescent about the lower nodes1 varying in length from #a-a_/b to #d-a_/b inches4 ,the ligule is distinct1 consisting of a fringe of stiff hairs4 ,the leaf-blade is linear-lanceolate1 acuminate or acute1 base rounded1 glabrous1 smooth below1 especially in the lower part1 and scabrid above and in the upper part1 #f to #ab inches long1 by #a_/d to #c_/h inch2 the lower leaves have their blades somewhat narrower at the base than in the middle1 but the blades in the upper part of the stem and in the middle are of the same breadth2 margins are very minutely serrate4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #hh4--,panicum stagninum4 #a4 ,front view of a portion of spike2 #b4 back view of the same2 #c and #d4 front and back views of a spikelet2 #e1 #f and #g4 the first1 second and the third glume1 respectively2 #h4 palea of the third glume with its anthers2 #i4 front and back view of fourth glume2 #aj4 the ovary1 stamens and lodicules4 ,the inflorescence is #d to #h inches long2 the main rachis is angular1 grooved1 scabrid on the ridges4 ,the spikes are #g to #aj inches1 alternate1 pale green or purplish1 rather distant1 spreading or suberect 7never erect7 #a_/b to #a-a_/b inches long1 sessile and with a tuft of bristly hairs at the base2 the rachis of the spike is angular1 grooved with scattered bulbous-based bristles on the ridges4 ,the spikelets are four ranked1 ovoid-lanceolate1 #a_/h to #a_/f inch long without the awn1 somewhat flattened on one side and gibbous on the other1 pale green or purplish1 with equal bulbous-based bristly hairs on the nerves4 ,there are four glumes4 ,the first glume is half of the third glume1 thin1 membranous1 hairy1 broadly ovate1 abruptly cuspidate at the apex1 and acuminate1 #e-nerved 7rarely #c-nerved74 ,the second glume is broadly ovate-lanceolate1 concave1 acuminate1 short awned1 #e-nerved with two partial nerves one on each side of the central nerve 7#g- to #i-nerved at the tip71 hairs on nerves1 a few tubercled4 ,the third glume is similar to the second1 broadly ovate-lanceolate1 awned1 awn #a_/h to #a_/d inch1 paleate with usually three stamens1 occasionally neuter4 ,lodicules are present4 ,the fourth glume is chartaceous1 shining1 smooth ovate-oblong1 apex cuspidate1 with a few hairs on the edges at the apex1 faintly #e-nerved4 ,the anthers within this glume come out before those of the third glume4 ,anthers are three1 yellowish and lodicules are conspicuous though small4 ,in this grass very often1 purple streaks or bands occur across the leaf blades and the sheath and the spikelets become purple on one side as is met with in ,p4 colonum4 ,this grass is occasionally found in the paddy fields either alone1 or along with ,panicum ,crus-galli4 ,distribution4--,throughout the ,madras and the ,bombay ,presidencies and in ,ceylon in wet places especially in cultivated ground and in ditches4 ,occurs more or less throughout ,india4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #hi4--,panicum colonum4 ,panicum colonum1 ,l4 ,this is a slender annual growing to a height of #b feet4 ,the stems are creeping below1 erect above1 and with roots in the lower internodes of the decumbent part of the stem1 smooth1 dull green or partly purplish4 ,the leaf-sheath is glabrous and sharply keeled4 ,the nodes are glabrous or obscurely pubescent4 ,there is no ligule4 ,the leaf-blade is narrow1 lanceolate1 acuminate1 glabrous but sometimes tubercle-based hairs occur just on the margin at the base of the leaf-blade close to the white band1 varying in length from #a to #f inches and in breadth #c_/af to #e_/af inch2 the margin is minutely and distantly serrate1 midrib is quite distinct and there are three main veins on each side and three or four smaller between main ones4 ,the blades of the lower leaves are narrow at the base and broader at about the middle but those of the upper are equally broad at the base1 as well as at the middle4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ij4--,panicum colonum4 #a and #b4 ,the front and back view of the spikes2 #a;a and #b;a4 the back and the front view of the spikelet2 #c1 #d and #e4 the first1 second and the third glume1 respectively2 #f4 palea of the third glume2 #g and #h4 the fourth glume and its palea2 #i4 ovary anther and lodicules4 ,the inflorescence is a contracted panicle1 #c to #e inches long4 ,spikes are from #h to #bj1 suberect1 usually distant1 #a_/d to #a inch long and getting shorter upwards2 the rachis of the spike is stout1 angular1 scaberulous on the angles with a few long hairs towards the base4 ,the spikelets are small green or partly purplish #a_/ab to #a_/aj inch long1 globosely ovoid1 acute1 pubescent with minute hairs on the outer surface of the glumes and bristly hairs on the nerves1 all on one side1 sessile or very shortly pedicelled1 two or three from a node1 one or two barren1 #c- to #e-seriate4 ,there are four glumes in the spikelet4 ,the first glume is about half of the third glume1 broadly ovate or suborbicular1 acute1 generally #c-nerved1 rarely #e-nerved1 pubescent between and hispidly hairy on the nerves4 ,the second glume is as long as the third1 broadly ovate1 cuspidate1 #e-nerved sometimes with two partial nerves added one on each side of the central vein1 pubescent between the veins and hispid on the veins4 ,the third glume is similar to the second1 #e-nerved1 tip with a few cilia1 paleate2 palea is empty oblong-orbicular1 subacute4 ,the fourth glume is coriaceous1 shining1 turgid1 broadly ovate1 acute1 paleate4 ,sometimes the tip possesses a few cilia4 ,anthers are three1 pale yellow and stigmas dark purple4 ,lodicules are small but conspicuous4 ,this grass is common in water-logged situations1 in paddy fields and in irrigated dry lands4 ,sometimes on the blades of this grass purple bands are present and the internodes and the spikes also become purplish4 ,it is really a weed of cultivation met with generally on rich soils4 ,this grass is considered to be one of the best fodder grasses in ,india4 ,all kinds of cattle eat it greedily4 ,distribution4--,it is found throughout ,india up to #f1jjj feet and also in all warm countries4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ia4--,panicum prostratum4 ,panicum prostratum1 ,lamk4 ,the plant is a slender annual and it consists of several branches1 prostrate and creeping1 with adventitious roots at the nodes below1 branching or ascending above1 all green or sometimes purple above and green below1 #d to #ah inches long4 ,the leaf-sheath is striate1 #a to #b inches long1 glabrous or very sparsely hairy1 purplish above and green below or all green1 keeled1 margins ciliate on one side only throughout its length4 ,the ligule is a fringe of white hairs4 ,the nodes are glabrous or pubescent4 ,the leaf-blade is short or long1 varying from #a_/b to #b-a_/b inches in length and #c_/af to #e_/af inch in breadth1 convolute when young1 lanceolate to broadly ovate-lanceolate1 acute or acuminate1 upper surface glabrous1 and the lower glabrous or with a few scattered tubercle-based hairs2 margins are very minutely serrate2 base is cordate1 amplexicaul with a few long slender hairs 7sometimes tubercle-based71 just close to the white patch on both sides on the margin of the blade about the ligule4 ,the midrib is distinct4 ,the inflorescence consists of five to fifteen or twenty spikes spreading in all directions1 distant or crowded2 peduncle varies from #a to #d inches4 ,spikes are #a_/b to #a-c_/h inches1 sessile or shortly stalked2 the rachis of the spike is slender1 trigonous and scaberulous4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ib4--,panicum prostratum4 ,a4 ,front and back view of spike2 ,b4 front and back view of a spikelet2 #a1 #b1 #c and #d1 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively2 #c;a and #d;a4 the palea of the third and the fourth glumes2 #e4 anthers1 ovary and lodicules4 ,the spikelets are crowded all on one side1 #b- to #c-seriate1 ellipsoidal1 #a_/bj to #a_/af inch long1 glabrous or pubescent1 pale green or purple on one side1 in pairs on pedicels1 one with a slightly longer pedicel than the other2 fine long hairs1 varying in number from one to eight and longer than the spikelets1 are found on the pedicels at their tips in some plants and not in others4 ,there are four glumes in the spikelet4 ,the first glume is very short about #a_/d of the third or less1 semilunar1 membranous1 hyaline1 subtruncate1 obtuse or acute1 generally nerveless1 but rarely1 obscurely #a- to #c-nerved4 ,the second glume is membranous1 ovate1 acute1 glabrous or pubescent and #g-nerved4 ,the third glume is of about the same length as the second1 #e-nerved1 always paleate1 with or without stamens2 palea is broad1 margins infolded1 #b-nerved1 obtuse and hyaline2 when stamens are present the lodicules are very conspicuous4 ,the fourth glume is slightly shorter than the third1 oblong or elliptic1 apiculate1 minutely rugulose1 thinly coriaceous1 with bisexual flower2 palea is similar to the glume in texture and markings4 ,stamens are three with yellowish anthers4 ,lodicules are small and fleshy4 ,this plant occurs widely as a weed of cultivation in black cotton as well as other kinds of soil and shows variation in its leaves and spikelets4 ,in some plants growing in somewhat dry places the leaves are shorter and broader1 and those in favourable situations have longer narrower leaves4 ,the spikelets are either perfectly glabrous or pubescent and long hairs may or may not be present on the pedicels4 ,as regards colour the whole plant is green or the exposed portions of stems and spikelets are purplish4 ,this grass is liked by cattle and is one of the most nutritious of ,indian fodder grasses4 ,distribution4--,throughout ,india and ,ceylon in the plains4 ,common in the ,tropics4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ic4--,panicum javanicum ,panicum javanicum1 ,poir4 ,this is an annual and it branches freely and the branches are decumbent and rooting at the nodes at the base1 and erect to some extent at the free end1 #a to #b feet long2 the internodes are glabrous1 thinly striate1 shallowly channelled on one side4 ,the leaf-sheath is somewhat compressed and loose1 covered with scattered long hairs1 some of them being tubercle-based2 the margin is ciliate on one side only4 ,the nodes are pubescent with long hairs4 ,the ligule is a distinct fringe of hairs4 ,the leaf-blade is broadly lanceolate1 cordate at base1 amplexicaul1 acuminate or acute1 with scattered long hairs both above and below1 and some of the hairs of the under surface are tubercle-based1 convolute when young2 margin of the leaf is wavy1 minutely serrate1 and ciliated with distant hairs towards the lower half of the leaf when young2 the midrib is prominent below4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #id4--,panicum javanicum4 #a and #b4 ,front and back view of a spike2 #c1 #d1 #e and #f4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively2 #e;a and #f;a4 the palea of third and fourth glumes2 #g4 the ovary and the stamens4 ,the inflorescence is a panicle of spikes on a short or long erect slender peduncle4 ,spikes vary from two to ten in number and in length from #a_/b to #b inches1 distant and spreading2 the rachis of the spike is zigzag1 somewhat flattened with a wavy ridge1 scaberulous or glabrous1 swollen towards the base and the swollen part is pubescent4 ,the spikelets are biseriate1 loosely imbricate1 ovate1 acute1 pubescent or villous 7sometimes quite glabrous71 sessile or shortly pedicelled2 the pedicels have one or two 7rarely more7 long hairs4 ,there are four glumes4 ,the first glume is small1 membranous1 less than #a_/b of the third glume1 ovate1 acute or obtuse1 #c- to #e-nerved4 ,the second glume is nearly equal to the third1 ovate acute1 generally #g-nerved and sometimes #g- to #ac-nerved4 ,the third glume is similar to the second in shape1 generally #e-nerved and occasionally #g-nerved1 paleate with three stamens or empty2 palea #b-nerved1 ovate or oblong1 margins infolded4 ,the fourth glume is ovate or oblong1 rugulose1 chartaceous1 apex with a distinct mucro concealed in the second and third glumes2 palea same as the glume in texture1 etc4 ,anthers are yellowish2 stigmas are feathery and purple in colour2 lodicules are small and fleshy4 ,this is an excellent fodder grass4 ,though it is an annual it grows rapidly under favourable conditions4 ,a single plant found growing in the compound of the ,agricultural ,college1 ,coimbatore1 weighed #ae lb4 and occupied #ae square feet of the ground4 ,it flourishes in cultivated dry fields and in rich loamy soils4 7,see fig4 #g47 ,distribution4--,plains of ,india and ,ceylon and in ,tropical countries generally4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ie4--,panicum ramosum4 ,panicum ramosum1 ,l4 ,this is an annual with stems erect or ascending from a creeping base1 rooting at the lower nodes1 #a to #b feet long4 ,the stem is slender or stout1 usually glabrous though occasionally glabrescent or pubescent1 channelled on one side1 branched from base upwards1 and leafy4 ,the leaf-sheath is finely striate1 keeled1 thinly pubescent with the margins ciliate near the ligule4 ,the ligule is only a fringe of short hairs4 ,nodes are softly hairy4 ,the leaf-blade is flat1 linear-lanceolate1 acuminate1 softly pubescent or glabrescent on both the surfaces1 with rounded or subcordate base and margins minutely serrate and ciliate1 #b to #f inches long #a_/f to #a_/b inch broad2 the midrib is distinct though slender with four to six main veins on each side4 ,the inflorescence is a pyramidal panicle #b to #f inches long1 consisting of usually five to ten 7rarely also up to twenty7 erect or spreading spikes4 ,spikes are distant1 alternate and in some the lower ones are opposite1 #a_/b to #b-a_/b inches long or shorter4 ,the rachis of the spike is thin1 angular and scaberulous4 ,the spikelets are usually pubescent1 ovoid or obovoid1 acute1 turgid1 #a_/h inch1 pale green and some occasionally purplish on one side1 alternate close or distant1 in pairs lower down and then one with a somewhat longer pedicel1 solitary in the upper portions1 pedicels with hairs1 some of them especially those near the apex being longer4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #if4--,panicum ramosum4 #a and #b4 ,back and front view of spike2 #c and #d4 front and back view of a spikelet2 #e and #f4 first and second glumes2 #g and #h4 third glume and its palea2 #i and #aj4 fourth glume and its palea2 #aa4 ovary1 anthers and lodicules4 ,there are four glumes4 ,the first glume is nearly half the length of the third glume1 broadly ovate1 subacute1 margin overlapping at the base1 and usually #e-nerved4 ,the second glume is broadly ovate acute1 rather cuspidate1 usually #e-nerved 7rarely #g-nerved74 ,the third glume is similar to the second glume1 #e-nerved1 paleate1 empty2 palea is hyaline oblong1 acute4 ,the fourth glume is ovoid-oblong1 acute1 coriaceous1 rugulose1 with short broadened stipes1 and three faint nerves2 palea similar to the glume in texture and markings4 ,anthers are orange-yellow2 style branches are purple4 ,lodicules are small and fleshy4 ,this grass is a common weed found in dry cultivated fields and open waste places and is one of the best fodder grasses available4 ,distribution4--,plains throughout ,india and in ,afghanistan4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ig4--,panicum distachyum4 ,panicum distachyum1 ,l4 ,this grass is an annual4 ,stems are slender1 rarely stout1 creeping and rooting at the nodes1 pale green or purplish1 with erect or ascending slender branches1 varying in length from #aj to #ae inches1 glabrous or pubescent1 channelled near the nodes4 ,the leaf-sheath is glabrous or glabrescent and sometimes hirsute2 margin is ciliate4 ,the ligule is a fringe of short hairs4 ,nodes are glabrous or pubescent4 ,the leaf-blade is lanceolate or narrowly lanceolate1 base cordate and subamplexicaul1 glabrous or rarely sparsely hairy on both sides2 margins are wavy here and there1 finely serrate with tubercle-based hairs towards the base1 the midrib is slender1 not prominent and veins not distinct4 ,there is considerable variation in leaves especially in the length4 ,in the ordinary form it varies from #a_/b to #c inches and even up to #f or #g inches sometimes in length and the breadth from #a_/h to #a_/d inch4 ,in one form which is separated as a variety 7var4 brevifolium1 ,wight and ,arnott17 the leaves are always short and broad1 ovate-lanceolate never exceeding #a inch in length4 ,the inflorescence consists of two or three1 very rarely four erect or spreading distant spikes on a somewhat slender very hairy peduncle4 ,spikes are from #a_/b to #b inches2 rachis is slender1 flexuous1 flattened1 scaberulous1 with a few long hairs scattered singly along the margins or without these hairs4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ih4--,panicum distachyum4 #a and #b4 ,front and back view of a portion of a spike2 #c1 #d1 #e1 and #f4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively2 #e;a and #f;a4 palea of the third and the fourth glume1 respectively2 #g4 anthers and ovary4 ,the spikelets are glabrous1 ovate-oblong1 acute1 #a_/h inch1 #a- or #b-seriate1 subsessile1 pale green1 occasionally purplish on one side4 ,there are four glumes4 ,the first glume is membranous1 broadly ovate1 obtuse with margins overlapping at the base1 hardly half the length of the third glume1 usually #e-nerved but occasionally #g-nerved4 ,the attachment of the first glume is not close to that of the second glume but is far lower4 ,the second glume is ovate-acute1 #g-nerved4 ,the third glume is equal to the second1 #e-nerved1 paleate1 empty2 the palea is narrow1 hyaline1 acute4 ,the fourth glume is ellipsoidal1 obtuse1 chartaceous1 minutely and obscurely rugulose1 faintly #c-nerved1 with the base somewhat thickened4 ,palea is similar to the glume in texture4 ,anthers are orange-yellow4 ,lodicules are minute and fleshy4 ,style branches are purple4 ,this grass is fairly common in open and loamy and sandy soils4 ,the form 7var4 brevifolium1 ,wight ,arnott7 is fairly common in ,coimbatore ,district4 ,distribution4--,plains of ,india and ,ceylon4 ,not recorded from the ,bombay ,presidency4 ,it occurs in ,china1 ,malaya and ,australia4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ii4--,panicum interruptum4 ,panicum interruptum1 ,willd4 ,this is a large perennial grass with stems reaching #e to #f feet in length1 flourishing in marshes and in the edges of ponds and tanks4 ,the stems are long1 stout and spongy below1 ascending from a creeping and rooting or floating root-stock2 the lower internodes are often #a_/b inch or more in thickness1 with nodes bearing in fascicles long stout roots clothed with fine lateral roots2 and the upper internodes are long and slender4 ,the leaf-sheath is glabrous1 striate4 ,the ligule is a short broad membrane4 ,the leaf-blade is soft1 flat1 many-nerved1 linear1 finely acuminate1 margins smooth1 base rounded or subcordate1 glabrous1 #f to #ab inches long1 #a_/d to #a_/b inch broad4 ,the inflorescence is a strict spike-like panicle1 #f to #ab inches long by #a_/d to #a_/c inch broad1 cylindric1 interrupted below2 the rachis terete1 stout1 channelled4 ,the spikelets are glabrous1 green1 herbaceous1 densely packed in small fascicles1 ovoid lanceolate1 #a_/f to #a_/e inch long2 many spikelets are imperfect4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ajj4--,panicum interruptum4 #a and #b4 ,front and back view of a spikelet2 #c4 first glume2 #d4 second glume2 #e4 third glume2 #f4 palea of third glume2 #g and #h4 the fourth glume and its palea2 #i4 ovary1 lodicules and stamens4 ,there are four glumes4 ,the first glume is hyaline1 membranous1 about #a_/c the length of the third glume1 broadly ovate or orbicular1 obtuse1 #e-nerved4 ,the second glume is membranous1 ovate-oblong1 obtuse1 prominently #i-nerved4 ,the third glume is as long as the second but broader1 ovate-oblong1 #i-nerved1 paleate2 palea is small with three stamens or without them4 ,the fourth glume is shorter than the third glume1 lanceolate1 subacute1 thinly coriaceous white1 polished1 dorsally convex2 the palea is as long as the glume and thinly coriaceous4 ,there are two small lodicules4 ,this is a rank marsh grass growing abundantly in permanent marshes and edges of tanks and ponds4 ,cattle eat this along with other grasses1 when young and not covered with algae4 ,distribution4--,in swampy situations throughout ,india and ,ceylon4 ,panicum trypheron1 ,schult4 ,the plant is a tufted annual leafy at the base1 with branches spreading a little at the base and then erect1 varying in length from #a_/b to #c feet4 ,stems are stout or slender1 cylindric or slightly compressed towards the base4 ,the leaf-sheath is striated1 green or purple tinged1 shorter than the internodes1 the upper portion hairy 7sometimes tubercle-based7 and the lower glabrous1 with sometimes ciliate margin4 ,the ligule is a short membrane with a fringe of slender hair-like processes4 ,nodes are glabrous4 ,the leaf-blade is flat1 convolute when young1 linear-lanceolate1 acute or narrow linear-lanceolate1 acuminate1 hairy on both sides 7hairs indistinctly bulbous-based72 margin is very minutely serrate and often ciliate with tubercle-based hairs2 base is narrowed1 slightly rounded or cordate2 midrib is conspicuous though narrow and keeled2 length #a to #g inches and breadth #a_/h to #c_/h inch4 ,the inflorescence is a diffuse panicle #d to #ad inches long with filiform1 divaricate1 scaberulous1 angled branches2 the main rachis is angular1 smooth below and scaberulous above2 peduncle is cylindric1 striate1 #b to #ab inches long4 ,branches are irregularly distantly alternate1 solitary or rarely two1 swollen at base1 dividing into slender filiform spreading branchlets2 the lower branches from #c to #g inches in length and getting shorter upwards4 ,branchlets are #a_/b to #c inches1 capillary1 angular and further dividing4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #aja4--,panicum trypheron4 #a and #b4 ,front and back view of the spikelet2 #c1 #d and #e4 the first1 second and the third glume1 respectively2 #f4 palea of the third glume2 #g and #h4 the fourth glume and its palea2 #i4 stamens1 ovary and lodicules4 ,the spikelets are ovate1 acuminate1 binate 7sometimes solitary or three7 on a common finely filiform stalk1 one long and the other short pedicelled1 pale or yellowish green1 or purple2 pedicels are angular1 scabrid or scaberulous1 slightly swollen at the top and sometimes with setose hairs also4 ,there are four glumes4 ,the first glume is green or purple1 broadly ovate1 acuminate1 clasping at the base1 about two-thirds of the third glume1 membranous1 nerves five1 the lateral two stout and anastomosing halfway1 finely scaberulous especially on the nerves and more so on the central one4 ,the second glume is slightly longer than the third1 green or purple1 ovate1 acuminate1 generally #g-nerved and sometimes also with two more indistinct marginal nerves1 i4e41 #i-nerved1 scaberulous on the nerves4 ,the third glume is pale green or yellow1 ovate-oblong1 acute or subacute1 obscurely scaberulous1 #i-nerved 7two of the nerves in the middle sometimes not running to the base71 paleate1 empty4 ,palea is hyaline1 smaller than the glume1 oblong1 obtuse1 minutely two-lobed or two-toothed at the apex2 margins broadly infolded4 ,the fourth glume is elliptic obtuse1 shorter than the third1 smooth1 shining1 coriaceous1 dorsally convex1 with a prominent short1 broad stipe at the base which is persistent with the glume1 #e-nerved1 sometimes with seven nerves especially when young 7two marginal ones being indistinct74 ,palea is similar to the glume in texture4 ,anthers are three1 linear1 orange yellow4 ,lodicules are two and prominent though small4 ,stigmas feathery and white4 ,p4 tenellum1 ,roxb4 ,fl4 ,indica ,i4 #cjf is probably not this plant though quoted as a synonym1 for it is described as having culms prostrate and rooting at the nodes4 ,this grass is of wide distribution in the ,presidency1 but it is nowhere abundant4 ,it is fairly common in cultivated dry fields4 ,cattle like this grass4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ajb4--,panicum repens4 #a4 ,full plant2 #b4 a portion of the leaf and ligule4 ,panicum repens1 ,l4 ,this is a perennial glaucous grass with stoloniferous and rhizomiferous stems bearing ordinary erect leafy branches1 and the branches come out piercing through the leaf-sheath 7extravaginal74 ,stems are numerous1 stiff and erect1 #a_/b to #c feet in length1 glabrous1 covered below by brownish or whitish scale-leaves1 and above with densely distichous leaves4 ,the leaf-sheath is firm1 distinctly striate1 glabrous1 margins ciliate on both sides up to the point of overlapping and then the outer margin alone ciliate4 ,the ligule is a short thin membrane with very short cilia on the free margin4 ,the nodes are glabrous4 ,the leaf-blade is glaucous1 narrow1 lanceolate1 thinly coriaceous1 acuminate with a hardened tip1 #a to #g or #i inches long1 #a_/b to #a_/d inch broad1 flat or involute when slightly faded1 with a few distantly scattered hairs above1 especially towards the lower portion of the blade when young1 and becoming glabrous later1 glabrous on the lower surface1 margin is finely serrate and with a few cilia towards the base1 some hairs being tubercle-based2 base of the blade is rounded or cordate1 midrib is prominent and keeled4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ajc4--,panicum repens4 #a4 ,spike2 #b and #c4 front and back view of a spikelet2 #d1 #e and #f4 first1 second and third glumes2 #g4 palea of the third glume2 #h and #i4 fourth glume and its palea2 #aj4 lodicules1 stamens and ovary2 #aa4 leaf showing ligule4 ,the inflorescence is a panicle1 contracted and not much exserted from the topmost leaf-sheath1 #c to #h inches long1 branches are usually many1 erect1 the lower being #b to #e inches long1 slender1 angular and scaberulous4 ,the spikelets are glabrous1 erect1 pale or pale green1 sometimes purplish also on one side1 ovate-oblong or oblong-lanceolate1 acute1 #a_/h inch1 pedicels are long with cupular tips4 ,there are four glumes in the spikelet4 ,the first glume is hyaline1 broadly ovate1 rounded and shortly acute or subacute1 indistinctly #c- to #e-nerved or nerveless1 less than one-third of the height of the third glume4 ,the second glume is membranous1 ovate-lanceolate acute1 #g- to #i-nerved4 ,the third glume is equal to and broader than the second1 always paleate and with three stamens and #i-nerved2 palea is hyaline1 oblong1 obtuse or subacute1 margins folded4 ,the fourth glume is white1 coriaceous1 smooth and shining1 oblong1 acute1 shortly and broadly stipitate1 with the margins folded inwards exposing only a third of the palea2 palea is similar to the glume in texture and marking4 ,anthers are deep orange in colour4 ,lodicules are distinct though small4 ,stigmas are deep purple when mature1 and pale when young4 ,this grass flourishes in moist situations such as the bunds of paddy fields1 tank beds and edges of marshes and is an excellent binder of the soil4 ,when once established it is very difficult to get rid of it1 on account of its rhizomes4 ,owing to the resemblance of the rhizomes to ginger1 some call this grass ,ginger-rooted grass4 ,cattle are fond of this grass4 ,distribution4--,throughout ,india1 but not so common on the ,west and not recorded from ,bombay4 ,it is said to occur in ,south ,europe1 ,australia1 ,north ,africa and ,brazil4 #e4 ,chamaeraphis1 ,br4 ,these are glabrous marsh or aquatic grasses4 ,leaves are linear or lanceolate4 ,the inflorescence is a panicle4 ,the spikelets are one-to two-flowered1 subsessile and subsecund on the branches which are produced as awn-like bristles beyond the ultimate spikelet1 obscurely jointed and persistent on their obconic short pedicels1 narrowly lanceolate and terete4 ,the spikelet consists of four glumes4 ,the first glume is very small1 hyaline1 suborbicular1 nerveless and truncate4 ,the second glume is the longest1 green1 membranous1 narrowly lanceolate1 acuminate or narrowed into a rigid awn1 #g- to #aa-nerved4 ,the third glume is lanceolate1 acute1 or aristately acuminate1 #g-nerved1 paleate1 male or neuter1 the palea is smaller than the glume and hyaline4 ,the fourth glume is much smaller than the third1 stipitate1 bisexual or female1 oblong or ovate-oblong1 acute1 flat1 thinly coriaceous1 nerveless and paleate2 the palea is hyaline1 as broad as the glume1 acute and nerveless4 ,the lodicules are cuneate4 ,stamens are three4 ,stigmas are laterally exserted4 ,grain is oblong1 compressed4 ,chamaeraphis spinescens1 ,poir4 ,a glabrous aquatic or marsh grass1 with much branched floating stems4 ,stems are leafy1 elongate1 ascending1 varying in length from #a to #c feet4 ,the leaf-sheaths are long1 smooth1 loose1 with naked margins4 ,the ligule is a ridge of hairs4 ,the nodes are glabrous4 ,the leaf-blade is flat1 narrowly linear-lanceolate1 smooth or scabrid1 acuminate1 base narrowed1 #a to #c-a_/b inches long and #a_/af to #a_/h inch wide4 ,the inflorescence is a pyramidal panicle1 contracted or diffuse1 with a leaf very near its base2 peduncle is short2 branches of the panicle1 filiform1 angular1 flexuous1 bearing one or more spikelets and produced as a bristle beyond the last spikelet4 ,the spikelets are #a_/f to #a_/d rarely #a_/c inch long including the awn1 subsessile and somewhat on one side on the branches1 obscurely articulate but persistent on the pedicels1 pale or green1 lanceolate4 ,there are four glumes in the spikelet4 ,the first glume is hyaline1 suborbicular1 rounded at the tip and nerveless1 #a_/cj inch or less4 ,the second glume is membranous1 lanceolate1 smooth or setosely scabrid on the sides1 #i- to #aa-nerved1 with a long scabrid awn which is sometimes as long as the body of the glume4 ,the third glume is shorter than the second1 finely acuminate1 or awned1 #g-nerved1 membranous1 paleate and with three stamens and two lodicules2 the palea is shorter than the glume1 linear-oblong1 subacute4 ,the fourth glume is ovate-lanceolate1 nerveless1 acute1 paleate with three stamens1 ovary and two lodicules2 palea is hyaline1 narrow1 quarter the length of the third glume4 ,grain is obovate oblong4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ajd4--;,chamaeraphis spinescens4 #a4 ,terminal portion of a spike showing the bristle2 #b1 #c1 #d and #f4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively2 #e4 palea of third glume with its anthers and lodicules2 #g4 palea of the fourth glume2 #h4 ovary2 #i4 lodicules4 ,distribution4--,this plant is found at the edges in ponds1 tanks and marshes all over the ,presidency4 #f4 ,spinifex1 ,l4 ,this is a stout1 rigid1 much branched1 gregarious and dioecious grass1 flourishing in sand on the sea coast4 ,leaves are long1 narrow rigid1 involute1 spreading and recurved and thickly coriaceous4 ,male spikelets are #a- to #b-;flowered1 subsessile1 distichous1 jointed on rigid peduncled spikes1 which are collected in umbels and surrounded by spathaceous leafy bracts4 ,the spikelets have four glumes4 ,the first two glumes are empty4 ,the third and the fourth paleate and triandrous and sometimes the former is empty4 ,female spikelets are collected in large globose heads of stellately spreading very long rigid rod-like processes surrounded by shorter subulate bracts4 ,each spikelet is solitary1 and articulate at the very base of a rachis1 lanceolate1 #a-;flowered4 ,there are four glumes4 ,the first three glumes are as in the male spikelets1 but larger4 ,the third is paleate1 empty4 ,the fourth glume has a female flower4 ,the lodicules are large and nerved4 ,styles are long1 free1 with short1 feathery stigmas4 ,grain free within the hardened glumes4 ,spinifex squarrosus1 ,l4 ,a perennial littoral dioecious grass forming bushes4 ,stems are glaucous1 smooth1 solid1 woody1 thick below1 freely branching1 #e to #aj feet long or more4 ,the leaf-sheath is smooth1 imbricating1 #a_/b to #a-a_/b inches long4 ,the ligule is a row of stiff long hairs4 ,the leaf-blade is narrow1 rigid1 thickly coriaceous1 concavo-convex tapering from the base to the tip1 spreading and recurved1 #d to #f inches long4 ,the male inflorescence consists of several spikes1 #a to #c inches long1 forming umbels1 with membranous leafy spathaceous bracts which are shorter than the spikes4 ,the spikelets are usually #b-;flowered1 smooth1 articulate on short peduncles1 distichous1 #a_/c to #a_/b inch long4 ,there are four glumes4 ,the first glume is shorter than the second1 ovate1 obtuse1 #g- to #i-nerved4 ,the second glume is similar to the first1 but longer4 ,the third and the fourth glumes are longer than the second glume1 #e- to #g-nerved1 paleate and triandrous2 palea of both are lanceolate with ciliate keels4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #aje4--,spinifex squarrosus4 ,male plant--#a4 ,a branch with the male inflorescence2 #b4 a spike2 #c4 a spikelet2 #d1 #e1 #f and #g4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively2 #f;a4 palea of the third glume2 #f;b4 extra palea like structure found occasionally in the palea of the third glume2 #g;a4 palea and lodicules of the fourth glume4 ,the female inflorescence is a large globose head consisting of short spikelets articulate at the very base of the rachis1 short bracts and very long1 spreading1 rigid rod-like rachises4 ,the spikelets are solitary with four glumes and #b-;flowered4 ,the first glume is oblong-lanceolate1 many-nerved1 longer than the other glumes4 ,the second glume is shorter1 #g-nerved4 ,the third glume is empty1 #e-nerved4 ,the fourth glume is ovate-lanceolate and abruptly narrowed above the middle1 #e-nerved and paleate1 palea is shorter than the glume but broader1 #b-nerved and acute4 ,lodicules are two1 large1 cuneate at base and strongly nerved4 ,stigmas are oblong4 ,grain is clavate and tipped by the style base4 ,this grass grows luxuriantly in the sands near the sea on both the coasts of the ,madras ,presidency4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ajf4--,spinifex squarrosus4 ,female plant--#a4 ,a branch with female inflorescence2 #b1 #c1 #d and #e4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively2 #f4 palea of the fourth glume2 #g4 ovary and the lodicules4 ,distribution4--,throughout the sandy coasts of ,india and ,ceylon4 #g4 ,axonopus1 ,beauv4 ,these are annual or perennial grasses4 ,inflorescence is a panicle consisting of digitate or whorled1 slender or stout spike-like racemes4 ,spikelets are solitary1 binate or fasciculate1 #b-;flowered1 jointed on the pedicel and awned4 ,there are four glumes4 ,the first glume is the shortest1 ovate1 acuminate1 aristate or cuspidate1 hyaline1 glabrous and #c-nerved4 ,the second glume is ovate or ovate-lanceolate1 acuminate or awned1 #e-nerved1 lateral nerves being marginal and hairy4 ,the third glume is oblong or oblong ovate1 acute1 #e-nerved1 paleate1 male2 palea is very short and small1 bipartite4 ,the fourth glume is as long as the third and the second1 oblong or ovate1 coriaceous1 narrowed into a straight terminal awn1 paleate and bisexual2 palea is oblong1 coriaceous and #b-nerved4 ,lodicules are cuneate4 ,stamens are three with linear anthers4 ,stigmas are linear1 laterally exserted4 ,grain is oblong1 free within the hardened glume and its palea4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ajg4--;,axonopus cimicinus4 ,axonopus cimicinus1 ,beauv4 ,it is a perennial grass4 ,stems are tufted1 erect or slightly decumbent at the base1 #a to #b feet long4 ,the leaf-sheath is distinctly striate1 covered with scattered long tubercle-based hairs1 very rarely glabrous1 keeled4 ,the ligule consists of a row of hairs4 ,the nodes are hairy4 ,the leaf-blade is flat1 ovate-lanceolate1 broad and cordate at base1 subacute or obtuse1 with a distinct midrib and three main veins on each side of it1 glabrous on both sides1 but usually with tubercle-based hairs on the two sides of the midrib1 on the lower side1 the margins are distinctly ciliate with tubercle-based long stiff hairs and very finely serrate2 the blade varies in length from #c_/d to #c inches and in breadth from #c_/d to #a_/b inch4 ,the inflorescence consists of three to ten spikes springing from the top of a slender glabrous peduncle #b to #f inches long4 ,the spikes are whorled1 about #c inches or so in length1 naked towards the base to about one-fourth of its length1 the rachis is fine1 filiform1 scabrid4 ,the spikelets are solitary or binate1 dorsally compressed1 pale green or reddish1 very shortly pedicelled1 #a_/d to #e_/af inch long inclusive of the short awn1 pedicel is cupular at the tip4 ,there are four glumes in the spikelet4 ,the first glume is somewhat narrow ovate-lanceolate1 hyaline1 acuminate and #c-nerved4 ,the second glume is membranous1 ovate-lanceolate1 twice as long as the first glume1 cuspidately acuminate1 #e-nerved2 the two marginal nerves are provided with long reddish bristly hairs4 ,the third glume is oblong lanceolate1 obtuse1 #e-nerved1 a little shorter than the second glume1 paleate and with stamens2 palea is short4 ,the fourth glume is coriaceous1 ovate-lanceolate1 nearly as long as the second glume1 awned at the apex1 paleate1 with three stamens and an ovary2 the palea is as long as the glume1 elliptic oblong1 obtuse4 ,lodicules are small1 cuneate4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ajh4--;,axonopus cimicinus4 #a4 ,a portion of the spike showing spikelets2 #b1 #c1 #d and #e4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively2 #d;a and #e;a4 the palea of the third and the fourth glume1 respectively2 #f4 lodicules1 stamens and the ovary4 ,this is a common grass growing in the plains and lower hills in waste places4 ,distribution4--,occurs all over ,india4 #h4 ,setaria1 ,beauv4 ,these are usually annuals4 ,inflorescence is usually a spike-like panicle4 ,spikelets are #a- to #b-;flowered1 jointed on very short pedicels which bear persistent scabrid or barbed bristles 7modified branchlets74 ,there are four glumes4 ,the first glume is the shortest1 equal to about half the length of the third1 membranous1 #c- to #e-nerved4 ,the second glume is equal to or shorter than the fourth1 #e- to #g-nerved4 ,the third glume more or less exceeding and resembling the second glume1 neuter1 rarely paleate and male4 ,the fourth glume is coriaceous or crustaceous1 plano-convex1 bisexual1 #e-nerved and paleate2 palea is as long as the glume4 ,lodicules are broadly cuneate4 ,stamens are three4 ,stigmas are laterally exserted4 ,grain is tightly enclosed by the hardened glume and its palea and is oblong or ellipsoid4 ,,key ,,to ,,the ,,species4 ,bristles with spreading or erect barbs4 ,inflorescence cylindric1 continuous and not interrupted1 with six to twelve bristles in the involucel #a4 ,s4 glauca4 ,inflorescence interrupted1 with three to six bristles in the involucel #b4 ,s4 intermedia4 ,bristles with reversed barbs #c4 ,s4 verticillata4 ,setaria glauca1 ,beauv4 ,this is a tufted annual grass4 ,stems are slender1 simple or branched1 erect or ascending4 ,the leaf-sheaths are glabrous4 ,nodes are glabrous and sometimes the lower are rooting4 ,the ligule is a fringe of long hairs4 ,the leaf-blades are lanceolate-linear1 flat1 finely acuminate1 with a rounded base and very finely and minutely serrate margin1 glabrous on both the surfaces or occasionally sparsely hairy on the upper surface and varying in length from #d to #ab inches or more1 and in breadth from #a_/d to #a_/c inch4 ,the inflorescence is a cylindric1 densely flowered1 spike-like raceme1 #a to #d inches long1 usually yellow1 rarely purplish or pale green1 the bristles of involucels vary from six to twelve and are pale or reddish brown1 #a_/f to #a_/c inch long with fine erect or spreading barbs4 ,the spikelets are numerous and are very closely set along the rachis of the inflorescence1 #a_/h inch long1 glabrous and ellipsoidal4 ,there are four glumes in the spikelet4 ,the first glume is less than half the length of the third glume1 broadly ovate1 hyaline1 #c-nerved4 ,the second glume is a little longer than the first but shorter than the third1 broadly ovate or suborbicular1 hyaline1 #e-nerved4 ,the third glume is longer than the second1 as long as the fourth1 membranous and #e-nerved1 paleate1 empty or with stamens4 ,the fourth glume is coriaceous1 broadly elliptic1 obtuse1 dorsally convex1 transversely rugose1 pale4 ,the anthers are orange and the styles purple4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #aji4--,setaria glauca4 ,a and ,b4 spikelets2 ,c4 a bristle2 #a1 #b and #c4 ,the first1 second and the third glume1 respectively2 #d4 palea of the third glume2 #e4 the fourth glume2 #f4 palea of the fourth glume2 #g4 ovary1 anthers and lodicules4 ,this is a fairly common grass especially in cultivated ground all over the ,presidency1 but not very widely distributed4 ,cattle are fond of this grass4 ,distribution4--,throughout ,india4 ,setaria intermedia1 ,r4 ,s4 ,this is an annual with straggling1 slender1 erect or ascending stems1 #b to #c feet long4 ,the leaf-sheath is glabrous1 keeled1 with the margins ciliate with long hairs4 ,the ligule is a fringe of close set long hairs4 ,the nodes are glabrous and the lower rooting4 ,the leaf-blade is linear-lanceolate1 narrowed towards the base1 finely acuminate1 with fine hairs scattered on both the surfaces and with numerous long hairs at the mouth and with very finely serrate margins1 varying in length from #b to #h inches or more1 #a_/h to #c_/d inch in breadth4 ,the inflorescence is a narrowly pyramidal spike-like panicle1 #d to #f inches long1 the main rachis is glabrous and grooved1 branches are short1 crowded above1 scattered and distant below1 with close and densely set spikelets2 the bristles of involucels are #a_/d inch long1 slender1 flexuous with erect barbs varying in number from three to six4 ,the spikelets are ovoid4 ,there are four glumes in the spikelet4 ,the first glume is orbicular1 oblong or ovate1 about one-third the length of the third glume1 hyaline1 #c-nerved4 ,the second glume is half as long as the third1 broadly ovate1 hyaline1 #e-nerved4 ,the third glume is as long as the fourth1 broadly ovate1 thinly membranous1 #e-nerved1 paleate1 empty4 ,the fourth glume is broadly ovate1 or suborbicular1 very concave1 coriaceous1 transversely rugulose1 yellowish brown4 ,anthers are orange or yellow and styles purplish4 ,lodicules are very small4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #aaj4--,setaria intermedia4 #a4 ,a branch with spikelets2 #b and #b;a4 spikelets2 #c1 #d and #e4 the first1 second and the third glume1 respectively2 #e;a4 the palea of the third glume2 #f4 the fourth glume2 #f;a4 the fourth glume and its palea2 #f;b4 palea of the fourth glume2 #g4 ovary1 anthers and lodicules4 ,fairly common in rich soils in sheltered places4 ,cattle are very fond of this grass as the leaves are flaccid and tender4 ,distribution4--,probably all over ,india4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #aaa4--,setaria verticillata4 ,setaria verticillata1 ,beauv4 ,this is an annual grass1 with erect1 ascending1 stout or slender1 leafy stems1 more or less branched and varying in length from #a to #e feet4 ,the leaf-sheaths are smooth1 glabrous4 ,the ligule is a fringe of hairs4 ,nodes are glabrous4 ,the leaf-blades are thin1 flat1 glabrous1 sparsely hairy and scaberulous1 linear or linear-lanceolate1 tapering to a fine point1 base usually narrowed1 #d to #aj inches long and #a_/d to #c_/d inch broad4 ,the inflorescence is a spike-like or subpyramidal panicle1 cylindric or oblong1 coarsely bristly1 #b to #g inches long1 bristles one or few1 studded with conspicuously reversed barbs or teeth1 #a_/f to #a_/c inch long4 ,the spikelets are ellipsoidal1 obtuse1 glabrous1 #a_/ab inch long4 ,there are four glumes4 ,the first glume is very small1 broadly ovate1 acute1 hyaline1 faintly #c-nerved4 ,the second glume is as long as the spikelet or a little shorter1 ovate1 subacute1 thinly membranous and #e-nerved4 ,the third glume is equal to the second or a little longer1 membranous and #e-nerved1 paleate or empty1 palea when present1 is small and hyaline4 ,the fourth glume is elliptic-oblong1 plano-convex1 subobtuse1 smooth or shining1 though faintly striate1 coriaceous with incurved margins2 palea is coriaceous1 as long as the glume1 elliptic1 faintly striate4 ,stamens are three4 ,lodicules are small4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #aab4--,setaria verticillata4 #a and #b4 ,spikelets with bristles2 #c1 #d and #e4 the first1 second and the third glume1 respectively2 #f4 palea of the third glume2 #g and #h4 the fourth glume and its palea2 #i4 ovary1 stamens and lodicules2 #aj4 a bit of the bristle showing the reversed barbs4 ,this grass grows in shady places in very rich soils generally and is abundant in shady nooks and corners where there are rubbish heaps4 ,distribution4--,throughout ,india and ,ceylon4 #i4 ,pennisetum1 ,pers4 ,these are annual or perennial grasses4 ,leaves are usually narrow4 ,the inflorescence is a spike-like raceme consisting of involucellate clusters of shortly pedicellate spikelets1 involucels consist of unequal1 simple or branched bristles4 ,spikelets are obovoid or lanceolate1 #a- to #b-;flowered1 persistent on their stalks1 one to three in an involucel4 ,there are usually four glumes in a spikelet4 ,the first glume is minute or absent4 ,the second glume is shorter than the third1 membranous1 #c- to #e-nerved1 rarely wanting4 ,the third glume is as long as the fourth1 lanceolate1 paleate or not1 male or empty4 ,the fourth glume is coriaceous1 lanceolate1 bisexual or female4 ,there are three stamens with linear anthers4 ,styles long4 ,lodicules are small if present4 ,grain is oblong1 free within the hardened fourth glume and its palea4 ,,key ,,to ,,the ,,species ,bristles of the involucel slender and not #a4 ,p4 ,alopecuros4 dilated at the base1 and free2 leaves very long4 ,bristles of the involucel dilated below #b4 ,p4 cenchroides4 and connate at base4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #aac4--,pennisetum ,alopecuros ,pennisetum ,alopecuros1 ,steud4 ,this is a perennial grass1 densely tufted and growing to a height of #b to #c-a_/b feet4 ,stems are stout1 erect and much branched above4 ,the leaf-sheaths are distichous1 compressed1 glabrous or rarely hairy4 ,the leaf-blades are convolute1 narrow1 linear1 coriaceous1 strongly keeled1 glabrous but with tufts of soft hairs at the base1 #ab to #ah inches long1 #a_/aj to #a_/f inch broad4 ,the ligule is a ring of hairs4 ,the inflorescence is a spike-like raceme1 varying in length from #e to #g inches4 ,the involucels are shortly stalked1 with a few unequal bristles which are free down to the base and two to three times as long as the spikelet4 ,spikelets are lanceolate1 acute1 solitary1 #c_/h inch long4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #aad4--,pennisetum ,alopecuros4 ,a and ,b4 ,spikelets front and back view2 #a1 #b1 #c and #d4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively2 #e4 palea of the fourth glume2 #f4 the ovary1 stamens and lodicules4 ,the first glume is very small1 almost orbicular1 hyaline and nerveless4 ,the second glume is about #a_/c the length of the third glume1 lanceolate1 acuminate1 #c-nerved4 ,the third glume is about #a_/c inch long1 lanceolate1 acuminate1 #g- to #aa-nerved1 epaleate and with infolded margins4 ,the fourth glume is a little longer than the third1 lanceolate1 acuminate1 with infolded margins #e- or #f-nerved1 paleate and enclosing a complete flower4 ,the palea is lanceolate1 acuminate1 as long as the glume4 ,there are three stamens with long1 narrow1 yellow anthers4 ,stigmas are feathery4 ,lodicules are either absent or very minute4 ,this is a very coarse grass usually growing in stiff soils especially near wet places4 ,distribution4--,occurs all over ,southern ,india both on the plains and on low hills4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #aae4--,pennisetum cenchroides4 ,pennisetum cenchroides1 ,rich4 ,this grass is a perennial4 ,it consists of aerial branches and underground rhizomiferous stems1 bearing thick fibrous roots and numerous buds covered by scarious sheaths4 ,the aerial branches are tufted1 erect or decumbent and geniculately ascending when in flower1 much branched from the base1 #f to #bd inches long 7under favourable conditions may reach even #c to #d feet in length74 ,the leaf-sheath is slightly compressed1 keeled1 with scattered long hairs outside1 shorter than the internodes4 ,the ligule is a short thin membrane fringed with hairs4 ,the leaf-blade is linear1 tapering to a very fine point #a-a_/b to #f inches 7sometimes #ah to #bj inches7 by #a_/h to #a_/d inch scaberulous with fine long tubercle-based deciduous hairs scattered above1 and the lower surface glabrous or with a few distantly scattered fine long hairs1 broad at the base and constricted at the point of junction with the sheath4 ,the inflorescence is a raceme of spikes1 varying from #a-a_/b to #c-a_/b inches1 with the spikes mostly densely arranged1 though occasionally distant and not close-set1 on a long2 slender1 puberulous or scaberulous peduncle2 rachis is flexuous1 flattened1 grooved and scaberulous4 ,the spikes have involucels1 consisting of two series of bristles1 the outer bristles are horizontal or reflexed1 numerous1 fine1 filiform1 scabrid and purple above1 shorter or longer than the spikelets2 the inner bristles are two to three times longer than the spikelets1 flattened and thickened at the base with a strong green nerve1 ciliated with long tubercle-based hairs2 one of the bristles is longer than the others and the bases of the bristles are connate at the very base into a ring2 the upper portion of the bristles are filiform1 scabrid and purple1 the lower flattened portion being pale4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #aaf4--,pennisetum cenchroides4 #a4 ,a portion of a spike2 #b and #c4 spikelets with their involucels2 #d4 a bristle2 #e1 #f1 #g and #h4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively2 #g;a and #h;a4 palea of the third and the fourth glume1 respectively2 #i4 ovary and stamens4 ,spikelets are about #a_/e inch long oblong-lanceolate1 one to three in a spike and sessile4 ,there are four glumes in a spikelet4 ,the first glume is small1 hyaline1 ovate-lanceolate1 acute1 nerveless or sometimes #a-nerved4 ,the second glume is a little longer than the first1 ovate1 acute1 about half of the third glume1 hyaline1 #a to #c-nerved4 ,the third glume is ovate-lanceolate1 acuminate1 generally #e- to #g-nerved1 paleate1 usually male2 palea is lanceolate1 equal to or slightly shorter than the glume4 ,the fourth glume is as long as the third with a broad hyaline margin1 #e-nerved paleate2 palea as long as the glume4 ,anthers are three1 yellow1 stigmas white1 feathery and the styles shortly united at the base4 ,lodicules are not present4 ,this is the famous ,kolakattai grass 7,tamil7 of the ,coimbatore ,district and it grows in all kinds of soil and is capable of growing even when the soil is dry4 ,it is readily eaten by cattle1 sheep1 goat and when once established is not easily killed out even by prolonged droughts4 ,it is in flower in ,june1 ,november and ,december4 ,distribution4--,fairly common in ,south ,india and ,western ,india4 ,said to occur in ,tropical ,africa also4 ,there is a variety of this grass named echinoides4 ,this differs from the type in the following respects--the inner bristles are united very much above the base and much thickened and stiffer than in the type4 7,see fig4 #aaf-c7 #aj4 ,cenchrus1 ,l4 ,the inflorescences are spike-like racemes1 consisting of involucellate clusters of shortly pedicelled spikelets jointed on a simple rachis4 ,the involucel consists of hardened spike-like bristles connate at the base into a short coriaceous cup1 which is surrounded by erect or squarrose bristles4 ,spikelets one to three in each involucel1 persistent1 #a- to #b-;flowered1 with three or four glumes4 ,the first glume is very small or absent4 ,the second and the third glumes are subequal #e- to #g-nerved4 ,the third glume is longer than the second with male flower or not1 paleate4 ,the fourth glume is coriaceous1 with a bisexual or female flower4 ,lodicules are two4 ,stamens are three4 ,styles are long1 free or connate below4 ,grain is broad1 oblong and compressed4 ,,key ,,to ,,the ,,species ,base of involucel rounded2 inner bristles shorter1 erect1 not ciliate #a4 ,c4 biflorus4 ,base of involucel turbinate1 inner bristles longer1 spreading and spinescent1 ciliate at base #b4 ,c4 catharticus4 ,cenchrus biflorus1 ,roxb4 ,this is an annual with erect simple stems1 #f to #bd inches long4 ,the leaf-sheath is glabrous or nearly so1 with hairs at the mouth4 ,the leaf-blade is linear-lanceolate1 finely acuminate1 glabrous or hairy1 #c to #aj inches long and #a_/h to #c_/h inch broad4 ,the inflorescence is a solitary cylindric raceme of involucels1 #b to #d inches long1 enclosed in the uppermost leaf-sheath2 the rachis is flexuous1 angular and smooth4 ,involucels usually with two1 rarely three spikelets1 loosely imbricate1 rounded at the base2 the inner bristles are erect1 dorsally flat1 subulate-lanceolate1 puberulous and with thickened margins1 about #a_/h inch long4 ,the outer are shorter than the inner1 glabrous1 erect or subsquarrose and as long as the sessile spikelets4 ,the spikelets are about #a_/f inch long1 sub-globose1 with four glumes4 ,the first glume is about #a_/aj inch long1 ovate-acuminate1 very thin1 hyaline1 nerveless or rarely #a-nerved4 ,the second glume is broadly ovate1 #a_/f inch long1 hyaline1 acute1 #a-nerved4 ,the third glume is slightly longer than the second1 oblong-ovate1 apiculate1 #e-nerved and paleate2 palea #a_/h inch obtuse4 ,the fourth glume is as long as the third1 ovate1 obtuse1 paleate4 ,anthers are three4 ,styles free almost to the base4 ,the grain is #a_/ab by #a_/af inch orbicular oblong1 compressed1 smooth and pale brown4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #aag4--;,cenchrus biflorus4 #a4 ,a portion of the raceme2 #b4 an involucel2 #c1 #d1 #e and #g4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume respectively2 #f and #h4 palea of the third and the fourth glumes2 #i4 the ovary and stamens2 #aj grain4 ,this grass is not so widely distributed as ,cenchrus catharticus4 ,it is confined to some ,east ,coast districts4 ,distribution4--,the ,punjab1 ,gangetic plain1 ,concan1 ,sind and ,coromandel4 ,also said to occur in ,africa and ,arabia4 ,cenchrus catharticus1 ,delile4 ,a tufted annual grass with geniculately ascending stems1 branching at the base4 ,the leaf-sheath is glabrous and somewhat inflated4 ,the ligule is a fringe of hairs4 ,nodes are glabrous4 ,the leaf-blade is linear-lanceolate1 finely acuminate1 #a to #d inches long and #a_/h to #a_/d inch broad4 ,the inflorescence is usually enclosed in the leaf-sheath1 #a to #f inches long2 the rachis is flexuous1 angular and glabrous4 ,the involucels are #a_/d to #a_/b inch across1 turbinate or truncate at base with an outer1 shorter and inner longer series of hard1 sharp1 pungent spines2 the inner subulate1 dorsally deeply grooved1 very much longer than the spikelets2 margins ciliate to about half the distance from the base1 and the upper half covered with very short1 sharp and stiff1 reflexed hairs2 the outer are shorter than the spikelets1 spreading or erect1 glabrous or nearly so and covered with reflexed hairs4 ,the spikelets are usually one to two and rarely three in an involucel and each one has four glumes4 ,the first glume is lanceolate and nerveless or ovate-lanceolate and #a-nerved1 half as long as the third glume1 hyaline and acute4 ,the second glume is about #a_/f inch long1 ovate1 acute1 membranous1 #e-nerved4 ,the third glume is similar to the second1 paleate2 palea is lanceolate and short4 ,the fourth glume is as long as the third1 cuspidately acuminate1 membranous1 #e-nerved and paleate2 palea is ovate1 as long as the glume4 ,stamens are three4 ,styles are free and long with plumose stigmas4 ,the grain is ovoid-oblong1 brown and compressed4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #aah4--;,cenchrus catharticus4 #a4 ,a portion of the spike2 #b4 an involucel with two spikelets2 #c1 #d1 #e and #g4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume respectively2 #f and #h4 palea of the third and the fourth glume respectively2 #i4 the ovary and stamens2 #aj4 grain4 ,this grass is more common than ,c4 biflorus and is found on the ,east ,coast districts in open sandy places4 ,distribution4--,nellore1 ,bellary1 the ,punjab and the ,gangetic ,plains4 ,,chapter ,,vii4 ,,tribes ,,ii ,,and ,,iii--,,oryzeae ,,and ,,zoysieae4 ,oryzeae is a very small tribe with a few genera1 which usually flourish in marshes4 ,the spikelets are in panicles1 #a-;flowered and the flower is usually perfect4 ,in ,oryza there are three glumes1 the first two being very minute1 and there is only a single glume in ,leersia and ,hygrorhiza4 ,there are usually six stamens4 ,the palea becomes firm in texture like the glume instead of remaining hyaline1 and so it is often mistaken for a glume4 ,the spikelets are jointed on their pedicels and fall away from them4 ,not floating2 spikelet not awned #aa4 ,leersia4 ,floating2 spikelets awned #ab4 ,hygrorhiza4 ,zoysieae is another small tribe with half a dozen genera4 ,the inflorescence is either a spike-like raceme or a spiciform panicle4 ,the spikelets are solitary in ,perotis1 binate in ,tragus and grouped in ,trachys4 ,there is usually a complete flower in a spikelet and the glumes are membranous4 ,mature spikelets are deciduous with their pedicels singly in ,perotis and in clusters in others4 ,spikelets fascicled unilaterally on a broad rachis1 #d-;glumed1 glumes not echinate #ac4 ,trachys4 ,spikelets binate and all round the rachis1 #c-;glumed1 glumes echinate #ad4 ,tragus4 ,spikelets single1 awned and #c-;glumed #ae4 ,perotis4 #aa4 ,leersia1 ,sw4 ,these are tall perennial marsh grasses4 ,the inflorescence is usually a more or less contracted panicle with very slender branches4 ,the spikelets are compressed and consist of only one glume bearing a perfect flower4 ,the solitary flowering glume is chartaceous1 awnless1 #c- to #e-nerved1 the lateral nerves forming the thickened margin of the glume4 ,the palea is narrow1 linear-lanceolate1 as long as the glume1 #c-nerved1 rigid1 dorsally ciliate1 and with hyaline margins4 ,lodicules are two4 ,stamens are usually six in number4 ,styles are short1 with plumose stigmas and laterally exserted4 ,grain is ovoid or oblong1 compressed1 free within the glume and its palea4 ,leersia hexandra1 ,sw4 ,this is a slender perennial marsh-grass with stems rooting in the mud and with flexuous floating branches1 sending up erect or ascending1 weak and slender leafy branches1 #b to #d feet high4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #aai4--,leersia hexandra4 #a4 ,erect branch2 #b and #c4 bits of leaves with ligules2 #d and #e4 spikelets2 #f4 ovary and lodicules4 ,the leaf-sheath is smooth1 glabrous1 with eciliate margins4 ,the ligule is a short obliquely truncate or two-lobed membrane4 ,nodes are hairy with deflexed hairs4 ,the leaf-blade is flat1 narrow1 linear1 tapering to a fine point1 suberect and rather rigid1 glabrous and with a narrow base1 varying in length from #c to #aj inches and #a_/h to #a_/c inch in breadth4 ,the inflorescence is an oblong laxly branched1 narrow pedunculate panicle1 #b to #d inches long4 ,the spikelets are all #a-;flowered and #a-;glumed1 articulate on the pedicels above the rudimentary glumes1 strongly laterally compressed4 ,the glume is about #a_/f inch long1 ovate-oblong1 somewhat boat-shaped1 acute and shortly mucronate1 strongly keeled1 ciliate on the keel and margins1 #e-nerved1 the lateral nerves forming a thickened margin2 palea is as long as the glume1 linear-lanceolate1 subacute1 rigid with membranous margins4 ,stamens are six and there are two small lodicules4 ,the first two glumes are reduced to an obscure hyaline rim4 ,this marsh-grass is found in marshy places such as ditches and channels in paddy fields1 ponds and tanks4 ,distribution4--,it is found all over ,india and ,ceylon2 also in ,africa1 ,america and ,australia4 #ab4 ,hygrorhiza1 ,nees4 ,these are floating glabrous grasses with stems diffusely branching and profusely rooting at the nodes4 ,the inflorescence is a panicle4 ,the spikelets are #a-;flowered1 with a solitary flowering glume only4 ,the flowering glume is awned1 strongly #e-nerved1 nerves scabrid and ciliate1 the lateral nerves being marginal4 ,palea is #c-nerved1 narrow acuminate with a ciliate keel4 ,lodicules are suborbicular4 ,there are six stamens with long slender anthers4 ,styles are free with plumose stigmas1 laterally exserted4 ,grain is oblong1 narrowed at the base1 obtuse1 free within the glume and its palea4 ,hygrorhiza aristata1 ,nees4 ,this is a floating aquatic grass4 ,stems are spongy1 branching diffusely1 #a foot long1 with feathery whorled roots in dense masses at the nodes2 branches are short1 erect and leafy4 ,the leaf-sheath is smooth1 inflated1 compressed1 with ciliate margins4 ,the ligule is a narrow membrane4 ,nodes have whorls of roots4 ,the leaf-blade is linear or ovate-lanceolate1 obtuse1 glabrous1 glaucous beneath1 base rounded or subcordate1 #a to #c inches long and #a_/b to #c_/d inch broad4 ,the inflorescence is a panicle1 #b inches long and broad1 somewhat triangular in outline2 the rachis and the branches are stiff1 slender and smooth1 the lower branches are a little deflexed4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #abj4--;,hygrorhiza aristata4 #a4 ,branch2 #b4 part of a leaf with ligule2 #c4 spikelet2 #d and #e4 glume and its palea2 #f4 lodicules and ovary4 ,the spikelets are very narrow1 sessile or pedicellate1 articulated on the pedicel1 #a-;flowered and #a-;glumed4 ,the glume is about #c_/h inch long 7excluding the awn7 and the awn is as long as the glume or slightly longer1 lanceolate1 with five strong nerves and the lateral ones forming thickened margins2 the palea is as long as the glume4 ,stamens are six and lodicules two4 ,found in ponds and tanks4 ,distribution4--,all over ,india and ,ceylon4 #ac4 ,trachys1 ,pers4 ,these are softly1 villous1 diffuse annual grasses4 ,the inflorescence consists of usually two 7rarely three7 divaricating spikes on a long peduncle4 ,the rachis is herbaceous1 broad flexuous1 jointed and bearing at each joint a solitary globose cluster of two or three perfect #a-;flowered glabrous spikelets surrounded by many short spinescent glumes of imperfect ones4 ,the perfect spikelets are #d-;glumed and the glumes are very unequal4 ,the first glume is minute1 tooth-like1 nerveless4 ,the second glume is long1 linear-lanceolate1 membranous1 very acute1 strongly #c- to #e-nerved4 ,the third glume is the largest1 obliquely ovate1 or obovate-oblong1 cuspidately acuminate1 rigidly coriaceous1 #i- to many-nerved1 paleate or not1 empty4 ,the fourth glume is shorter and narrower than the lower one1 linear-oblong1 acuminate1 chartaceous1 smooth1 dorsally convex1 with incurved margins1 bearing a bisexual flower1 paleate1 palea is hyaline as long as the glume1 and the margins are inflexed below the middle4 ,lodicules are very minute or wanting4 ,there are three stamens4 ,the styles are very long with slender stigmas1 exserted at the top of the glume4 ,the grain is oblong1 compressed1 free within the glume and its palea4 ,trachys mucronata1 ,pers4 ,this is a diffusely branching1 softly villous annual grass4 ,the stems are many from the root1 #af to #ah inches long1 ascending or decumbent and prostrate1 leafy1 glabrous1 rooting freely at the lower nodes1 especially when procumbent4 ,the leaf-sheaths are loose1 inflated1 hairy or rarely glabrous4 ,the ligule is a thin membrane1 or a ridge of fine closely set hairs4 ,nodes are villous4 ,the leaf-blade is linear-lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate acuminate1 flaccid1 softly villous on both the surfaces1 margins often crisped1 base rounded1 #b to #f inches by #a_/d to #a_/b inch4 ,the inflorescence consists of a long or short1 slender1 shining peduncle bearing two or three rigid1 flattened1 flexuous1 jointed spikes1 the rachis is broad1 herbaceous1 with a flat1 broad1 closely nerved wing on both the sides and with a distinct flat midrib and jointed1 each joint bears on the under surface at the articulation1 a solitary1 globose cluster of two to three perfect #a-;flowered glabrous spikelets surrounded by many short spinescent glumes of imperfect ones4 ,the spikes vary in length from #a to #b inches and in breadth from #a_/aj to #a_/f inch and are glabrous4 ,the clusters of spikelets are about #a_/d inch in diameter1 often partially sunk1 in a concavity of the rachis2 the perfect spikelets are #a_/e to #a_/d inch long and the imperfect are shorter4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #aba4--,trachys mucronata4 ,a and ,b4 ,the spikelets2 #a1 #b and #c4 the first1 second and the third glume1 respectively2 #d4 palea of the third glume2 #e and #f4 the fourth glume and its palea2 #g4 lodicules1 ovary and stamens4 ,in the perfect spikelet there are four very unequal glumes4 ,the first glume is minute1 tooth-like1 triangular or lanceolate1 acute1 nerveless1 #a_/af to #a_/ab inch long4 ,the second glume is elongate1 linear-lanceolate1 acute1 sometimes ciliate below the middle1 membranous1 narrower than the third glume1 hyaline1 strongly #c-nerved1 #a_/af by #a_/f inch4 ,the third glume is #a_/e by #a_/h inch the largest in the spikelet1 broadly and obliquely ovate or obovate1 cuspidately acute1 with nine to many green nerves1 paleate2 the palea is very small1 about #a_/bj inch long1 oblong1 hyaline and rigidly coriaceous4 ,the fourth glume is much narrower and shorter than the third glume1 linear oblong1 acuminate1 chartaceous1 smooth1 dorsally convex1 with incurved margins1 bisexual and paleate2 the palea is as long as the glume1 acuminate1 hyaline1 the margins inflexed below the middle1 ovate1 acute4 ,lodicules are minute or absent4 ,stamens are three with linear anthers4 ,styles are very long with slender stigmas4 ,the grain is oblong1 compressed4 ,this grass grows abundantly in cultivated dry fields and in the sand near the sea-shore and it is easily recognized by the clusters of spikelets in the spike4 ,distribution4--,the ,deccan ,peninsula--both in the interior and on the sea coast4 #ad4 ,tragus1 ,haller4 ,these are annual or perennial grasses1 with erect or prostrate stems4 ,inflorescence is a spiciform raceme1 bearing the spikelets in clusters of #b to #d4 ,the spikelets are #a-;flowered and usually with two glumes4 ,sometimes a very minute hyaline lower glume is present4 ,the first glume is thickly coriaceous1 #e-ribbed1 oblong-lanceolate1 and ribs with long recurved spines4 ,the second glume is oblong or oblong-lanceolate1 apiculate1 chartaceous1 #c-nerved and with a perfect flower2 palea is as long as the glume1 #b-nerved4 ,lodicules are broad1 cuneate and fleshy4 ,there are three stamens4 ,styles are slender and distinct1 with narrow stigmas exserted from the top of the glume4 ,grain is oblong to ellipsoidal free within the glume and its palea4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #abb4--,tragus racemosus4 ,tragus ,racemosus1 ,scop4 ,this plant is a perennial with tufted prostrate or erect stems1 rooting at the nodes freely and densely leafy4 ,the flowering branches are erect or geniculately ascending and varies from a few inches to about a foot4 ,the leaf-sheath is short1 pale1 glabrous1 somewhat compressed1 striate1 equitant below and upper are longer1 terete and green4 ,the ligule is only a ridge of short1 fine hairs4 ,nodes are glabrous4 ,the leaf-blade is convolute when young1 ovate or ovate-lanceolate1 variable from #a_/d to #b inches long and #a_/aj to #a_/f inch wide1 acuminate1 flat or somewhat wavy1 glabrous on both the surfaces1 rigidly pungent1 densely crowded and distichously imbricate in the lower part of the stem1 base is amplexicaul1 and the margin is distantly serrate and rigidly ciliate4 ,the inflorescence is a spike-like terminal panicle varying in length from #c_/d to #b inches2 the rachis is wavy1 slender1 angular or grooved1 pubescent1 the peduncle is striate1 pubescent and enclosed by the leaf-sheath4 ,the spikelets are arranged in groups of two1 facing each other and appearing like a single spikelet with two equal echinate glumes1 sessile1 or obscurely pedicelled on very short1 tumid1 pubescent branches4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #abc4--,tragus racemosus4 #a4 ,a pair of spikelets2 #b1 #c and #d4 the first1 second and the third glume1 respectively2 #e4 palea of the third glume2 #f4 ovary1 anthers and lodicules4 ,there are two 7rarely three7 glumes in the spikelet4 ,the first glume is very minute1 hyaline1 obtuse and it is very often not present4 ,the second glume is about #a_/h inch1 ovate-lanceolate1 acuminate1 strongly #c-ribbed with rows of stout1 spreading hooked spines along the ribs and encloses a single floret4 ,the margins of this glume are membranous and somewhat scaberulous4 ,the third glume is about #a_/ab inch1 oblong lanceolate1 membranous minutely hairy1 #c-nerved and finely pointed at the apex2 the palea is as long as the glume1 hyaline1 #b-nerved1 lanceolate1 subacute and irregularly toothed at the apex4 ,stamens are three1 with slender filaments1 anthers are short1 broad and pale yellow4 ,the style branches are pale and feathery4 ,lodicules are two1 fleshy and cuneate or subquadrate4 ,the grain is free inside the glume and the palea1 linear oblong1 slightly compressed and pale brown1 the embryo occupies about #a_/c the length of the grain4 ,this is one of the commonest grasses growing everywhere in tufts with usually prostrate branches4 ,in some situations the branches are erect4 ,distribution4--,plains of ,india throughout and ,ceylon4 ,it is found in all the warm regions of the world4 #ae4 ,perotis1 ,ait4 ,these are slender annual or perennial grasses with short broad leaves4 ,inflorescence is a spike or spiciform raceme4 ,the spikelets are #a-;flowered1 sessile or shortly pedicelled and jointed4 ,there are three glumes in the spikelet4 ,the first and the second glumes are empty1 subequal1 narrowly linear with a strong midrib which is produced into a long capillary awn4 ,the third glume is very small1 hyaline1 lanceolate1 acute1 #a-nerved and with a perfect flower2 palea is small1 narrow1 hyaline and nerveless4 ,stamens are three with short anthers4 ,styles are short and united at the base with very short stigmas4 ,the grain is long and narrow1 longer than the flowering glume4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #abd4--,perotis latifolia4 ,perotis latifolia1 ,ait4 ,this grass is an annual with slender leafy stems1 branching at the base1 prostrate at first and then geniculately ascending1 terminating in inflorescences and varying in length from #c to #ae inches4 ,the leaf-sheaths are glabrous1 usually all short except the one next to the inflorescence which is two or three times as long as the lower sheaths4 ,the nodes are purple and glabrous4 ,the leaf-blade is short1 #a to #a-a_/d inches long1 ovate or lanceolate1 cordate at base1 acute and glabrous on both the surfaces2 the margin is minutely serrate1 rigidly ciliate and with a very narrow hyaline border4 ,the inflorescence is a slender1 crinite1 spike-like raceme1 #a to #h inches long1 with a finely scabrid main rachis4 ,the spikelets are narrow linear #a_/ab to #a_/h inch or longer1 purple1 shortly pedicelled and #a-;flowered1 pedicels are short with a hyaline swelling on the upper side at the base4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #abe4--,perotis latifolia4 #a and #b4 ,spikelets2 #c1 #d and #e1 the first1 second and the third glume1 respectively2 #f4 ovary1 stamens and lodicules4 ,there are three glumes4 ,the first and the second glumes are empty1 narrow-linear1 purple1 scabrid1 #a-nerved and awned2 awns are capillary1 varying in length from #a_/c to #a_/b inch4 ,the third glume is very minute with very small palea4 ,there are three stamens and two small lodicules4 ,styles are somewhat shorter4 ,the grain is long and cylindric4 ,this grass grows in open waste places and in dry fields all over the ,presidency4 ,distribution4--,throughout ,india4 ,,chapter ,,viii4 ,,tribe ,,iv--,,andropogoneae4 ,andropogoneae is a very large tribe with about thirty genera4 ,it is very well represented in ,south ,india and some genera are of very wide distribution4 ,the spikelets are usually arranged in pairs at each joint1 one sessile and the other stalked4 ,the spikelets may all be similar as in ,imperata or they may be different as in ,ischaemum and ,andropogon4 ,there may be only one flower in the spikelet as in ,eremochloa and ,saccharum or two as in ,ischaemum and ,apocopis4 ,in the genera ,polytoca and ,coix the spikelets are unisexual and the male and female spikelets are found in the same inflorescence1 the female being below and the male being continuous with it4 ,the spikelet nearly always consists of four glumes1 the first or the first and the second being firmer and coriaceous or chartaceous4 ,the flowering glumes are always shorter than the empty glumes1 and are hyaline4 ,the fourth glume is often awned or reduced to an awn4 ,the main rachis of the inflorescence is usually jointed at the base4 ,in addition to this the rachis may be jointed all along its length1 so as to become separated into distinct joints when mature as in ,rottboellia1 ,saccharum and ,andropogon1 or it may be continuous as in ,imperata4 ,the pedicels of spikelets and the lower portions of the rachilla of the spikelets may have long hairs4 ,sub4 ,tribe #a4 ,maydeae4 ,the spikelets are all unisexual1 spicate1 the male and female spikelets are dissimilar1 and are on the same or on different spikes4 ,fruiting spikelets enclosed in a stony nut-like polished bract #af4 ,coix4 ,fruiting spikelets with the first glume forming a crustaceous nut-like envelope to other glumes and grain #ag4 ,polytoca4 ,sub4 ,tribe #b4 ,sacchareae4 ,the spikelets are all similar1 in compound racemes or panicles2 the first glume not sunk in the hollow of the rachis4 ,spikelets are #a-;flowered4 ,rachis not fragile2 spikelets in cylindrical silvery thyrsus #ah4 ,imperata4 ,rachis fragile2 spikelets in open very much branched silky panicles #ai4 ,saccharum4 ,sub4 ,tribe #c4 ,ischemeae4 ,spikelets many1 dissimilar1 in solitary1 digitate or fascicled racemes or spikes2 first glume not sunk in the hollow of the rachis4 ,margins of the first glume of the sessile spikelet inflexed4 ,spikes rarely solitary2 spikelets binate1 #b-;flowered and awned #bj4 ,ischaemum4 ,spikes solitary2 spikelets #a-;flowered2 first glume of the sessile spikelet pectinate #ba4 ,eremochloa4 ,margins of the first glume of the sessile spikelet not inflexed4 ,spikes solitary or binate2 spikelets #a- to #b-;flowered1 diandrous2 first glume broad and truncate #bb4 ,apocopis4 ,spikes #b or more2 spikelets binate1 upper alone awned #bc4 ,lophopogon4 ,sub4 ,tribe #d4 ,apludeae4 ,spikelets three on an inarticulate rachis #bd4 ,apluda4 ,sub4 ,tribe #e4 ,rottboellieae4 ,spikelets similar or dissimilar1 #a- to #b-;flowered1 solitary1 #b- or rarely #c-nate on the internodes of an articulated spike or raceme1 not awned2 the first glume is not keeled1 sunk in a cavity of joints of the rachis2 sessile spikelets #d-;glumed4 ,sessile spikelets single2 first glume flat #be4 ,rottboellia4 ,sessile spikelets geminate in all except the uppermost joints #bf4 ,mnesithea4 ,sessile spikelets binate2 first glume globose1 pitted #bg4 ,manisuris4 ,sub4 ,tribe #f4 ,eu-,andropogoneae4 ,spikelets are dissimilar1 #a-;flowered1 #b-7rarely7 #c-nate on the whorled articulate branches of simple or compound racemes or panicles2 glumes four1 first glume not keeled1 fourth glume usually awned4 ,spikelets binate below and #c-nate at the top on a spicate or panicled inflorescence #bh4 ,andropogon4 ,spikelets in two superposed series4 ,upper series of one or more sessile bisexual or female spikelets with one terminal pedicelled male spikelet4 ,rachis jointed above the involucral spikelets #bi4 ,anthistiria4 ,rachis jointed below the involucral spikelets #cj4 ,iseilema4 #af4 ,coix1 ,l4 ,these are tall monoecious annual or perennial grasses4 ,the inflorescences are terminal or axillary spiciform racemes4 ,the lowest-spikelet in the raceme is female and this is enclosed in a bract which at length becomes hardened1 polished and nut-like and the other spikelets above it are male4 ,the male spikelets are #b- to #c-nate at each node of the rachis1 #a sessile and #a or #b pedicelled1 lanceolate and #d-;glumed4 ,the first and the second glumes are subequal and empty1 and the first glume is winged along the inflated margins4 ,the third and the fourth glumes are hyaline1 with three stamens or empty4 ,the female spikelet is ovoid acuminate and has four glumes4 ,the first glume is chartaceous and the others are thin and gradually smaller4 ,the grain is orbicular1 ventrally furrowed and enclosed by the polished hard bract4 ,coix lachryma-jobi1 ,l4 ,this is a tall monoecious leafy annual 7rarely perennial7 grass with stout1 smooth1 polished1 freely branching stems rooting at the lower nodes and varying in length from #c to #e feet or more4 ,the leaf-sheath is long1 usually smooth but occasionally with scattered tubercle-based hairs4 ,the ligule is a narrow membrane4 ,the nodes are glabrous4 ,the leaf-blade is long1 flat1 narrow or broad1 acuminate1 cordate at base1 with a stout midrib and many slender veins on both sides1 usually glabrous on both sides though occasionally with scattered hairs1 and with spinulosely serrate margins1 varying from #d to #ah inches in length and #a_/c to #b inches in breadth4 ,the inflorescence consists of nodding or drooping spiciform racemes1 #a to #a-a_/b inches long1 terminating the branches4 ,the racemes consist of many male spikelets with one 7rarely two7 female spikelets at the base2 the rachis is stout above1 and the part within the bract enclosing the female spikelet is slender4 ,the male spikelets are imbricating1 #b or #c at a node of the rachis1 one sessile and one or two pedicelled1 dorsally compressed1 articulate at the base and persistent1 very variable in size1 #c_/h to #c_/d inch4 ,there are four glumes in the spikelet4 ,the first glume is oblong-lanceolate1 chartaceous1 #c_/e inch long1 acute1 many-nerved1 concave with inflexed margins bearing narrow green many-veined wings4 ,the second glume is similar to the first1 but thinner and without the wings1 #e- to #i- or rarely #aa-nerved4 ,the third glume is oblong-lanceolate1 hyaline1 faintly #c- to #e-nerved1 paleate and with three stamens4 ,the fourth glume is similar to the third1 paleate with or without stamens4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #abf4--;,coix ,lachryma-,jobi4 #a4 ,inflorescence2 #b4 the female spikelet2 #c4 male spikelets2 #d1 #e1 #f and #h4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively1 of a male spikelet2 #g and #i4 palea of the third and the fourth glumes1 respectively4 ,the female spikelet is enclosed by a closed bract which finally becomes hardened1 and there are four glumes in the spikelet4 ,the first and the second glumes are chartaceous4 ,the third and the fourth are hyaline1 the former being empty and the latter with an ovary4 ,lodicules are not present4 ,the ovary is ovoid with very long capillary styles4 ,the grain is orbicular1 compressed1 channelled at the back and enclosed within the stony1 hardened and polished bract4 ,this grass usually grows in paddy fields4 ,there are two distinct varieties--one a fairly tall one annual and the other a very tall 7#e to #aj feet7 perennial one4 ,the racemes of the latter are longer and drooping1 the male spikelets are in threes and the wings of the first glume are usually broader than in the other form4 ,this species is easily recognized by the polished bract enclosing the female spikelet4 ,distribution4--,throughout ,india4 #ag4 ,polytoca1 ,br4 ,these are tall monoecious annual or perennial grasses4 ,inflorescences consist of spiciform racemes with spathaceous bracts2 rachis is jointed4 ,racemes may all be male or with one or two female spikelets at the base4 ,male spikelets are geminate1 one sessile and one pedicelled1 #b-;flowered or imperfect1 and with four glumes1 which are subequal4 ,the first glume is membranous1 many-nerved1 shallowly concave and with a narrow membranous margin4 ,the second glume is narrower1 ovate1 acute1 #e- to #i-nerved4 ,the third glume is membranous1 oblong1 acute1 #c- to #e-nerved1 paleate and with three stamens4 ,the fourth glume is very slender1 hyaline1 linear1 paleate with three stamens or empty4 ,female spikelets are broadly oblong1 #a-;flowered and with four glumes4 ,the first glume is thick1 coriaceous and closely embraces the rachis of the spike by its involute margin and the other glumes are within4 ,the second glume is oblong1 many-nerved4 ,the third is narrowly oblong1 #c- to #e-nerved1 empty4 ,the fourth glume is very narrow1 truncate1 #c-nerved1 paleate4 ,styles are very long with slender stigmas4 ,grain is small1 fusiform1 terete and enclosed in the nut-like polished and hardened first glume4 ,polytoca barbata1 ,stapf4 ,this is an erect1 tall1 stout1 freely branching1 leafy1 monoecious perennial grass4 ,the stems are terete1 #c to #f feet high4 ,the leaf-sheaths are long1 glabrous1 or with scattered tubercle-based bristly hairs4 ,the ligule is a narrow membrane4 ,the nodes have a ring of soft long hairs4 ,the leaf-blades are long1 flat1 linear1 acuminate1 with a stout midrib and thickened serrate margins1 scabrid above and sometimes with a few tubercle-based hairs1 #aj inches to #b feet long and #a_/d to #c_/d inch broad4 ,the inflorescence consists of paniculate spike-like racemes terminating the branches and at first enclosed in spathiform bracts1 the lower and outer spathiform bracts are one inch or more in length with a long awn at the tip1 and the inner proper sheaths are oblong1 awned and about #a_/b inch long4 ,the raceme consists of one or more female spikelets at the base and a number of male spikelets above1 appearing as if sessile on the top of the female spikelet1 but really articulate with the internode below it which is enclosed by the first glume of the female spikelet4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #abg4--,polytoca barbata4 #a4 ,inflorescence2 #b1 #c1 #d and #e4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively1 of the male spikelet2 #d;a and #e;a4 palea of the third and the fourth glume1 respectively2 #f4 the first glume of the sessile spikelet2 #g4 female spikelet2 #h1 #i and #aj4 the second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively2 #aa4 palea of the fourth glume2 #ab4 ovary4 ,the male spikelets are solitary1 or binate and then one sessile and one pedicelled1 #b-;flowered1 reaching #c_/h inch in length and consist of four glumes each4 ,the first glume is concave1 ovate1 acute1 pubescent1 herbaceous1 many-nerved and with a narrow membranous margin on one side only in the pedicelled and solitary spikelets and on both sides in the sessile spikelets4 ,the second glume is narrower1 dorsally compressed1 ovate1 acuminate1 #e- to #i-nerved1 laterally compressed and with a narrow wing to the keel near the apex in sessile spikelets and dorsally compressed without the keel in the pedicelled and solitary spikelets4 ,the third glume is membranous1 oblong1 acuminate1 #c- to #e-nerved1 with three stamens and paleate2 the palea is hyaline1 broadly linear4 ,the fourth glume is very slender1 linear1 hyaline1 with or without stamens1 paleate2 palea is flat1 narrowly linear4 ,lodicules are present and they are small4 ,the anthers in the third glume are larger than those in the fourth glume4 ,the female spikelet is oblong1 #a_/f inch long1 #a-;flowered and with four glumes4 ,the first glume is thickly coriaceous1 white1 shining1 closely embracing the rachis and the other glumes entire at the tip4 ,the second glume is quadrately oblong1 many-nerved4 ,the third glume is oblong1 narrower than the second1 #c- to #e-nerved paleate1 empty4 ,the palea of the third glume is narrow1 truncate4 ,the fourth glume is narrow1 truncate1 #c-nerved1 paleate2 the palea is truncate and wrapped round the ovary4 ,styles are long and stigmas slender4 ,lodicules are not present4 ,the grain is fusiform1 terete and within the nut-like polished hardened glume4 ,distribution4--,in damp situations all over ,india4 #ah4 ,imperata1 ,cyril4 ,these are erect perennial grasses4 ,the inflorescence is a spike-like panicle1 with very short filiform inarticulate branches and rachises4 ,spikelets are binate1 #a-;flowered1 all alike1 both pedicelled1 articulate at the base and hidden by the very long silky hairs arising from a small callus and from the glumes4 ,there are four glumes4 ,the first two glumes are membranous1 lanceolate1 and subequal4 ,the third glume is shorter and smaller1 hyaline4 ,the fourth glume is still smaller and hyaline4 ,stamens are two1 rarely one4 ,lodicules are not found4 ,styles connate below1 with stigmas very long1 narrow and exserted at the top of the spikelets4 ,grain is small and oblong4 ,imperata arundinacea1 ,cyril4 ,this is an erect perennial grass with creeping1 stoloniferous root-stocks1 with aerial stems varying from #f inches to #c feet4 ,the leaf-sheath is loose and glabrous4 ,the ligule consists of long soft hairs4 ,the nodes are naked or bearded4 ,the leaf-blade is linear1 flat1 tapering from about the middle towards the top1 finely acuminate1 and also narrowing towards the base into the stout midrib1 margins with fine long hairs at the base1 #f to #ah inches by #a_/aj to #a_/c inch1 scabrous above and smooth beneath4 ,the panicle is narrow1 spike-like1 silvery1 #c to #h inches2 branches are short and appressed and the internodes of spikes are short with the tips dilated4 ,the spikelets are #a_/h to #a_/f inch concealed by long silvery hairs of the callus and the glumes1 articulate at the base2 callus hairs are about twice as long as the spikelet or longer4 ,there are four glumes in the spikelet4 ,the first glume is ovate-lanceolate1 obtuse1 with ciliate tips and long hairs at the back below the middle1 rather thickened towards the base1 dorsally hairy1 #c- to #g-nerved1 nerves not reaching the tip4 ,the second glume is as long as the first1 with membranous margins and with long hairs at the back1 #c- to #g-nerved4 ,the third glume is hyaline1 less than half as long as the first and second glumes1 oblong1 obtuse or irregularly toothed1 nerveless or #a-nerved4 ,the fourth glume is slightly shorter and narrower than the third1 ovate1 acute1 obtuse or toothed1 ciliate1 nerveless or faintly #a-nerved1 paleate2 palea is about half as long as the glume1 quadrate1 toothed or retuse1 nerveless1 glabrous4 ,there are only two stamens with orange anthers4 ,styles are slender1 long1 with purple stigmas4 ,lodicules are absent4 ,grain is small and oblong4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #abh4--;,imperata arundinacea4 #a4 ,a spikelet2 #b1 #c1 #d1 and #e4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively2 #f4 palea of the fourth glume2 #g4 two stamens and the ovary4 ,this is fairly abundant in moist stiff soils4 ,on account of the underground stolons this grass cannot be eradicated easily4 ,distribution4--,throughout ,india4 #ai4 ,saccharum1 ,l4 ,these are tall perennial grasses4 ,inflorescence is a much branched open panicle1 branches spreading or erect1 capillary and fragile4 ,spikelets are small1 #a-;flowered1 binate1 one sessile and the other pedicelled1 the sessile spikelet is bisexual and the pedicelled is female and rarely bisexual2 sessile spikelets are deciduous with the contiguous joint of the rachis and the pedicel4 ,there are four glumes4 ,the first glume is chartaceous1 equal in length to the second1 oblong or lanceolate4 ,the second glume is concave4 ,the third glume is hyaline1 empty4 ,the fourth glume is very small or absent4 ,lodicules are present4 ,there are three stamens4 ,stigmas are laterally exserted4 ,grain is oblong or sub-globose4 ,saccharum spontaneum1 ,l4 ,this is a tall perennial grass with a creeping root-stock bearing erect stems and occasionally decumbent or prostrate stolons4 ,stems vary in length from #e to #bj feet4 ,branches and axillary buds grow out piercing the sheaths near the nodes4 ,the leaf-sheath is glabrous1 but woolly at the mouth4 ,the ligule is a distinct ovate membrane4 ,the nodes are glabrous4 ,the leaf-blade is very long1 narrow linear1 acuminate and narrowing downwards into the stout midrib1 coriaceous1 glabrous and #a-a_/b to #b feet by #a_/h to #a_/d inch4 ,the panicle is lanceolate1 #h to #bd inches1 silky and the peduncle just below the panicle is softly silky1 branches are whorled1 three to five at a level1 #b to #d inches long1 rachis of the branches almost capillary1 jointed and fragile1 joints with long cilia at the back4 ,the spikelets are binate1 one sessile and another pedicelled1 both bisexual and alike1 lanceolate1 #a_/h to #a_/f inch long1 callus is minute and bearded with spreading silky hairs #a_/b inch long4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #abi4--,saccharum spontaneum4 #a4 ,two spikelets2 #b1 #c1 #d and #e4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively2 #f4 ovary1 stamens and lodicules4 ,there are four glumes4 ,the first glume is lanceolate1 subulate1 acuminate1 #b-nerved1 flattened dorsally1 coriaceous at the base and hyaline above it1 and with smooth incurved margins4 ,the second glume is about equal to or slightly shorter than the first1 lanceolate1 acuminate1 #a-nerved1 keeled with an opaque base2 margins and keel are ciliate with fine long hairs4 ,the third glume is hyaline1 ovate-lanceolate1 nerveless1 acute1 ciliate4 ,the fourth glume is very slender1 ciliate1 acuminate1 paleate2 palea is minute1 very variable4 ,stamens are three4 ,lodicules are cuneate or quadrate4 ,the grain is very small1 oblong4 ,distribution4--,this occurs all over ,india along the sides of the river4 #bj4 ,ischaemum1 ,l4 ,the grasses of this genus are either annuals or perennials4 ,the inflorescence consists of spikes1 solitary1 digitate or fascicled1 articulate and fragile2 the joints of the floral axis and the pedicels of the pedicelled spikelets are trigonous and hollowed ventrally4 ,spikelets are binate1 one sessile and one pedicelled2 the pedicelled spikelets are dissimilar from the sessile and both usually #b-;flowered4 ,the sessile spikelets have four glumes4 ,the first glume is coriaceous1 oblong or lanceolate1 convex more or less1 marginally winged above the middle1 truncate or two-cuspidate at the apex and awnless4 ,the second glume is as long as the first1 coriaceous1 concave1 acute or obtuse1 awned or not4 ,the third glume is hyaline1 deeply cleft into two lobes with an awn in the cleft1 and #c-nerved1 paleate2 palea is linear-lanceolate enclosing either stamens and ovary or ovary alone4 ,lodicules are cuneate or quadrate4 ,,key ,,to ,,species4 ,racemes two or three2 the first glume of the sessile spikelet dorsally flat1 not channelled or depressed along the middle line4 ,margin of the first glume of the sessile spikelet incurved narrowly from the base to the apex4 ,first glume of sessile spikelets with nodulose margins4 #a4 ,i4 aristatum4 ,first glume of sessile spikelets closely transversely ribbed4 #b4 ,i4 rugosum4 ,first glume of the sessile spikelet translucent1 bicuspidate at the tip and with smooth margins4 #c4 ,i4 pilosum4 ,margin of the first glume of the sessile spikelet broadly incurved from below the middle4 ,first glume of the sessile spikelet with smooth margins1 callus bearded4 #d4 ,i4 ciliare4 ,raceme solitary2 the first glume of the sessile spikelet deeply grooved at the back along the middle line4 #e4 ,i4 laxum4 ,ischaemum aristatum1 ,l4 ,this is a perennial grass1 with fairly stout1 erect or somewhat decumbent1 simple or branched1 glabrous1 leafy stems1 #a to #d feet high4 ,the leaf-sheath is loose1 glabrous and auricled4 ,the ligule is a distinct membrane1 broad or narrow4 ,nodes are glabrous4 ,the leaf-blade is linear-lanceolate1 flat1 acuminate1 narrowed towards the base which may be acute1 subcordate or rarely even petiolate1 glabrous or sparsely hairy above and glaucous beneath1 #d to #aj inches long and #a_/d to #a inch broad4 ,the inflorescence consists of one or two1 erect1 stout or slender1 fragile racemes1 #a to #e inches long4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #acj4--;,ischaemum aristatum4 #a4 ,a portion of the raceme showing the joints1 sessile and pedicelled spikelets2 #b1 #c1 #d and #f4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively1 of the sessile spikelet2 #e and #g4 palea of the third and the fourth glumes1 respectively2 #h4 ovary1 stamens and lodicules2 #i4 first glume of the pedicelled spikelet4 ,the spikelets are #a_/f to #a_/c inch long1 the sessile and the pedicelled closely pressed together1 glabrous or hairy2 the callus of the sessile spikelet broad and thick1 with or without hairs4 ,the sessile spikelet is awned and consists of four glumes4 ,the first glume is #a_/e inch long or less1 oblong or linear-oblong1 cartilaginous below the middle1 with two to four 7or rarely up to six7 marginal nodules on each edge1 sometimes these are connected by shallow ridges1 thinner above the middle1 with green anastomosing veins1 tip obtuse or #b-toothed1 and margins narrowly incurved4 ,the second glume is chartaceous1 lanceolate1 acuminate1 #a-nerved and with a smooth rounded keel4 ,the third glume is ovate-lanceolate1 membranous1 #a-nerved1 acuminate1 male or bisexual with an oblong palea4 ,the fourth glume is cleft to or below the middle into lanceolate acute lobes1 with a brownish red awn #a_/b inch or more long at the sinus twisted at the lower portion and straight above1 paleate1 usually female2 palea is linear oblong4 ,the pedicelled spikelet is as long as the sessile1 inarticulate on the very thick1 short pedicel which is densely or sparsely hairy at the base4 ,the first glume is scimitar-shaped1 coriaceous1 acute1 with a somewhat semi-circular wing4 ,the other glumes are as in sessile spikelets1 but the fourth glume has no awn and may have a mucro4 ,this grass is a variable one4 ,there is much variation in the breadth of the leaves and in the markings and hairiness of the spikelets4 ,the spikelets may be glabrous or hairy and the marking in the first glume of the sessile spikelets varies in the matter of marginal nodules--it may have mere shallow notches or deep well-formed nodules and there may be transverse ridges or they may be absent4 ,this grass is abundant on the ,west ,coast and rare in the ,east ,coast4 ,distribution4--,throughout the plains and lower hills of ,india and ,ceylon4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #aca4--;,ischaemum aristatum4 ,a4 ,a portion of the raceme showing the joints2 ,b4 a sessile and a pedicelled spikelet4 #a1 #b1 #c and #f4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively2 #d and #e4 palea of the third and the fourth glume2 #g4 ovary and lodicules2 #h4 first glume of the pedicelled spikelets4 ,ischaemum rugosum1 ,salisb4 ,this is an erect annual grass with tufted1 leafy1 compressed stems varying in length from #aj inches to #b feet4 ,the leaf-sheath is glabrous1 loose and compressed1 with a membranous auricle confluent with the truncate ligule4 ,nodes usually glabrous but sometimes also puberulous4 ,the leaf-blade is narrow1 linear-lanceolate1 flat1 base contracted1 flaccid1 acuminate1 rounded at the base1 glabrous or sparsely hairy on both the surfaces2 the topmost leaf is often reduced to an inflated sheath enclosing the inflorescence partially4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #acb4--;,ischaemum rugosum4 #a4 ,a part of the raceme showing sessile spikelets with reduced pedicelled spikelets2 #b4 a sessile spikelet and a well developed pedicelled spikelet2 #c4 a reduced pedicelled spikelet2 #d1 #e1 #f and #h4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume of the sessile spikelet2 #g and #i4 palea of the third and fourth glumes of the sessile spikelet2 #aj4 ovary4 ,the racemes are usually two1 erect1 fragile1 #a to #c inches long with a slight thickening of the peduncle below the inflorescence2 the joints are #a_/c to #b_/c as long as the sessile spikelets2 trigonous and subclavate1 and with long hairs on one side4 ,the spikelets are linear-oblong1 glabrous or villous1 #a_/h to #a_/d inch long1 sessile and stalked spikelets close together2 the pedicel of the stalked spikelet is thick about #a_/c or less than the length of the sessile spikelet1 ciliate on one side1 confluent with the thick callus of the sessile spikelet1 which is sparsely bristly4 ,the sessile spikelet consists of four glumes and is awned4 ,the first glume is concave1 pale yellow1 shining and cartilaginous to about #b_/c its length from the base1 and the upper third is membranous1 dimidiately ovate2 at the back in the cartilaginous portion1 there are three to six deep convex smooth ridges running across the glume2 the membranous tip is thin and with anastomosing green veins2 the margins of this glume are thick1 narrowly incurved1 ciliolate1 and with a narrow wing on the outer margin4 ,the second glume is oblong-lanceolate or lanceolate1 coriaceous1 acuminate1 scaberulous1 keeled and laterally compressed and on the keel just below the tip there is a narrow ciliate wing4 ,the third glume is ovate-lanceolate1 hyaline1 acuminate #a- to #c-veined1 male or empty1 with a narrow hyaline palea4 ,the fourth glume is shorter than the third1 deeply cleft into two lanceolate acute lobes1 #c-veined at the base2 awn up to about #b_/c inch long2 palea is linear lanceolate4 ,stamens are three and lodicules are small and cuneate4 ,the pedicelled spikelet is very variable4 ,it is shorter than the sessile1 with obscure transverse ridges and may consist of four glumes1 but without an awn to the fourth glume2 sometimes this spikelet is reduced to a single glume4 ,the grain is broadly oblong1 brownish and compressed4 ,distribution4--,throughout ,india and ,ceylon4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #acc4--;,ischaemum pilosum4 ,a and ,b4 ,ligules4 ,ischaemum pilosum1 ,hack4 ,it is a tall1 robust1 perennial grass with rhizomes producing numerous creeping stolons densely covered with scaly-sheaths4 ,the aerial stems are erect1 freely branching at the base1 slender1 #b to #c feet long1 glabrous4 ,the leaf-sheath is glabrous4 ,the ligule is a distinct glabrous membrane1 #a_/h inch long1 rounded4 ,nodes are glabrous4 ,the leaf-blade is linear1 finely acuminate1 glabrous but bearded at the base1 #f to #ab inches long and #a_/h to #a_/c inch broad4 ,the inflorescence consists of two to six softly hairy spikes which are yellow or brown #a to #d inches long4 ,joints and pedicels are slender1 sparsely ciliate4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #acd4--;,ischaemum pilosum4 #a4 ,a sessile and a pedicelled spikelet2 #b1 #c1 #d and #f4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively1 of the sessile spikelets2 #e4 palea of the third glume1 #g4 palea of the fourth glume2 #h4 ovary2 #i1 #aj1 #aa and #ab4 first1 second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively1 of the pedicelled spikelets2 #ac4 palea of the fourth glume4 ,the sessile spikelets are narrowly lanceolate1 #c_/d inch long1 with long hairs at the base4 ,the first glume is dorsally hairy1 or glabrous1 narrowed from the middle upwards1 chartaceous1 with incurved margins and six or seven anastomosing nerves4 ,the second glume is longer than the first1 laterally compressed1 ovate-lanceolate1 acuminate1 chartaceous1 glabrous but often with long hairs on the keel towards the upper half1 #e-nerved1 the lateral nerves anastomosing4 ,the third glume is a little shorter than the second1 linear-oblong or lanceolate1 paleate2 palea is membranous1 nerveless1 and encloses three stamens4 ,the fourth glume is equal to the third glume in length1 membranous1 hyaline and divided almost to the middle into two acute lobes with an awn #a_/d to #c_/h inch long1 paleate2 palea is lanceolate1 nerveless and encloses three stamens and the ovary and sometimes only the ovary4 ,the pedicelled spikelets are shorter than the sessile but with a shorter awn4 ,the glumes are similar to those of the sessile spikelet2 sometimes these spikelets are imperfect or even reduced to a single glume4 ,this grass grows well in black cotton soils and sometimes it gets very well established and then it is very difficult to eradicate it4 ,cattle seem to like this grass4 ,distribution4--,in black cotton soils all over the presidency1 but most abundant in the ,ceded districts4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ace4--;,ischaemum ciliare4 ,ischaemum ciliare1 ,retz4 ,it is a tufted perennial grass1 erect or creeping4 ,stems are erect or ascending1 sometimes decumbent at base1 and rooting at the nodes1 stout or slender1 #f inches to #b feet long4 ,the leaf-sheath is compressed1 loose1 glabrous or hairy4 ,the ligule is a short1 ciliate membrane4 ,nodes are glabrous or hairy4 ,the leaf-blade is flat1 linear-lanceolate1 acuminate1 narrowed towards the acute or rounded base1 glabrous or hairy1 #b to #f inches long and #a_/f to #a_/b inch wide4 ,the inflorescence consists of two spikes1 #a-a_/b to #b inches long2 joints and pedicels of the pedicelled spikelets equal1 hairy at the back and at the angles4 ,the sessile spikelets are #a_/h to #a_/e inch long1 oblong1 bearded at the base4 ,the first glume is coriaceous1 convex1 polished1 smooth or pitted1 hairy below1 flat and veined above the middle1 with broad or narrow ciliate equal wings and with margins narrowly inflexed above and broadly so below4 ,the second glume is coriaceous1 equal to or longer than the first1 lanceolate1 acuminate1 or shortly awned1 #c- to #e-nerved1 keel narrowly winged towards the apex1 dorsally ciliate or not4 ,the third glume is ovate-lanceolate1 acuminate1 ciliate towards the apex1 #a- to #c-nerved1 paleate2 the palea has a coriaceous lanceolate centre1 with broad hyaline ciliate wings and encloses three stamens4 ,the fourth glume is hyaline1 deeply lobed into two oblong obtuse glabrous or ciliate lobes1 with an awn twice as long as the spikelet in the cleft1 and paleate2 palea is lanceolate1 acuminate1 #b-nerved4 ,styles and stigmas are short4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #acf4--;,ischaemum ciliare4 #a4 ,spikelets2 #b1 #c1 #d and #f4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively1 of the sessile spikelet2 #e and #g4 palea of the third and the fourth glumes1 respectively2 #h4 lodicules1 stamens and the ovary2 #i and #aj4 the first and the second glumes of the pedicelled spikelet4 ,the pedicelled spikelets resemble the sessile ones in the structure of their glumes and palea4 ,this grass is very variable in its habit and in the structure of its spikelets4 ,it grows mostly in wet situations1 such as the bunds of paddy fields and tanks4 ,cattle eat the grass eagerly4 ,distribution4--,all over ,india and ,ceylon4 ,ischaemum laxum1 ,l4 ,this is a perennial grass with numerous stiff1 thick and wiry roots4 ,stems are erect1 slender1 rising in tufts from a short root-stock1 glabrous1 leafy towards the base1 varying in length from #b to #c feet4 ,the leaf-sheaths are shorter than the internodes usually glabrous1 but occasionally with scattered hairs4 ,at the mouth tufts of hairs are present or not4 ,the ligule is a ridge of silky hairs4 ,the nodes are glabrous4 ,the leaf-blades are erect1 flat1 slightly glaucous1 linear1 narrowed to long capillary tips1 #e to #ab inches long and #a_/aj to #a_/f inch broad1 with prominent nerves and scabrid margins4 ,the inflorescence is a solitary spike1 #b to #e inches long1 erect and fragile2 the joints and pedicels are compressed1 somewhat #b-;angled1 ciliate with long hairs1 and about half as long as the spikelets4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #acg4--;,ischaemum laxum4 #a4 ,a sessile and a pedicelled spikelet2 #b4 first glume of a sessile spikelet2 #c4 second glume of a sessile spikelet2 #d and #e4 third and fourth glumes of sessile spikelets2 #d;a and #e;a4 are palea of third and fourth glumes2 #f4 ovary2 #g1 #h1 #i and #aj4 glumes of pedicelled spikelets2 #i;a and #aj;a4 palea of third and fourth glumes4 ,the spikelets are in pairs1 one-sessile and one-pedicelled4 ,the sessile spikelets are pale-green1 linear-oblong1 acuminate with a shortly bearded callus1 #a_/d to #c_/h of an inch long4 ,there are four glumes in a spikelet4 ,the first glume is chartaceous1 oblong-lanceolate1 acuminate1 #b-toothed with the teeth ending in two short awns1 densely ciliated at the apex on one side1 conspicuously #f- 7rarely7 #g-nerved1 the two lateral being very strong and running into the apical teeth and the intermediate four nerves being shorter and not running up to the apex1 and on the dorsal surface there is a depression1 where it is membranous and the nerves on its sides sometimes anastomosing at the upper third of the glume4 ,the second glume is shorter than the first1 chartaceous to a certain extent1 ovate-lanceolate1 acuminate1 concave1 terminating in a fine scabrid awn1 #a_/b inch long1 with margins ciliate from above the middle to the apex1 and with a narrow ciliated wing on the keel at the apex running up to the base of the awn1 #c-nerved4 ,the third glume is lanceolate1 acuminate1 hyaline1 nerveless1 ciliate1 with a linear obtuse palea enclosing three stamens and two lodicules4 ,the fourth glume is hyaline1 membranous1 deeply split at the apex into two prominent lobes and with an awn in the depression #a_/b inch long1 the palea is linear oblong and contains either the ovary alone or both the stamens and the ovary4 ,the pedicelled spikelets are also as long as the sessile1 more conspicuous than the sessile and consist of four glumes1 but are not awned4 ,the first glume is lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate1 chartaceous1 with seven strong nerves1 very prominent at the back and the mid nerve being most conspicuous1 with scabrid keels and closely finely ciliated and folded margins1 finely biaristate at the apex4 ,the second glume is lanceolate1 finely acuminate1 sub-chartaceous1 with the margins ciliate from about two-third its length from the apex1 #c-nerved1 the mid nerve alone being prominent4 ,the third glume is hyaline1 nerveless1 lanceolate1 ciliate in the margin1 paleate with #c stamens or empty4 ,the fourth glume is shorter than the third1 hyaline1 narrow lanceolate1 not awned1 ciliate or not at the margin1 paleate and with three stamens and two lodicules4 ,this grass produces a large amount of leaves in good soils and it is liked very much by cattle4 ,it is capable of standing a long spell of dry weather1 and is valuable in this respect because it can be depended upon when other grasses fail4 ,it is worth conserving with other grasses4 ,it grows both in rich and poor soils1 in open places and also in thickets4 ,distribution4--,throughout ,india and ,ceylon4 #ba4 ,eremochloa1 ,buse4 ,these are tufted perennial grasses with rigid equitant leaves at the base4 ,the inflorescence consists of a solitary1 glabrous1 and compressed spike1 with a somewhat fragile rachis2 the joints are compressed1 hollow and clavate4 ,the spikelets are solitary1 usually #b-;flowered 7rarely #a-;flowered71 secund1 closely imbricating1 sessile with a short1 pedicelled1 reduced upper spikelet1 and deciduous with the joint4 ,there are four glumes4 ,the first glume is oblong or ovate1 flat1 smooth1 coriaceous1 pectinately margined with upcurved spines4 ,the second glume is oblong-lanceolate1 acute and #c-nerved4 ,the third glume is hyaline1 obtuse1 paleate and male4 ,the fourth glume is smaller1 hyaline1 oblong1 obtuse1 #a-nerved1 paleate1 bisexual or female4 ,lodicules are truncate and slightly oblique4 ,stamens are three with long anthers4 ,styles are two with feathery stigmas4 ,the grain is oval1 plano-convex4 ,eremochloa muricata1 ,hack4 ,this is a perennial tufted grass with a woody creeping root-stock4 ,stems are erect or ascending1 slender1 strongly compressed1 lower parts completely covered by rigid equitant leaves1 #f to #ah inches long or more4 ,the leaf-sheath is broad1 flat1 much compressed1 glabrous and keeled4 ,the ligule is a short membrane4 ,nodes are glabrous4 ,the leaf-blade is linear1 glabrous on both sides1 #b to #f inches long and #c_/af to #a_/d inch broad1 with a rounded tip and two unequal lobes4 ,the spike is solitary1 up to #f inches 7or more7 in length1 joints of the rachis #a_/c to #a_/b the length of the spikelets4 ,spikelets are solitary1 sessile1 compressed1 secund4 ,the sessile spikelets are #c_/af to #a_/f inch1 and consist of four spikelets4 ,the first glume is oblong-lanceolate1 dorsally slightly convex1 smooth1 coriaceous1 #g- to #i-nerved1 and with pectinate margins consisting of long1 spreading1 upcurved spines and at the top with subquadrate wings on each side reaching beyond the acute tip4 ,the second glume is chartaceous1 oblong-lanceolate1 acuminate1 usually #e-nerved 7and occasionally #c-nerved71 the mid-nerve keeled with a narrow wing from below the middle to the base and with hyaline margins4 ,the third glume is oblong-obovate1 hyaline1 thin1 paleate with three yellow anthers and two oblong-cuneate lodicules2 palea is narrow1 oblong1 obtuse4 ,the fourth glume is thin1 hyaline1 oblong-lanceolate1 obtuse1 paleate1 and bisexual2 palea lanceolate1 narrow1 two-toothed at the apex1 with deep purple anthers and stigmas of the same colour4 ,the lodicules are obliquely truncate4 ,ovary has a reddish spot between the style branches and just at the apex in the fresh state in the bud and in the open flower4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ach4--;,eremochloa muricata4 ,a4 ,sessile spikelet2 ,b4 sessile and a pedicelled spikelet2 #a1 #b1 #c and #d4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume of the sessile spikelet2 #c;a and #d;a4 palea of the third and fourth glumes of the sessile spikelet2 #e4 ovary1 anthers and lodicules4 ,the pedicelled spikelet is reduced to an inflated body1 as long as the sessile spikelet4 ,it is pointed towards both ends1 green with anastomosing veins on the outside and membranous1 white and nerveless on the other side4 ,the part of the pedicelled spikelet corresponding to the spikelet looks as if the margins of the first and second glumes are confluent all round4 ,distribution4--,south ,india and ,ceylon4 #bb4 ,apocopis1 ,nees4 ,these are annual or perennial grasses with slender stems4 ,the spikes are compressed1 #b- to #c-nate1 or solitary at the ends of slender branches1 with a rachis not jointed2 joints are short1 slender and villous4 ,spikelets are closely imbricating in two series1 sessile1 solitary1 the upper reduced to a small pedicel #a- to #b-;flowered1 the lowest few on the spike1 imperfect1 male or neuter4 ,there are four glumes4 ,the first glume is large1 broadly obovate or obcordate1 cuneate1 villous with brown hairs1 #g- to #i-nerved4 ,the second glume is as long as the first1 but narrower1 thinner1 oblong to ovate1 spikelet truncate and #c-nerved4 ,the third glume is hyaline1 narrow1 paleate1 male or empty4 ,the fourth glume is hyaline1 linear1 entire or #b-;fid1 awned1 bisexual with a very short palea4 ,lodicules are absent4 ,stamens are two or three with linear anthers4 ,styles are short and stigmas slender and exserted4 ,the grain is small1 oblong and narrow4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #aci4--;,apocopis ,wightii4 ,apocopis ,wightii1 ,nees ex ,steud4 ,this is a low and densely tufted or tall erect annual grass4 ,stems are leafy1 branching freely1 #c to #h inches long4 ,the leaf-sheath is loose1 usually hairy1 rarely also glabrous and hairy at the mouth4 ,the ligule is a small lacerate membrane4 ,the leaf-blade is linear-lanceolate1 acuminate1 hairy on both sides and with tubercle-based hairs1 rarely glabrous1 #c_/d to #c inches by #a_/ab to #a_/h inch4 ,the inflorescence consists of two racemes1 closely appressed together on a very slender peduncle2 the joints are shorter than the spikelets and with long brown hairs4 ,the spikelets are oblong1 #a_/h to #a_/e inch long1 the callus is short1 hairy with long brown hairs4 ,the first glume is cuneately obovate or obcordate1 yellowish with red brown tips or dark brown with yellow tips1 chartaceous below1 membranous1 hyaline and ciliate at the truncate1 emarginate or retuse apex1 #g- to #i-nerved1 the nerves abruptly ceasing towards the apex4 ,the second glume is as long as the first1 broadly oblong1 sides sharply folded inwards1 #c-nerved1 rarely nerveless1 with long hairs at the back towards the base and with short cilia at the apex4 ,the third glume is as long as the first1 hyaline1 thin1 linear-oblong1 nerveless1 ciliate at the apex1 paleate1 usually with two stamens or empty2 palea as long as the glume1 hyaline and nerveless4 ,the fourth glume is slightly longer than the other glumes or equal1 very narrowly oblong or linear1 membranous1 awned and paleate2 awn is #b to #f times the length of the glume1 #g_/h to #a-a_/d inch long2 palea is hyaline1 thin1 nerveless1 convolute1 broadly oblong to almost quadrate oblong1 apex with very short cilia4 ,grain is minute and oblong4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #adj4--;,apocopis ,wightii4 #a4 ,spike2 #b4 a spikelet2 #c1 #d1 #e and #g4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively2 #f and #h4 palea of the third and the fourth glume2 #i4 ovary4 ,this grass varies very much in its spikelets4 ,in one form they are smaller and hairy and in the other they are larger and glabrous except for a few stray hairs here and there4 ,the former one is more widely distributed and the latter seems to be confined to certain localities in the south of the ,presidency4 ,distribution4--,throughout the ,deccan ,peninsula1 ,behar1 ,central ,india1 ,burma and ,ceylon4 #bc4 ,lophopogon1 ,hack4 ,these are small densely tufted perennial grasses1 with very narrow leaves4 ,the spikes are very short at the ends of very fine branches1 solitary1 binate or fascicled1 with very fragile rachis2 joints are very short1 slender with cupular tips4 ,the spikelets are binate one sessile and the other shortly pedicelled1 with the callus villous4 ,there are four glumes4 ,the first glume 7of both the sessile and the pedicelled spikelets7 is oblong1 truncate1 irregularly #c- to #d-toothed1 #e- to #g-nerved and dorsally convex4 ,the second glume is narrow lanceolate1 longer than the first1 #c- to #e-nerved1 hispidly villous dorsally below the middle and on the sides1 aristate or awned4 ,the third glume is oblong lanceolate1 hyaline1 acute or aristate1 #a-nerved1 male or neuter1 with a linear palea4 ,the fourth glume is hyaline1 as long as the third1 entire or #b-;fid and awned in the pedicelled and not awned in sessile spikelets1 paleate with female or bisexual flowers4 ,lodicules are not present4 ,stamens are two4 ,stigmas are long4 ,lophopogon tridentatus1 ,hack4 ,this is a small annual grass with slender1 tufted1 erect stems varying in height from #d to #ab inches4 ,leaf-sheaths are glabrous or with scattered hairs4 ,the ligule is a fringe of close-set long hairs4 ,nodes are covered with long hairs below1 but nodes nearer the inflorescence are glabrous4 ,leaf-blades are very finely linear1 acuminate1 rigid1 erect1 glabrous below1 with long hairs on the upper surface to about quarter the length of the blade and densely hairy near the mouth1 and varying in length from #b to #f inches4 ,the inflorescence consists of usually two closely appressed spikes1 though appearing as one1 #a_/b to #c_/d inch long1 pilose with ferrugineous hairs2 the peduncle is capillary and enclosed by the upper leaf-sheath4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ada4--,lophopogon tridentatus4 #a4 ,awnless lower spikelet2 #b4 a lower sessile and an upper pedicelled spikelet2 #c4 the first glume of an awnless lower spikelet2 #d4 the first glume of a lower spikelet that is awned2 #e4 the first1 glume of the upper or pedicelled spikelets2 #f1 #g and #i4 the second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively1 of the upper pedicelled spikelets2 #h and #aj4 palea of the third and the fourth glumes2 #aa4 ovary and anthers4 ,the spikelets are densely imbricate1 binate at each joint1 the upper being shortly pedicelled and the lower sessile or subsessile4 ,the lower spikelets are #a_/e inch long with a tuft of brownish hairs at the tip of the callus4 ,the lower spikelets at the very base of the inflorescence are awnless and contain only two male flowers1 whereas those above in the inflorescence are awned and contain one male flower and one hermaphrodite or female flower4 ,there are four glumes in the spikelet4 ,the first glume in the awnless spikelets is coriaceous1 oblong1 cuneate1 very sparsely hairy or glabrous1 shorter than the second glume1 #g-nerved1 #e-toothed at the apex1 two teeth being broader and shorter and three sharper and longer4 ,the second glume is longer than the first1 #a_/e inch long1 sub-chartaceous1 lanceolate1 #c-nerved1 #b-;fid at the tip and awned or aristate1 margin hyaline and with long brownish hairs on the marginal nerves4 ,the third glume is hyaline1 a little shorter than the second1 lanceolate-linear1 tip bifid or irregularly toothed1 paleate with two stamens or rarely empty2 the palea is linear1 about as long as the glume1 tip irregularly toothed4 ,the fourth glume is hyaline1 as long as the third glume1 #b-;fid at the tip1 awnless with a very minute arista in the cleft or not1 paleate with two stamens2 palea narrow and hyaline4 ,the first glume of the lower spikelets above is somewhat narrower1 #e- or #c-toothed with long hairs at the margins and with tufts of hairs at the back about the middle4 ,the pedicelled or upper spikelets also have four glumes and bear one male flower and one bisexual flower4 ,the first glume is shorter than the second glume1 narrow1 oblong1 cuneate1 #c-toothed with marginal hairs and tufts of hairs at about the middle at the back1 #g-nerved all nerves running straight4 ,the second glume is longer than the first1 #a_/e inch long1 sub-chartaceous1 lanceolate1 #b-;fid at the tip1 awned with hyaline margins1 #c- to #g-nerved1 marginal nerves with long brown hairs1 and also with two tufts of hairs at about the middle or without it4 ,the third glume is hyaline1 nerveless1 linear-lanceolate1 shorter than the second glume1 tip irregularly toothed or unequally bifid1 paleate with two stamens2 palea is linear about as long as the glume4 ,the fourth glume is hyaline1 about #a_/f inch long1 lanceolate1 #b-;fid at the tip1 awned in the cleft1 lobes are hairy2 awn is #c_/d inch long1 paleate1 usually bisexual1 rarely female2 palea is two-thirds of the glume in height1 broadly ovate or quadrate1 lobulate at the apex4 ,styles are very long1 purple1 anthers long1 yellow4 ,grain narrow ellipsoidal or cylindric as long as the palea4 ,this grass is found in ,chingleput1 ,nellore and ,chittoor districts in open waste places in loamy soils4 ,distribution4--,the ,konkan1 ,kanara and ,central ,provinces4 #bd4 ,apluda1 ,l4 ,these are tall leafy slender perennial grasses1 with branching stems erect or geniculately ascending from a creeping or decumbent base4 ,the inflorescence is a leafy panicle of many small spikes enclosed in spathiform bracts4 ,spikes are of one linear joint gibbously bulbous at the base1 and jointed on the peduncle at the base of the spathe by a minute curved pedicel4 ,spikelets are three1 a sessile1 #b-;flowered bisexual one in front1 and two pedicelled ones behind1 one of which is imperfect and reduced to a glume and the other perfect male or rarely bisexual4 ,the two pedicels are flat1 prolonged from one side of the rounded rachis1 oblong linear1 truncate with a few long hairs along the margin4 ,sessile spikelets have four glumes4 ,the first glume is chartaceous1 linear oblong1 many-nerved1 shortly bifid at the apex1 longer than the other glumes4 ,the second glume is thinner1 dorsally gibbous1 keeled1 #e- to #i-nerved1 beaked and minutely bifid4 ,the third glume is hyaline1 oblong1 acute1 #c-nerved1 paleate and male4 ,the fourth glume is hyaline1 deeply bifid1 awned in the sinus1 bisexual with a minute palea4 ,the pedicelled spikelet has also four glumes4 ,the first and the second glumes are nearly equal1 rather chartaceous4 linear-oblong1 acute or acuminate1 many-nerved4 ,the third glume is hyaline1 oblong-lanceolate1 #c-nerved1 paleate and male4 ,the fourth glume is hyaline1 bifid1 paleate1 #a-nerved1 female or bisexual4 ,lodicules are two4 ,stamens are three4 ,grain is oblong4 ,apluda varia1 ,hack4 ,this is a tall leafy perennial grass with wiry roots4 ,stems are densely tufted1 branched1 geniculately ascending1 erect or the branches scandent1 solid1 smooth and polished1 #a to #g feet4 ,the leaf-sheath is glabrous or slightly hairy1 the upper ones being shorter and dilated into spathes with subulate tips4 ,the ligule is a short stiff slightly lacerate membrane4 ,the leaf-blade is linear-lanceolate1 finely acuminate1 base narrowed into a petiole1 scaberulous on both the surfaces4 ,the inflorescence consists of simple spikes1 each in a spathiform bract1 and forming clusters terminating the stem and the branches4 ,the spikes have their bases rounded and swollen and each spike consists of a sessile bisexual spikelet and two flat linear1 truncate1 parallel pedicels1 one terminated by a spikelet1 and the other by a solitary minute glume4 ,spathes are #a_/h to #a_/c inch long1 sessile or pedicellate1 green1 cymbiform1 with subulate tips4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #adb4--;,apluda varia4 ,a4 ,a cluster of spikes containing five spikes with their spathes2 ,b and ,c4 spikes4 ,the sessile as well as the pedicelled spikelets have four glumes4 ,the sessile spikelets are #a_/h to #a_/e inch long4 ,the first glume is spreading or erect1 chartaceous1 many-nerved1 two-toothed at the apex and with narrow hyaline margins from about the middle to the apex4 ,the second glume is compressed1 dorsally gibbous1 keeled1 #g-nerved4 ,the third glume is hyaline1 oblong-lanceolate1 #c-nerved1 paleate with three stamens2 palea is narrow4 ,the fourth glume is shorter than the third1 deeply #b-;fid and awned in the cleft1 bisexual or female1 #c- to #e-nerved below the cleft1 the lateral nerves arching and meeting the mid-nerve just at the cleft1 with a small ovate palea4 ,there are two lodicules4 ,the pedicelled spikelets are dorsally compressed4 ,the first glume is lanceolate1 oblong1 subacute1 many-nerved1 coriaceous and glabrous4 ,the second glume is as long as the first1 many-nerved1 lanceolate-oblong1 coriaceous and glabrous4 ,the third glume is hyaline1 shorter than the second1 #c-nerved1 paleate and with three stamens4 ,the fourth glume is shorter than or equal to the third1 hyaline1 #a-nerved rarely with two short lateral nerves1 female or imperfect4 ,lodicules are two4 ,a very common grass occurring in the plains and lower hills1 all over the ,presidency and grows well in all kinds of soil4 ,distribution4--,all over ,india4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #adc4--;,apluda varia4 #a1 #b1 #c and #d4 ,the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively1 of the sessile spikelet2 #c;a and #d;a4 are the palea of the third and the fourth glume1 respectively2 #e4 stamens1 ovary and lodicules2 #f1 #g1 #h and #aj4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively1 of the pedicelled spikelet2 #i and #aa4 palea of the third and the fourth glumes4 #be4 ,rottboellia1 ,linn4 f4 ,these are tall1 annual or perennial grasses1 with leafy stems and narrow leaves4 ,the spikes are few or many1 solitary or panicled1 with a jointed usually fragile rachis2 the joints are rounded or compressed1 hollowed on one side and excavated at the tip4 ,the spikelets are usually binate1 one-sessile closing or sunk in the cavity of the joint and the other pedicelled1 smaller than the sessile or rudimentary with the pedicel usually adnate to the joints and equal to or shorter than it4 ,the sessile spikelets are bisexual1 #a- to #b-;flowered1 equal to or shorter than the joint and four-glumed4 ,the first glume is coriaceous dorsally flattened1 obtuse1 margins narrowly incurved4 ,the second glume is thinner than the first1 broadly ovate1 acute and gibbously convex4 ,the third glume is hyaline1 ovate1 acute1 male or neuter1 with a membranous palea4 ,the fourth glume is hyaline1 bisexual1 broadly ovate1 acute with a hyaline1 ovate-lanceolate palea4 ,there are three stamens with linear anthers4 ,there are two cuneate lodicules4 ,styles are two with laterally exserted stigmas4 ,the grain is broadly oblong4 ,the pedicelled spikelets are smaller than the sessile1 male or neuter1 with four glumes4 ,the first glume is herbaceous1 many-nerved1 ovate-acute1 minutely bifid at the apex4 ,the second1 third and the fourth are more or less similar to those of the sessile spikelet4 ,,key ,,to ,,the ,,species4 ,spike solitary1 the first glume of the sessile spikelet broadly winged4 ,r4 ,myurus4 ,spikes fascicled1 the first glume of the sessile spikelet narrowly winged4 ,r4 exaltata4 ,rottboellia ,myurus1 ,benth4 ,this is a tufted perennial with creeping stems which branch freely into ascending compressed branches1 #aj inches to #b feet high4 ,the leaf-sheath is quite glabrous and compressed4 ,the ligule is a short ciliate membrane4 ,nodes are glabrous4 ,the leaf-blade is flat1 linear1 acute1 glabrous1 #b to #f inches long4 ,the inflorescence consists of a solitary terminal or axillary raceme #a to #b inches long2 joints are shorter than the spikelets1 excavate on one side and with a pore which is hidden by the sessile spikelet4 ,the sessile spikelet consists of four glumes4 ,the first glume is somewhat fiddle-shaped1 dilated above the middle into an orbicular wing1 and towards the base into two auricles joined by a transverse ridge1 scaberulous1 #e-nerved4 ,the second glume is somewhat membranous1 ovate1 acute and #c-nerved4 ,the third glume is hyaline1 thin1 oblong1 obtuse and nerveless4 ,the fourth glume is lanceolate1 nerveless and without a palea1 bisexual4 ,there are two cuneate lodicules4 ,the pedicelled spikelets also have four glumes and the pedicels usually free1 but also sometimes adnate4 ,the first glume is oblong1 obtuse1 winged on one side only1 #e-nerved4 ,the second glume is boat-shaped1 chartaceous1 #c-nerved crested with a semi-circular wing at the apex4 ,the third glume is hyaline1 broadly oblong1 obtuse1 #c-nerved with a lanceolate hyaline palea4 ,the fourth glume is oblong1 obtuse1 male4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #add4--,rottboellia ,myurus4 #a4 ,a portion of the raceme showing front view2 #b4 a portion of the raceme showing the back view2 #c4 a sessile and a pedicelled spikelet showing the front side2 #d4 the same showing the back side2 #e1 #f1 #g and #h4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume of the sessile spikelet1 respectively2 #i ovary and lodicules2 #aj1 #aa1 #ab and #ad4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively1 of the pedicelled spikelet2 #ac and #ae4 palea of the third and fourth glumes of the sessile spikelet4 ,this is very common in dry somewhat sandy places in the ,east ,coast districts4 ,distribution4--,common in ,deccan peninsula4 ,rottboellia exaltata1 ,l4f4 ,this grass is usually annual and rarely perennial4 ,stems are stout1 erect1 hispid1 branching from the base1 varying in height from #c to #aj feet4 ,the leaf-sheaths are loose1 hispid with tubercle-based hairs1 or glabrous1 with mouth contracted4 ,the ligule is short and ciliate4 ,the leaf-blade is linear-lanceolate1 setaceously-acuminate with a stout midrib prominent beneath1 hispid or scabrid above1 smooth or sometimes scaberulous and glaucous beneath1 spinulosely scabrid at the margin1 #e to #bd inches by #a_/d to #a inch4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ade4--,rottboellia exaltata4 #a and #b4 ,a portion of the spike1 back and front view2 #c1 #d1 #e and #g4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively1 of the sessile spikelet2 #f and #h4 palea of the third and the fourth glumes of the sessile spikelet2 #i4 ovary2 #aj1 #aa1 #ab and #ad4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume of the pedicelled spikelet2 #ac and #ae4 palea of the third and the fourth glume of the pedicelled spikelet4 ,the racemes are stout1 cylindrical below and very narrow and with imperfect spikelets above1 joints are smooth and rounded dorsally4 ,the sessile spikelets are as long as the joint or slightly shorter and has four glumes4 ,the first glume is ovate-oblong1 thickly coriaceous1 smooth at the back with a truncate base and a transverse ridge at the base inside1 many-nerved1 with very narrow inflexed margins and very narrow wings at the top1 the apex is obtuse or emarginate4 ,the second glume is equal to the first glume in height1 chartaceous1 gibbously convex1 broadly ovate1 acute1 #i- to #aa-nerved1 and with a short wing to the keel at the apex4 ,the third glume is oblong or elliptic-oblong1 rigid with a hyaline centre and coriaceous at the sides1 #c-nerved1 paleate and with three stamens2 palea is as long as the glume1 coriaceous with inflexed hyaline margins4 ,lodicules are cuneate1 with toothed edge4 ,the fourth glume is a little shorter than the third1 ovate from a broad base1 hyaline and acute1 #a-nerved1 paleate and usually with an ovary and two lodicules3 palea is hyaline1 as long as the glume4 but narrower1 nerveless4 ,lodicules are quadrate2 grain somewhat large oblong and compressed4 ,the pedicelled spikelets are usually imperfect4 ,this grass occurs all over the ,presidency in cultivated dry fields4 ,distribution4--,throughout the lower hills and plains of ,india and in ,australia and ,africa4 #bf4 ,mnesithea1 ,kunth4 ,these are erect slender perennial grasses with narrow leaves4 ,the spikes are solitary and slender1 with a fragile1 articulated rachis2 the joints are terete1 ribbed1 all but a few upper with two equal and similar sessile spikelets1 sunk in sub-opposite oblong cavities1 separated by a hyaline septum1 and with sometimes a minute glume representing a third spikelet 7the pedicelled7 on the upper margin of the joint4 ,the sessile spikelets are one-flowered1 nearly as long as the internode4 ,there are four glumes in the spikelet4 ,the first glume closing the mouth of the cavity in the joint is obliquely oblong1 obtuse1 smooth with narrowly incurved margins4 ,the second and the third glumes are as long as the first1 obtuse and hyaline4 ,the third glume is empty1 paleate or not4 ,the fourth glume is rather small1 oblong1 obtuse1 bisexual and palea shorter than the glume4 ,the lodicules are not present4 ,the stamens are three4 ,ovary is very small with stigmas not exserted4 ,the grain is narrowly oblong compressed4 ,the pedicelled spikelets are confined to the upper #a-;flowered joints of the spike and their pedicels are confluent with the walls of the joints and their margins are marked by two ribs4 ,the first glume is very minute and the other glumes are absent4 ,mnesithea laevis1 ,kunth4 ,this is an erect slender perennial grass with smooth simple or branched stems varying in height from #b to #d feet4 ,the leaf-sheath is terete1 tight1 glabrous4 ,the ligule is a short toothed membrane4 ,nodes are glabrous4 ,the leaf-blade is flat1 linear from a narrow base1 glabrous or base hairy2 apices of upper leaves acuminate1 and those of the lower obtuse1 with finely serrate margins and a midrib prominent below1 #f to #ab inches long and #a_/aj to #a_/f inch wide4 ,racemes are short1 exserted from the uppermost sheath1 erect1 #d to #h inches long2 joints are #a_/e inch long1 contracted in the middle1 with two equal and similar spikelets1 sunk in the opposite oblong cavities separated by a thin hyaline septum and sometimes with a minute glume of the third spikelet on the upper margin of the joint4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #adf4--,mnesithea laevis4 #a and #b4 ,portions of a spike2 #c1 #d1 #e and #f4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively2 #g4 palea of the fourth glume2 #h4 ovary2 #i and #aj4 a part of the spike at the terminal portion4 ,the sessile spikelets are #a-;flowered1 as long as the joint and varying in length from #a_/g to #a_/e inch and have four glumes4 ,the first glume is obliquely oblong1 coriaceous1 smooth1 obtuse1 margins narrowly incurved1 truncate and pitted at the base1 #e- to #g-nerved4 ,the second glume is as long as the first hyaline1 oblong and obtuse4 ,the third glume is like the second but thinner and slightly broader1 paleate or not1 empty4 ,the fourth glume is rather smaller than the third1 oblong1 obtuse1 bisexual and paleate2 the palea is shorter than the glume4 ,lodicules are not present4 ,this grass is usually found in dry fields all over the presidency but it is nowhere abundant4 ,distribution4--,throughout ,india and ,ceylon4 #bg4 ,manisuris1 ,sw4 ,these are erect leafy much branched annual grasses4 ,leaves are amplexicaul and cordate at the base4 ,the inflorescence consists of small1 terete1 axillary and terminal spikes with peduncles often confluent in a leafy spiciform panicle2 the rachis is fragile with short broad joints1 deeply excavate opposite the sessile spikelets and the tips with two pits4 ,spikelets are in dissimilar pairs1 one globose1 sessile and bisexual and the other ovate1 pedicelled1 neuter with the pedicels adnate to1 or closely appressed to the joint of the rachis4 ,the sessile spikelet has four glumes4 ,the first glume is globose1 hard1 coarsely pitted1 with an oblong ventral opening opposite the cavity in the joint of the rachis4 ,the second glume is chartaceous1 minute1 oblong1 #a-nerved immersed in the cavity of the first glume and closing the opening4 ,the third and the fourth glumes are hyaline and minute4 ,the lodicules are broadly cuneate4 ,anthers are minute4 ,the styles are free and stigmas are short exserted from the opening in the first glume4 ,grain is sub-globose4 ,manisuris granularis1 ,l4f4 ,this is a freely branching annual with stems leafy to the top and varying in length from #a to #b-a_/b feet4 ,the leaf-sheath is inflated1 covered with scattered tubercle-based hairs4 ,the ligule is a short membrane with ciliate margin4 ,nodes are with long hairs4 ,the leaf-blade is linear1 cordate and amplexicaul at base1 acute1 flat1 flaccid1 with scattered tubercle-based hairs on both the surfaces1 #d to #aj inches by #a_/d to #a_/b inch4 ,the spikes are solitary1 axillary and terminal and #a_/d to #a inch1 the peduncles of the spikes are often confluent in a leafy spathiform panicle2 the rachis is fragile with short joints deeply excavate on one side4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #adg4--,manisuris granularis4 #a and #b4 ,the front and back view of a bit of a spike2 #c1 #d1 #e and #f4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively1 of the sessile spikelet2 #g4 ovary anthers and lodicules2 #h1 #i1 #aj and #ab4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively1 of the pedicelled spikelet2 #aa and #ac4 palea of the third and fourth glumes4 ,the spikelets are #a- to #b-;flowered in dissimilar pairs1 one globose1 sessile and bisexual and the other ovate1 pedicelled1 neuter2 the pedicel is adnate to the joint of the rachis4 ,the sessile spikelet has four glumes4 ,the first glume is hard1 globose1 foveolate1 with an oblong opening1 faintly nerved4 ,the second glume is chartaceous1 immersed in the cavity of the joint1 and filling the opening4 ,the third glume is small hyaline and empty4 ,the fourth glume is hyaline1 small and paleate4 ,the grain is sub-globose4 ,lodicules are broadly cuneate4 ,the pedicelled spikelets also have four glumes4 ,the first glume is ovate1 sub-chartaceous1 winged on one side with a broad hyaline ciliate wing1 #e- to #g-veined4 ,the second glume is cymbiform1 compressed laterally1 with a dorsal hyaline ciliate wing to the keel1 #e- to #g-veined4 ,the third glume is hyaline1 membranous1 oblong1 #b-nerved and paleate or not1 and with or without stamens4 ,the fourth glume is similar to the third1 but slightly smaller1 paleate and with three stamens4 ,this grass occurs in open loamy soils and in cultivated dry fields4 ,distribution4--,throughout ,india and ,ceylon and also in most of the tropical countries4 #bh4 ,andropogon1 ,l4 ,the grasses of this genus are either perennial or annual and vary very much in habit4 ,the inflorescence consists of solitary1 binate1 digitate1 or panicled racemes4 ,the rachis is usually jointed and fragile4 ,spikelets are binate1 a sessile female or bisexual and a pedicelled male or neuter4 ,the sessile spikelet is #a-;flowered and has usually four glumes4 ,the first glume is coriaceous or chartaceous1 dorsally compressed1 with incurved margins1 usually #b-keeled4 ,the second glume is as long as the first1 thinner1 with a median keel1 laterally compressed1 awned or not4 ,the third glume is hyaline1 empty1 nerveless and without a palea4 ,the fourth glume is hyaline1 narrow or broad1 #b-;fid and awned1 or reduced to an awn more or less dilated at the base1 paleate or not4 ,there are two lodicules and three stamens4 ,stigmas are feathery4 ,grain is free4 ,the pedicelled spikelets are usually smaller than the sessile and have three or four glumes and are awnless4 ,,key ,,to ,,the ,,species4 ,a4 ,sessile spikelets all similar4 ,b4 ,racemes of many spikelets4 ,c4 ,peduncle of racemes enclosed in spathiform leaf-sheaths4 ,d4 ,joints of rachis and pedicels of upper spikelets slender and tips obliquely truncate4 ,racemes solitary1 pedicelled spikelets similar to the sessile1 glume #a of sessile spikelets pitted4 #a4 ,a4 foveolatus4 ,,dd4 ,joints of rachis and pedicels of upper spikelets clavate or trumpet-shaped and tips cupular with toothed margins4 ,racemes binate1 pedicelled spikelets differing from the sessile1 glume ,i of the sessile spikelets deeply channelled4 #b4 ,a4 pumilus ,,cc4 ,peduncle of racemes not enclosed in spathiform leaf-sheath4 ,racemes many1 fascicled or panicled1 glume ,i of sessile spikelets glabrous and pitted4 #c4 ,a4 pertusus4 ,racemes many and whorled in the panicle2 glume ,i of sessile spikelets muricate on the margins4 #d4 ,a4 squarrosus4 ,,bb4 ,racemes of #c spikelets on the capillary whorled branches of an erect panicle4 ,pedicels of upper spikelets half as long as the sessile spikelets or longer4 ,leaves broad4 ,leaf-sheaths covered densely with bristly hairs4 #e4 ,a4 asper4 ,leaf-sheaths covered with soft hairs4 #f4 ,a4 ,wightianus ,pedicels of upper spikelets not half as long as the sessile spikelet4 ,leaves glabrous and narrow #g4 ,a4 monticola4 ,,aa4 ,the lowest one or more sessile spikelets in all racemes1 or at least in one or two1 differing from all those above4 ,racemes digitate1 rarely solitary1 spikelets all alike in form but differing in sex4 ,pedicel #a_/c as long as the sessile spikelets2 nodes usually glabrous2 ligule usually short and membranous4 #h4 ,a4 caricosus4 ,pedicel #a_/b as long as the sessile spikelets2 nodes bearded2 ligule large and membranous4 #i4 ,a4 annulatus4 ,racemes solitary2 lower sessile spikelets very unlike the pedicelled or upper spikelets which are cylindric4 ,margin of glume #a of the pedicelled spikelet unequally winged2 ligule is a broad truncate membrane4 #aj4 ,a4 contortus4 ,racemes two1 both sessile1 or one sessile and the other pedicelled on a peduncle which is more or less sheathed by a proper spathe1 divaricate or deflexed4 ,leaf base broad and cordate #aa4 ,a4 ,schoenanthus4 ,n4,b4--,this genus is now split into several separate genera1 each subgenus being raised to the rank of a genus4 ,but in this book the nomenclature adopted in ,hooker's ,flora of ,british ,india is followed4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #adh4--;,andropogon foveolatus4 ,andropogon foveolatus1 ,del4 ,the stems are slender at first1 slightly decumbent at the base and then erect1 covered at base with silkily villous sheaths1 branches freely above before flowering1 the lower portion of stems alone being leafy4 ,the leaf-sheath is somewhat scaberulous1 partly green and partly purplish1 always shorter than the internode4 ,the ligule is short1 truncate1 hyaline and ciliate4 ,nodes are tumid and purplish with a ring of hairs4 ,the leaf-blade is linear1 narrow1 sometimes even filiform1 acuminate slightly cordate at the base1 scabrid throughout with a few scattered long bulbous-based hairs near the base to a distance of less than #a_/b inch about it and varies from #b to #d inches in length4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #adi4--;,andropogon foveolatus4 #a and #b4 ,sessile and pedicelled spikelets2 #c1 #d1 #e and #f4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively1 of the sessile spikelet2 #g4 lodicules1 anthers and ovary2 #h1 #i and #aj4 the two glumes and the palea of the pedicelled spikelet4 ,the spikes are solitary1 #a to #a-c_/d inch long exserted far above the small spathiform leaf-sheaths1 peduncles are capillary and scaberulous1 pedicels and joints are somewhat flattened1 and have along both the narrow margins long1 white1 ascending hairs2 callus is short with a ring of short white hairs4 ,there are two kinds of spikelets1 sessile and pedicelled1 and both are oblong-lanceolate and equal4 ,the sessile spikelet consists of four glumes4 ,the first glume is lanceolate1 flat and smooth1 keels scabrid with usually a deep dorsal pit1 #d-nerved4 ,the second glume is lanceolate1 acute1 as long as the first1 #c-nerved4 ,the third glume is small1 membranous1 linear-lanceolate1 nerveless4 ,the fourth glume is the dilated base of the awn1 awn is about #c_/d inch twisted to half its length1 scabrid1 the lower twisted part dark and the upper pale4 ,there are three stamens and two lodicules4 ,ovary has two feathery stigmas4 ,the pedicelled spikelets have only two glumes and contain three stamens4 ,the first glume is oblong-lanceolate1 #e-nerved1 pitted above the middle1 with recurved margins and scabrid keels and nerves4 ,the second glume is lanceolate1 membranous1 hairy at the top1 #c-nerved with margins infolded2 palea is oblanceolate1 thinly membranous1 nerveless and ciliated at the top2 there are three stamens and two lodicules4 ,this is a fairly common grass occurring all over the ,presidency much liked by cattle and yields plenty of foliage if properly looked after4 ,it grows on all kinds of soils1 even laterite4 ,distribution4--,throughout ,india4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #aej4--;,andropogon pumilus4 ,andropogon pumilus1 ,roxb4 ,it is a tufted annual with numerous radiating branches1 growing on all directions1 bent below and erect above2 they vary in length from #f inches to #ah inches1 but sometimes when growing under favourable conditions attain the length of #b-a_/b feet4 ,the stem is slender1 green1 or pale reddish in the exposed portions and pale in parts covered by sheaths slightly flattened1 smooth4 ,the leaf-sheaths are smooth1 compressed1 distinctly keeled4 ,the ligule is a short1 truncate1 white1 glabrous membrane4 ,the nodes are glabrous4 ,the leaf-blade is linear1 finely acuminate1 glabrous1 but sometimes somewhat scabrid along the nerves and with scattered long delicate hairs above especially when young1 varying in length from #a to #g inches and #a_/aj to #a_/h inch in breadth4 ,the inflorescence consists of paired spikes with very slender peduncles arising from flattened1 glabrous1 acuminate spathes1 varying in length from #a_/b to #a-a_/d inches4 ,the spikes are spreading and one of them always slightly longer than the other1 reddish or pale green1 #a_/b to #a inch long2 the rachis consists of five to eight flat joints broadened at the top and ending in a cup1 densely ciliate on both the margins1 but hairs on one margin are shorter than those on the other4 ,each joint bears a sessile and a pedicelled spikelet4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #aea4--;,andropogon pumilus4 #a4 ,a portion of the spike to show the arrangement of the spikelets2 #a4 the first glume of the sessile spikelet2 #b4 second glume of the sessile spikelet2 #c and #d4 third and fourth glumes of the sessile spikelet2 #e4 anthers1 lodicules and the ovary2 ,a1 ,b and ,c4 the three glumes of the pedicelled spikelets4 ,the sessile spikelet is about #c_/af inch with an awn #g_/af inch long4 ,there are four glumes in the spikelet4 ,the first glume is narrow1 linear1 membranous1 grooved1 finely bicuspidate at the apex1 with incurved margins and two nerves ending in tubercles below4 ,the second glume is a little longer than the first1 narrow1 lanceolate1 boat-shaped1 thinly coriaceous with membranous margins1 #a-nerved and shortly awned4 ,the third glume is about #b_/c of the second glume in length1 and shorter than the first glume1 linear-lanceolate1 hyaline1 nerveless or sometimes very obscurely #b-nerved4 ,the fourth glume is narrow linear1 hyaline with two very fine lobes at the apex with an awn between1 #g_/af inch long4 ,palea is hyaline and very small4 ,stamens are three1 ovary with two long reddish feathery stigmas4 ,lodicules small and cuneate4 ,grain is long and narrow4 ,the pedicelled spikelets have only three glumes1 and are slightly shorter than the sessile ones1 pedicel is similar to the joint4 ,the first glume is ovate-lanceolate1 thinly coriaceous1 distinctly many-nerved1 acuminate1 margins infolded and membranous4 ,the second glume is ovate-lanceolate1 membranous1 glabrous and #c-nerved4 ,the third glume is short1 oblong-lanceolate1 nerveless or faintly #b-nerved4 ,there are three stamens4 ,this grass is variable in its size4 ,in dry soils such as laterite soils1 it is a very small plant not exceeding #i or #aj inches across its spread4 ,but in good soil and under favourable conditions the plant measures across #e or #f feet4 ,cattle eat the grass before it flowers and do not relish it so much when in flower4 ,a common grass flourishing all over the ,presidency4 ,distribution4--,occurs in drier parts throughout ,india4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #aeb4--;,andropogon pertusus4 ,andropogon pertusus1 ,willd4 ,this grass is perennial4 ,stems are tufted1 very slender1 widely creeping on all sides1 purplish1 but the flowering branches are erect or ascending from a geniculate base1 leafy at base1 the nodes of the creeping branches rooting and bearing tufts of branches which finally become independent plants at each node1 the creeping branches vary in length from #a to #c feet and the erect ones from #aj to #ah inches or more4 ,the leaf-sheaths are terete or somewhat compressed1 glabrous1 sometimes ciliated near the node and shorter than the internode4 ,the ligule is a truncate membrane1 slightly ciliate or not4 ,nodes are bearded4 ,the leaf-blades in the prostrate branches are crowded1 short linear-lanceolate1 finely acuminate1 soft1 shortly hairy along the nerves1 sparsely ciliate near the rounded base1 varying in length from #a to #b inches and in breadth #a_/h to #a_/d inch2 but on the flowering branches the leaves are longer1 sometimes as long as twelve inches with bigger sheaths4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #aec4--;,andropogon pertusus4 #a4 ,a portion of a spike2 #b4 a pair of spikelets2 a4 sessile and b4 pedicelled2 a-#a4 first glume2 a-#b4 second glume2 a-#c4 third glume2 a-#d4 fourth glume and awn2 a-#e4 ovary and stamens2 a-#f4 grain2 b-#a4 first glume of pedicelled spikelet front and back2 b-#b4 second glume front and back2 b-#c4 third glume4 ,the inflorescence consists of three to nine1 slender1 flexuous1 erect1 purplish spikes1 #a to #b inches long1 alternately arranged on a thin1 long1 slender1 smooth peduncle of about six inches2 rachis is slender and the joints and pedicels are densely silky with long hairs4 ,the spikelets are in pairs1 one sessile and one-pedicelled1 both are equal1 purplish or pale4 ,the sessile spikelet consists of four glumes and contains a complete flower and the callus is short and bearded with long hairs4 ,the first glume is coriaceous1 oblong-lanceolate1 acute1 truncate or emarginate1 slightly hairy1 or glabrous with a deep pit above the middle 7sometimes with two or three pits also7 #g- to #i-nerved with a few long hairs below the middle and with margins infolded and shortly ciliate4 ,the second glume is lanceolate-acuminate and finely pointed at the tip and the point projecting slightly beyond the first glume1 #c-nerved or #c- to #e-nerved1 membranous1 slightly hairy or glabrous1 obscurely keeled4 ,the third glume is thin1 membranous1 shorter than the second glume1 linear-oblong1 subobtuse or acute at the tip and nerveless4 ,the fourth glume is the base of the awn and the awn is not twisted1 bent at about the middle1 #a_/b to #b_/c inch long2 there is no palea4 ,anthers are three and yellow2 stigmas purple4 ,the grain is oblong-obovate1 slightly transparent4 ,the pedicelled spikelets are slightly narrower than the sessile1 generally not pitted 7though pitted in some plants71 and not awned1 and each one consists of three glumes only2 the pedicel is more than half as long as the sessile spikelets4 ,the first glume is slightly hairy1 oblong-lanceolate1 acute or obtuse1 ciliate at the margins1 #g- to #i-1 or #ac-nerved1 generally without pits1 but occasionally with one1 two or three pits2 the keels are ciliolate throughout the length4 ,the second glume is membranous1 ovate-lanceolate1 acute1 with incurved margins1 #e-nerved4 ,the third glume is hyaline1 linear-oblong1 glabrous and thinly ciliate at the tip or not with or without stamens4 ,this is an excellent fodder grass and it grows quickly and stands cutting very well4 ,cattle eat this grass very well4 ,distribution4--,this grass is found all over ,india in the plains or lower elevations of hills4 ,andropogon squarrosus1 ,l4f4 7,vetiveria zizanioides47 ,this is a densely tufted perennial grass with branching root-stocks and spongy aromatic roots4 ,the stems are leafy1 with equitant1 hard1 leaf-sheaths at the base1 smooth and polished1 solid1 #b to #c-a_/b feet high4 ,the leaf-sheaths are smooth1 coriaceous1 glabrous1 keeled and compressed4 ,the ligule is a very short membrane4 ,leaf-blades are narrowly linear1 erect1 strongly keeled and flat1 acuminate1 glabrous both above and below1 very much narrower than the sheath at the base1 #a to #b feet by #a_/c to #c_/d inch4 ,the panicle is conical1 erect with branches1 fascicled1 varying in length from #d to #ab inches4 ,the spikes consist of both sessile and pedicelled spikelets1 that are either grey1 green1 or purplish4 ,illustration3 ,fig #aed4--;,andropogon squarrosus4 #a4 ,a portion of a branch2 #b4 a sessile and a pedicelled spikelet2 #c1 #d1 #e and #f4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively1 of the sessile spikelet2 #g4 palea of the fourth glume2 #h4 lodicules1 stamens and the ovary2 #i1 #aj1 #aa and #ab4 glumes of the pedicelled spikelet2 #ac4 palea of the fourth glume4 ,the sessile spikelets are about #a_/f inch long1 lanceolate and with a shortly bearded callus4 ,the first glume is ovate-oblong1 thickly coriaceous1 obscurely #b- to #d-nerved 7occasionally #e- to #g-nerved71 acute1 dorsally flat1 with incurved margins and with two rows of tubercle-based minute prickles or mere excrescences at the sides4 ,the second glume is as long as the first1 oblong1 coriaceous1 keeled1 with hyaline and ciliolate margins1 #a-nerved 7sometimes #c-nerved1 marginal faint71 and with minute prickles on the keel4 ,the third glume is broadly oblong1 hyaline1 nerveless or rarely with two obscure veins ciliolate at the margins and acute or acuminate4 ,the fourth glume is shorter than the third1 linear-oblong1 mucronate or very shortly awned at the apex1 paleate2 palea about two-thirds the length of the glume1 lanceolate4 ,lodicules are two1 quadrate and conspicuous though small4 ,styles and stigmas short4 ,stamens are three with yellow anthers4 ,stigmas are purple4 ,the pedicelled spikelets are similar to the sessile ones1 but are slightly smaller and the prickles are less prominent4 ,the fourth glume has no mucro or awn and has three stamens4 ,this grass is fairly abundant in moist situations1 in the margins of tanks and in tankbeds in the ,coromandel districts1 but in other inland districts it is not so common4 ,in some places it seems to be cultivated4 ,this is the khus-khus grass4 ,distribution4--,throughout the plains and lower hills of ,india1 ,burma and ,ceylon1 also said to occur in ,java and ,tropical ,africa4 ,andropogon asper1 ,heyne4 7,chrysopogon asper1 ,heyne47 ,this is a tufted perennial grass4 ,stems are stout below with distichous leaves and very slender above1 #b to #c-a_/b feet long4 ,the leaf-sheaths are distichous and towards the base of the stem are #a_/b inch broad1 compressed1 keeled and with scattered tubercle-based hairs4 ,the ligule is a short membrane fringed with close set hairs4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #aee4--;,andropogon asper4 ,leafy shoot1 a bit of the stem with leaf-sheaths and a bit of the leaf4 ,the leaf-blades are broad1 distinctly linear1 acute or acuminate1 coriaceous1 glabrous or softly hairy on both the surfaces1 with a slender midrib which bears short stiff tubercle-based hairs all along1 and margins with similar hairs1 but a few leaves towards the base are longer1 and varying in length from #ab to #ah inches and in breadth from #a_/b to #c_/d inch4 ,the panicle is somewhat narrow1 #g to #h inches long1 branches are very slender1 whorled1 usually with only one spike consisting of a sessile and two pedicelled spikelets4 ,the sessile spikelets are #a_/d inch long1 laterally compressed1 with a long callus villous all round1 and bisexual4 ,the first glume is coriaceous1 linear-oblong1 strongly compressed above and with a few stiff short bristles beneath the tip4 ,the second glume is linear1 oblong1 coriaceous1 with an awn as long as itself or shorter1 keeled and with short stiff bristles on the keel and on the sides above the middle4 ,the third glume is hyaline1 narrow1 obtuse1 shorter than the second1 #b-nerved1 ciliate4 ,the fourth glume is the linear1 hyaline1 #c-nerved base of the awn2 the awn is #a-a_/b to #b-a_/b inches and bent at about the middle4 ,the pedicelled spikelets are about #a_/c inch1 narrowly lanceolate1 male or neuter and with short rusty hairs on both the margins of the pedicel and a semi-circular tip4 ,the first glume is thin1 #b-toothed or not at the tip1 awned1 awn being as long as itself or longer1 #g-nerved1 ciliate at the sides from base to tip2 the nerves are either equidistant or the lateral nerves nearer the margin4 ,the second glume is lanceolate-acuminate1 not awned1 #c-nerved1 margins hyaline1 and ciliolate4 ,the third glume is hyaline1 linear-oblong1 #b-nerved1 ciliolate4 ,the fourth glume is linear or linear-lanceolate1 hyaline1 nerveless or #a-nerved4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #aef4--;,andropogon asper4 #a4 ,spike2 #b1 #c1 #d and #e4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively1 of the sessile spikelet2 #f4 the ovary1 lodicules and stamens2 #g1 #h1 #i and #aj4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively1 of the pedicelled spikelet2 #aa4 callus of the spike4 ,this grass grows abundantly on the sides of the ,kambakkam ,drug1 ,chingleput district1 and in ,penchalkonda1 ,nellore district1 and seems to be an endemic species4 ,it is usually confined to the hill sides and not found in the plains4 ,this grass is very closely allied to ,andropogon ,wightianus and it differs from it only in the general habit of the plant and in having bristles on the leaf-sheaths4 ,on the whole this is a coarser and larger plant than ,a4 ,wightianus4 ,distribution4--,kambakkam ,drug in the ,chingleput district and ,penchalkonda in ,nellore district4 ,andropogon ,wightianus1 ,steud4 7,chrysopogon ,wightianus1 ,nees47 ,this is a perennial4 ,stems are erect or ascending from a creeping root-stock1 varying in height from #b to #c feet4 ,the leaf-sheath is flattened1 softly hairy or glabrous1 often ciliated near the mouth4 ,the ligule is a fringe of very short hairs4 ,the leaf-blade is narrowly or rarely broadly linear1 obtuse or acute and abruptly mucronate1 or narrowly drawn into a point glabrous or pubescent1 margins shortly ciliate4 ,the panicle is narrow1 #c to #f inches long1 peduncle smooth below but thinly pubescent above1 lower branches long1 few in a whorl2 rachis is very slender1 angular1 glabrous or hairy4 ,the spikes are solitary and each one consists of one sessile and two pedicelled spikelets4 ,the callus is long and densely bearded with brown hairs4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #aeg4--;,andropogon ,wightianus4 #a4 ,a spike2 #b1 #c1 #d and #e4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively1 of the sessile spikelet2 #f4 lodicules1 stamens and the ovary2 #g1 #h1 #i and #aj4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively1 of the pedicelled spikelet4 ,sessile spikelets are bisexual1 sub-cylindric about #a_/d inch long4 ,there are four glumes4 ,the first glume is chartaceous1 laterally compressed1 obscurely #d-nerved1 glabrous below1 hispid near the apex1 minutely #b-toothed or not at the apex1 not awned or rarely with a short awn4 ,the second glume is chartaceous1 distinctly awned1 the awn being as long as the glume or longer1 hispid above and at the sides also4 ,the third glume is hyaline1 linear-oblong1 #b-nerved ciliate4 ,the fourth glume is narrow with hyaline margins1 with an awn #b to #c inches long2 awn is hispid below1 twisted and geniculate at and less hairy above the middle4 ,stamens are three4 ,styles are two and feathery4 ,lodicules are very small4 ,pedicelled spikelets are male or neuter1 flattened1 hairy1 rarely glabrous4 ,the pedicels are half as long or slightly longer than the sessile spikelet1 truncate or semi-circular at the top1 and with brown villous hairs along the margin4 ,there are four glumes4 ,the first glume is about #c_/h inch1 ciliate1 along the inflexed margin1 #g-nerved1 awned2 awn equal to or longer than the glume4 ,the second glume is as long as the first1 shortly awned or acuminate1 #c-nerved1 ciliate4 ,the third glume is hyaline1 oblong1 #b-nerved1 sparsely ciliate4 ,the fourth glume is narrow1 ciliate1 nerveless or rarely #a-nerved1 erose or bifid at the top4 ,anthers three or more4 ,this grass grows on the plains as well as on the hills4 ,it is very closely allied to ,andropogon asper1 ,heyne1 and it is very difficult to distinguish them4 ,andropogon ,wightianus is somewhat smaller compared with ,andropogon asper1 and the tubercle-based bristles on the leaf-sheaths1 so characteristic of ,a4 asper1 is absent4 ,distribution4--,madras1 ,chingleput district1 ,kodaikanal and the ,nilgiris4 ,andropogon monticola1 ,schult4 7,chrysopogon monticola47 ,this is a perennial grass4 ,the stems are usually slender1 densely tufted1 erect1 simple1 or branched1 leafy especially at the base1 varying in height from #a to #c feet4 ,the leaf-sheaths are sparsely hairy or glabrous1 the lower somewhat compressed and the upper terete4 ,the ligule is a short1 ciliated membrane4 ,the nodes are glabrous4 ,the leaf-blade is narrow1 linear1 acute1 rigid1 flat1 glaucous1 smooth or scaberulous1 with margins scabrid and ciliated with tubercle-based hairs especially towards the base1 and varying in length from #b to #ae inches4 ,the inflorescence is an open panicle1 ovate or oblong1 varying in length from #b to #e inches2 the rachis is slender1 smooth or scaberulous1 the branches are capillary1 whorled and spreading1 tip oblique1 bearded and bearing a single sessile and two pedicellate spikelets4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #aeh4--;,andropogon monticola4 #a4 ,sessile and pedicellate spikelets2 #b1 #c1 #d and #e4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively1 of the sessile spikelet2 #f4 anthers1 ovary and lodicules2 ,a-#a1 ,a-#b1 ,a-#c and ,a-#d4 the glumes of the pedicelled spikelet2 ,a-#e4 lodicules of the pedicelled spikelet4 ,the sessile spikelets are bisexual1 about #a_/d inch or less1 with a long callus bearded on one side with long rusty hairs4 ,there are four glumes in the spikelet4 ,the first glume is chartaceous1 linear1 complicate1 #b-toothed at the tip and with short bristles towards the apex1 #d-veined4 ,the second glume is chartaceous1 ovate-lanceolate1 much broader than the first1 ciliate with long rufous bristles on the keel1 shortly toothed at the apex with an awn about #a_/c of an inch and with broadly hyaline margins4 ,the third glume is hyaline1 narrow-oblong1 ciliate and obtuse4 ,the fourth glume is narrow1 oblong1 hyaline with an awn nearly an inch long4 ,there are three stamens and two lodicules4 ,the stigmas are long and feathery4 ,the pedicelled spikelets are as long as the sessile and the pedicels are flattened and with long rufous hairs on both the margins4 ,there are four glumes4 ,the first glume is lanceolate1 acute and awned between two teeth1 #g-nerved and scaberulous4 ,the second glume is lanceolate1 acuminate1 with thinly ciliate hyaline margins1 #c-nerved4 ,the third glume is shorter than the second1 narrow1 hyaline1 ciliate at the margins1 #b-nerved4 ,the fourth glume also is small1 hyaline1 ciliate1 and #a-nerved4 ,there are three stamens and two lodicules4 ,this grass is found growing all over the ,presidency on the plains and even on low hills4 ,it grows into a tall plant in rich soils and remains stunted in poor1 dry and rocky soils4 ,cattle eat this grass4 ,distribution4--,throughout ,india and ,ceylon and in ,africa4 ,andropogon caricosus1 ,l4 ,this is a perennial grass more or less tufted in habit and closely allied to ,andropogon annulatus1 ,forsk4 ,stems are erect or decumbent below or ascending from a creeping base1 rooting at the nodes1 smooth1 glabrous and much branched1 varying in height1 from #a to #b feet2 branches are short1 slender and sometimes even capillary1 with nodes bearded or not in branches ending in solitary spikes1 and completely glabrous when they end in binate spikes4 ,the leaf-sheaths are glabrous1 rather compressed1 striate1 shorter than the internodes4 ,ligule is membranous1 short1 very finely ciliolate or not4 ,the leaf-blade is linear1 finely acuminate1 sparsely hairy1 sometimes with tubercle-based hairs1 becoming glabrous when old with scaberulous margins #b to #h inches by #a_/aj to #a_/f inch1 base rounded mostly with a few long hairs4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #aei4--;,andropogon caricosus4 #a and #b4 ,front and back view of a bit of spike2 #c4 a sessile and a pedicelled spikelet2 #d1 #e and #f4 the first1 second and the third glume1 respectively1 of the sessile spikelet2 #g4 awn representing the fourth glume2 #h4 stamens1 lodicules and the ovary2 #i4 the first glume of the pedicelled spikelet4 ,the spikes are either binate or solitary varying in length from #a to #b inches1 joints and pedicels about #a_/c as long as the sessile spikelets1 slightly angular or flat1 ciliate along one side with white hairs2 peduncle is slender1 pale or purple1 pubescent or glabrous just below the spike4 ,the spikelets are about #a_/h inch1 imbricate1 a sessile and a stalked one from the top of each joint1 greenish or purple4 ,the sessile spikelet contains a bisexual flower and consists of four glumes4 ,the callus is short1 and shortly hairy below4 ,the first glume is somewhat chartaceous1 obovate-oblong1 obtuse or truncate1 #g- to #aa-nerved1 margin slightly folded1 keel shortly rigidly ciliate towards the apex1 and thinly ciliate below1 dorsal surfaces sparsely hairy below the middle4 ,the second glume is chartaceous1 ovate-lanceolate1 acute1 equal to or slightly longer than the first glume but narrower1 #c-nerved1 margin infolded1 thinly shortly ciliate1 dorsally glabrous1 shining4 ,the third glume is hyaline1 ovate-oblong1 acute1 nerveless1 margins sparsely ciliate or not4 ,the fourth glume is the base of the awn1 #c_/d to #a inch1 scaberulous4 ,stamens are three with yellow or purple tinged anthers1 ovary oblong with two feathery stigmas4 ,lodicules are two1 cuneate4 ,the pedicelled spikelets are either male or neuter and consist of four glumes4 ,the first glume is chartaceous1 obovate-oblong1 obtuse1 many-nerved 7thirteen or more71 thinly ciliate with long hairs and with a few rigid short hairs towards the apex2 margins are slightly infolded1 dorsally sparsely hairy without4 ,the second glume is membranous1 ovate-lanceolate1 acute1 #c-nerved 7occasionally #d-nerved71 margins are thinly ciliate and infolded4 ,the third glume is hyaline1 nerveless and ciliate4 ,the fourth glume is hyaline1 nerveless1 linear and oblong1 glabrous1 small1 the apex is narrowed and deeply bifid4 ,there are three stamens and two lodicules4 ,this is a common grass flourishing on the bunds of paddy fields and in sheltered places where there is sufficient moisture in the soil4 ,but this is less common than ,a4 annulatus1 ,forsk4 ,in black cotton soil at ,bantanahal in ,bellary district it grows to a height of #d or #e feet4 ,distribution4--,plains and low hills throughout ,india and ,ceylon4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #afj4--;,andropogon annulatus4 #a4 ,full plant2 #b4 base of the leaf and ligule4 ,andropogon annulatus1 ,forsk4 ,this is a densely tufted perennial grass4 ,the main stem is underground1 rhizomiferous1 and covered with scale leaves2 branches are many arising in tufts1 leafy1 procumbent at base and afterwards geniculately ascending and ending in inflorescence1 occasionally rooting at the nodes and varying in length from #b to #c feet4 ,the internodes vary from #a-a_/b to #d inches1 pale or purplish1 slightly flattened1 smooth and glabrous4 ,the leaf-sheath is terete1 glabrous1 shining1 green or purplish1 closed1 with margins where separate ciliated and profusely so at the tip especially the outer or both4 ,the ligule is membranous truncate1 glabrous1 about #a_/af inch in height4 ,nodes are purple and softly villous4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #afa4--;,andropogon annulatus4 #a4 ,front and back views of a portion of the spike2 #b4 a sessile and a pedicelled spikelet2 #c1 #d1 #e and #f4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively1 of the sessile spikelet2 #g4 the ovary1 stamens and lodicules2 #h1 #i and #aj4 the glumes of the pedicelled spikelet4 ,the leaf-blade is linear-lanceolate1 acuminate1 scabrid1 sparsely hairy1 becoming glabrous except at the base and with tubercle-based hairs on the upper surface4 ,the spikes vary in number from two to nine1 erect or slightly spreading1 subdigitately fascicled1 pale when young and pinkish or brown when old1 varying in length from #a to #b-a_/b inches4 ,the stalk of the whole inflorescence is long1 slender1 smooth and glabrous4 ,the peduncle of the spikes is from #a_/h to #a_/f of an inch long1 thin1 slender1 glabrous with swollen bases and with a ring of hairs at the node4 ,joints of the rachis and the pedicels are slightly flattened1 ciliated along the narrow edges2 the pedicels of the stalked spikelets are half as long as the sessile spikelets4 ,the spikelets are one sessile and one pedicelled and imbricating on the rachis4 ,the sessile spikelet is as long as the stalked or a little less1 with a thick callus1 shortly bearded at the base or sometimes glabrous and consists of four glumes4 ,the first glume is elliptic-oblong or oblong1 obtuse or truncate1 irregularly #b- or #c-toothed1 #e- to #i-nerved1 sparsely villous with long hairs and margins slightly infolded4 ,the second glume is smaller than the first glume1 acute1 membranous1 #c-nerved and keeled1 the margins are ciliate and infolded4 ,the third glume is hyaline1 linear1 acute1 or obtuse1 nerveless sparsely hairy at the tip1 very much shorter than the second glume4 ,the fourth glume is an awn with a linear hyaline base1 erect1 about an inch long4 ,stamens are three1 ovary is oblong with two feathery1 dark purple stigmas4 ,lodicules are two1 cuneate4 ,the pedicelled spikelets are male and consist of only three glumes4 ,the first glume is elliptic1 oblong1 irregularly obtuse1 about #aa-nerved1 margins slightly infolded with long pilose hairs throughout1 more along the margin4 ,the second glume is a little smaller1 #c-nerved1 sparsely hairy only along the marginal nerves1 folded inwards1 and slightly keeled4 ,the third glume is shorter than the second1 hyaline1 nerveless1 narrow-lanceolate1 acute2 stamens are three1 with green anthers1 purple-dotted4 ,lodicules are two1 broad and cuneate4 ,this grass is found flourishing all over ,india and grows in cultivated fields and gardens and likes sheltered places4 ,this yields a considerable amount of fodder and stands cutting well4 ,distribution4 ,throughout ,india in the hills and the plains4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #afb4--;,andropogon contortus4 ,andropogon contortus1 ,l4 7,heteropogon contortus1 ,beauv47 ,this is a tufted perennial4 ,the stems are erect or slightly decumbent below1 slender1 rather compressed towards the base1 leafy at the base1 simple or branched1 densely tufted and varying in length from #a to #c or #d feet4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #afc4--;,andropogon contortus4 #a4 ,lower pair of sessile and pedicelled spikelets2 #b4 upper pair of sessile and pedicelled spikelets2 #c1 #d1 #e and #f4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively1 of pedicelled spikelets2 #g1 #h1 #i and #aj4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively1 of the sessile spikelet2 #aa4 ovary4 ,the leaf-sheath is smooth or sparsely hairy1 compressed and shortly auricled or not at the mouth4 ,the ligule is short1 truncate and ciliolate4 ,the leaf-blades are linear1 acute or abruptly acuminate1 flat1 rigid1 sparingly ciliate above1 with tubercle-based hairs towards the base1 scaberulous throughout1 and #b to #ab inches long or more1 #a_/aj to #a_/e inch broad4 ,the inflorescence consists of a solitary spike with closely imbricating spikelets4 ,the spikelets are all on one side1 and the lower two to six pairs of pedicelled and sessile spikelets are all males4 ,the sessile spikelets are all female and awned1 except the few lower which are male and awnless1 #a_/d inch long4 ,the callus is long1 acute1 bearded with reddish-brown hairs4 ,there are four glumes in the spikelet4 ,the first glume is narrow1 linear-oblong1 truncate or rounded1 somewhat brown1 many-nerved1 hispid1 with incurved margins and membranous tip4 ,the second glume is linear1 obtuse1 coriaceous1 dark-brown1 hispidulous1 #c-nerved with incurved margins4 ,the third glume is oblong1 hyaline1 thin1 nerveless1 short and truncate4 ,the fourth glume is reduced to an awn1 #c inches or more in length4 ,the ovary is linear with two long stigmas4 ,the pedicelled spikelets are somewhat longer than the sessile #a_/c to #a_/b inch1 with very short pedicels4 ,the first glume is lanceolate1 obliquely twisted1 hispid at the back with long bulbous-based hairs1 margins more or less unequally winged4 ,the second glume is oblong lanceolate1 acuminate1 #e-nerved1 thinly ciliate with hyaline margins4 ,the third glume is oblong1 hyaline1 #a-nerved and ciliate4 ,the fourth glume is obovate-oblong or oblong1 hyaline1 ciliate1 nerveless4 ,there are three stamens4 ,this grass though coarse forms very good hay if cut before it flowers4 ,the only objection against this grass is the presence of the troublesome awns which get twisted together like the strands of a rope4 ,this is the spear grass of the ,anglo-,indians4 ,it grows all over the ,presidency and is a troublesome weed when in flower4 ,distribution4--,all over the ,presidency and ,india4 ,common in all tropical countries4 ,andropogon ,schoenanthus1 ,l4 ,var4 caesius4 7,cymbopogon caesius1 ,stapf47 ,this is a perennial grass with stout or slender1 erect stems rising from a woody base1 leafy upward1 simple or branched4 ,the leaf-sheath is smooth and glabrous4 ,the ligule is an oblong-ovate membrane4 ,nodes are glabrous4 ,the leaf-blade is long1 narrow or broad1 narrowly linear-lanceolate1 finely acuminate1 glaucous especially beneath1 thinly coriaceous1 glabrous on both the surfaces1 base rounded or cordate and amplexicaul1 #f to #aj inches by #a_/f to #a_/c inch4 ,the panicle is elongate1 leafy1 narrow1 dense or interrupted1 compound or decompound1 #a to #b feet long2 bracts are lanceolate1 spathiform1 finely acuminate1 glabrous1 varying in length from #a to #a-a_/b inches1 and with hyaline margins2 the proper bracts are as long as the spikes or longer4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #afd4--;,andropogon ,schoenanthus4 #a4 ,a sessile and two pedicelled spikelets2 #b1 #c1 #d and #e4 the first1 second1 third and fourth glume of the sessile spikelet1 respectively2 #f4 ovary2 #g1 #h and #i4 the glumes of the pedicelled spikelets in order4 ,the spikes are unequal1 #a_/b to #b_/c inch long1 one #c- to #d-;jointed and the other #d- to #f-;jointed2 the joints and pedicels are narrowly clavate1 half as long as the sessile spikelets1 tips dilated and toothed1 margins villously ciliate1 with long hairs4 ,the spikelets are binate1 one sessile and the other pedicelled4 ,the sessile spikelets in the upper part of the spike are bisexual1 lanceolate1 #a_/f inch long and those in the lower part of the spike are shorter1 obtuse1 male4 ,the callus is short and bearded4 ,there are four glumes4 ,the first glume is ovate or obovate-oblong1 dorsally flat or nearly so1 with a deep narrow-longitudinal median furrow usually below the middle and answering to a ridge on the ventral face1 obtuse or #b-toothed at the apex1 margined above the middle1 with a hyaline1 narrow1 finely denticulate wing1 #b-nerved or nerveless4 ,the second glume is lanceolate1 cymbiform1 acute or acuminate1 #c-nerved1 margins hyaline1 ciliate1 as long as the first chartaceous and the keel with a serrulate wing above the middle4 ,the third glume is linear oblong1 hyaline1 obtuse1 ciliate1 nerveless4 ,the fourth glume is the narrowly winged #b-lobed base of the awn1 lobes are lanceolate erect and palea of the fourth glume is minute4 ,lodicules are cuneate4 ,stamens are three4 ,the pedicelled spikelets are oblong-lanceolate1 acute or obtuse1 glabrous and male4 ,there are three glumes4 ,the first glume is glabrous or rarely puberulous1 margins incurved1 obtuse1 #i- to #aa-nerved4 ,the second glume is ovate1 acute1 #c-nerved4 ,the third glume is oblong or linear-oblong1 hyaline1 apex rounded1 ciliate and faintly #b-nerved4 ,this grass grows all over the ,presidency in open dry situations and is very widely distributed4 ,distribution4--,throughout ,india--westward to tropical ,africa4 #bi4 ,anthistiria1 ,l4 f4 7,themeda1 ,forsk47 ,these are tall grasses1 annual or perennial4 ,leaves are usually long and narrow4 ,the inflorescence consists of racemes or panicles of fascicled spikes in the axils of spathiform bracts4 ,the spikelets vary in number from six to eleven in a cluster1 the four lowest being male or neuter1 and forming an involucre with whorled or superposed pairs round either #a-sessile bisexual spikelet with two pedicelled spikelets or two superposed bisexual1 the lower with one pedicelled1 the upper with two4 ,the involucral spikelets are male or neuter1 the largest1 and consist of three glumes4 ,the first glume is oblong1 lanceolate1 dorsally flattened1 many-nerved1 margins narrowly incurved and keels narrowly winged4 ,the second glume is membranous1 lanceolate1 acute1 #c-nerved1 with ciliate margins4 ,the third glume is hyaline1 smaller than the second1 #a-nerved or this glume may be absent1 stamens have large anthers4 ,the pedicelled spikelets are similar to the involucral in every respect but smaller1 male or neuter1 but the first glume is not winged on the keels4 ,the bisexual 7or female7 spikelets are smaller than the involucrant spikelets1 linear-oblong1 subterete1 obtuse with a rigidly bearded callus4 ,there are four glumes in the spikelet4 ,the first glume is terete1 or dorsally compressed or channelled1 coriaceous and at length hardened1 margins incurved1 dark brown to almost black when old4 ,the second glume is as long as the first1 linear1 dorsally chartaceous1 with broadly incurved membranous margins1 #c-nerved4 ,the third glume is very small1 hyaline1 #a-nerved1 epaleate4 ,the fourth glume is the flattened base of the awn1 epaleate4 ,the lodicules are two1 cuneate4 ,anthers are rather small4 ,styles are laterally or terminally exserted4 ,grain is narrow1 obovoid1 biconvex1 with two grooves on the anterior side and with a long embryo4 ,anthistiria tremula1 ,nees4 ,this is an annual or perennial4 ,stems are stout or slender1 erect or ascending from a creeping root-stock1 simple or branched1 #a to #d feet4 ,the leaf-sheath is smooth1 compressed4 ,the ligule is a narrow membrane4 ,the leaf-blade is linear-lanceolate1 rigid1 erect1 acuminate with a setaceous tip1 nearly smooth1 varying in length from #f to #bj inches and in breadth from #a_/f to #b_/c inch4 ,the inflorescence is an elongate panicle1 #a to #b feet long1 consisting of rather distant fascicles of spikes and bracts on capillary1 flexuous peduncles2 the spikes are sub-flabelliform or sub-globose1 #a_/b to #a-a_/b inches broad1 sometimes reduced to a few spikelets and bracts2 the outer bracts are longer than the fascicles1 #a to #a-a_/b inches long1 glabrous or hairy with ordinary or tubercle-based hairs2 proper bracts are lanceolate1 acute1 compressed1 glabrous or hairy with membranous margins4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #afe4--;,anthistiria tremula4 #a4 ,fascicles of three spikes with the outer bracts and proper bracts2 #b4 a spike without its proper bract2 #c4 the pedicelled and the bisexual spikelets without the involucral spikelets2 #d1 the first glume of the involucral spikelet with one wing only2 #d;a4 the first glume of the involucral spikelet with wings to both the keels2 #e and #f4 the second and the third glume of the involucral spikelet2 #g1 #h and #i4 the glumes of the bisexual spikelet2 #aj1 #aa1 #ab and #ac4 glumes of the bisexual spikelet2 #ad4 ovary4 ,the involucral spikelets are the longest1 in contiguous superposed pairs1 about #a_/b inch long1 and the rachis of the spike is produced beyond these spikelets4 ,there are three glumes4 ,the first glume is linear-lanceolate1 acute1 covered with long1 often tubercle-based hairs1 many-nerved1 margins narrowly incurved1 and with narrow wings1 on both the keels in one of each of the pairs of spikelets and on one keel only in the other of each of these pairs4 ,the second glume is oblong-lanceolate1 acute1 margins thin and membranous1 inflexed1 ciliate above the middle1 #c-nerved4 ,the third glume is as long as the second1 hyaline1 very narrowly linear1 #a-nerved4 ,stamens are three and the lodicules are cuneate4 ,the pedicelled spikelets are usually smaller than the involucral spikelets and similar to them4 ,the first glume is winged on one side in the lowest spikelet and without wings in the others4 ,the bisexual or 7female7 spikelets are linear-oblong1 obtuse1 and the callus with reddish hairs4 ,the first glume is scabrid1 deeply channelled at the back1 nerveless1 narrowly truncate at the tip1 and hispid near the apex4 ,the second glume is as long as the first1 linear1 hyaline1 #c-nerved1 chartaceous at the back with the sides membranous and incurved4 ,the third glume is small1 hyaline1 #a-nerved and epaleate4 ,the fourth glume is the narrowed base of the awn which is #a_/b inch long4 ,this grass is very common in marshes and in wet low-lying places on the hills and occurs also in the plains in ,malabar and ,south ,kanara4 ,distribution4--,the ,deccan ,peninsula1 from the ,konkan and ,central ,provinces southward1 and ,ceylon4 #cj4 ,iseilema1 ,hack4 ,these grasses are either annual or perennial1 with slender freely branching stems4 ,the inflorescence is a panicle consisting of groups of dissimilar spikelets with compressed1 boat-shaped spathes on peduncles4 ,spikelets are of two kinds1 sessile and pedicelled4 ,each peduncle bears #d-pedicelled male or neuter spikelets in a regular whorl forming an involucel around #a or #b sessile bisexual spikelets and #b- or #c-pedicelled male spikelets4 ,involucral spikelets have #c or #b glumes1 the first two glumes are somewhat similar1 the first #c- to #e-nerved and the second #c-nerved1 the third glume is one nerved and hyaline4 ,lodicules are cuneate and retuse4 ,anthers yellow dotted or tinged violet4 ,pedicelled spikelets inside the involucral similar to those of the involucral4 ,sessile spikelets are bisexual or sometimes female1 #d-;glumed and awned4 ,,key ,,to ,,the ,,species4 ,panicle slender1 lax2 involucral spikelets #a_/f inch2 pedicel slender1 terete #a4 ,i4 laxum4 ,panicle crowded1 leafy2 involucral spikelets #a_/f inch or more1 very strongly nerved2 pedicel harder1 firmer and flattened #b4 ,i4 anthephoroides4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #aff4--;,iseilema laxum4 ,iseilema laxum1 ,hack4 ,it is a tufted perennial grass with a stout1 short1 creeping root-stock4 ,stems are slender1 branched1 ascending1 #f to #bd inches long4 ,the leaf-sheaths are somewhat loose1 glabrous4 ,the ligule is a shortly ciliate membrane4 ,the leaf-blade is linear1 obtuse1 glabrous and ciliate near the base1 #b to #f inches long4 ,the leaf-blades in the upper portions of the branches are smaller4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #afg4--;,iseilema laxum4 #a4 ,a cluster of spikelets with spathes4 #b4 a cluster consisting of the involucral spikelets and three inner spikelets2 #c4 the inner spikelets consisting of one sessile female or bisexual and #b-pedicelled male spikelets2 #d1 #e and #f4 the first1 second and the third glume1 respectively1 of the involucral spikelet4 ,the inflorescence is a narrow long panicle bearing clusters of spikelets with spathes on slender peduncles1 the outer spathes are narrow-lanceolate1 glabrous or with a few hairs near the margin1 #a_/d to #a inch long2 inner spathes are lanceolate1 smaller with membranous margins4 ,each cluster consists of an involucel of #d pedicelled spikelets forming a true whorl around #b pedicelled and #a sessile spikelets or #c pedicelled and #b sessile spikelets4 ,the involucral spikelets are male1 oblong-lanceolate1 acute1 with short flattened pedicels1 bearded at the base1 and have three glumes4 ,the first glume is oblong-lanceolate1 acute1 #e- to #g-nerved and ciliate4 ,the second glume is oblong-lanceolate1 acuminate1 equal or slightly shorter than the first1 glabrous1 #c-nerved and with infolded margins4 ,the third glume is hyaline1 linear1 short1 irregularly toothed at the apex4 ,the inner pedicelled spikelets are similar to the involucral spikelets1 but the third glume is very narrow1 linear4 ,the sessile spikelets are female1 rarely bisexual1 narrowly lanceolate1 #a_/e inch long1 glabrous and have four glumes4 ,the first glume is lanceolate1 chartaceous1 truncate or #b-;fid at the apex1 faintly #e-nerved1 with a few long hairs or glabrous1 and with margins scaberulous towards the tip to about one-third the length of the glume4 ,the second glume is lanceolate1 acuminate1 glabrous1 sub-chartaceous1 #c-nerved4 ,the third glume is hyaline1 nerveless1 apex irregularly cut1 short2 sometimes this glume is wanting4 ,the fourth glume is a very slender awn of about #a_/b inch4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #afh4--;,iseilema laxum4 #a4 ,inner spikelets consisting of #b-pedicelled male and two female or bisexual spikelets2 #b1 #c1 #d and #e4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively1 of the sessile spikelets2 #f4 ovary2 #g1 #h and #i4 the first1 second and the third glume1 respectively1 of the inner pedicelled spikelet4 ,this is a widely spread common grass growing in somewhat moist situations4 ,this is the well-known ,chengali gaddi of the ,telugu districts4 ,distribution4--,all over ,madras and ,bombay presidencies4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #afi4--;,iseilema anthephoroides4 ,iseilema anthephoroides1 ,hack4 ,this is a perennial grass closely resembling ,iseilema laxum in its habit1 but shorter1 stouter and branching more freely4 ,the leaf is similar to that of ,i4 laxum in all its parts4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #agj4--;,iseilema anthephoroides4 #a4 ,a cluster of spikelets with spathes2 #b4 the involucral and the inner spikelets2 #c4 the inner spikelets2 #d and #e4 the glumes of the involucral spikelets2 #f1 #g1 #h and #i4 the four glumes1 respectively1 of the sessile spikelet2 #aj4 ovary2 #aa and #ab4 glumes of the inner pedicelled spikelets4 ,the pedicelled spikelets of the involucel have firmer harder1 shorter and broader pedicels1 thickly bearded and consist of two glumes only4 ,the first glume is very strongly #e-nerved1 coriaceous1 oblong-lanceolate2 with scaberulous infolded margins1 with long cilia4 ,the second glume is lanceolate1 thin1 #c-nerved1 glabrous4 ,the inner pedicelled spikelets are similar to the pedicelled spikelets of the involucel4 ,the sessile spikelet has four glumes4 ,the first glume is elliptic-lanceolate1 apex drawn into a long narrow strip ending in two teeth or truncate1 sparsely ciliate at the margins about the middle1 faintly #c-nerved4 ,the second glume is shorter than the first1 lanceolate1 drawn out into an acuminate point at the apex1 hairy at the back4 ,the third glume is hyaline1 short1 oblong1 apex broad and irregularly toothed1 nerveless4 ,the fourth glume is an awn4 ,this is very common in the ,deccan districts and grows on all kinds of soils4 ,this is a good fodder grass4 ,distribution4--,very common in the ,ceded districts and ,nellore4 ,,chapter ,,ix4 ,series ,,ii--,poaceae4 ,,tribes ,v ,,and ,,vi--,,agrostideae ,,and ,,chlorideae4 ,the tribe ,agrostideae is a very small one4 ,it is represented in ,south ,india only by a few genera4 ,the spikelets are usually #a-;flowered and the rachilla is jointed at the base just above the empty glumes and it is not produced beyond the flowering glume4 ,there are only three glumes in the spikelet4 ,sub4 ,tribe #a4 ,stipeae4--,the spikelets are narrow and long1 panicles and the flowering glumes are rigid or hard1 and awned4 ,the third glume is narrow1 long1 awn #c-;fid #ca4 ,aristida4 ,sub4 ,tribe #b4 ,euagrosteae4--,the spikelets are very small1 in open or contracted panicles4 ,the third glume is thin and membranous1 awnless4 #cb4 ,sporobolus4 ,chlorideae is also a small tribe with about ten genera1 most of them being very common in ,southern ,india4 ,the spikelets are unilaterally biseriate on the rachis which is not jointed at the base4 ,there are one or more flowers in the spikelet1 all or only the lowest being bisexual4 ,the rachilla is jointed just above the empty glumes and it is produced or not beyond the flowering glumes4 ,the inflorescence consists of spikes1 or spiciform racemes1 solitary or digitate1 and in some it is paniculate4 ,rachilla produced beyond the flowering glume4 ,spikes usually solitary4 ,spikelets #a- to #b-;flowered1 pedicelled and in deciduous clusters1 awned4 #cc4 ,gracilea4 ,spikelets #a- to #b-;flowered1 not clustered awned4 #cd4 ,enteropogon4 ,spikes or spiciform racemes digitate or whorled4 ,spikelets #a-;flowered and with three glumes1 awnless4 #ce4 ,cynodon4 ,rachilla not produced beyond the flowering glumes4 ,spikelets #b- or more-flowered1 glumes five or more1 awned1 upper flowers imperfect4 #cf4 ,chloris4 ,spikelets #c- to #f-;flowered1 densely crowded1 awnless4 #cg4 ,eleusine4 ,spikes or spiciform spikes racemed1 spikelets #b- to #c-;flowered1 #d- to #e-;glumed1 awned4 #ch4 ,dinebra4 ,spikes panicled1 filiform1 spikelets very minute one-or more-flowered1 glumes awnless4 #ci4 ,leptochloa4 #ca4 ,aristida1 ,l4 ,these are tufted1 annual or perennial grasses4 ,spikelets are panicled1 #a-;flowered1 laterally compressed1 with the rachilla jointed above the empty glumes1 #c-;glumed4 ,the first and the second glumes are narrow1 keeled1 #a-nerved1 awned or not and persistent4 ,the third glume is very narrow1 cylindric1 coriaceous1 convolute1 acuminate1 #c-nerved1 tip produced into a long #c-partite1 naked or hairy awn twisted below the branches1 with a minute palea which is convolute round the ovary4 ,lodicules are two1 linear or oblong-linear and hyaline4 ,stamens are three4 ,styles are distinct4 ,grain is long1 narrow and cylindrical4 ,,key ,,to ,,the ,,species4 ,awn tripartite from the base and not articulate with the top of the glume1 persistent and glabrous4 ,annual4 ,glumes ,i and ,,ii not awned4 ,awn without any column and branched from the base4 #a4 ,a4 ,adscenscionis4 ,awn with a short column and with shorter branches4 #d4 ,a4 mutabilis4 ,perennial4 ,panicle cylindric1 glumes ,i and ,,ii awned2 callus with white silky hairs4 #b4 ,a4 setacea4 ,panicle effuse1 glumes ,i and ,,ii awned or not2 callus naked4 #c4 ,a4 ,hystrix4 ,awn with a long column1 tripartite at the top4 ,annual2 panicle lax1 narrow2 glumes ,i and ,,ii awned4 #e4 ,a4 funiculata4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #aga4--;,aristida ,adscenscionis4 ,aristida ,adscenscionis1 ,l4 ,this grass is usually an annual becoming a perennial under favourable conditions4 ,stems are slender1 sometimes even filiform1 erect1 or ascending1 simple or branched1 varying in length from #i inches to #c feet4 ,the leaf-sheath is glabrous1 thinly striate4 ,the ligule is a row of fine short hairs4 ,nodes are glabrous4 ,the leaf-blade is narrow1 linear1 tapering to a fine point1 convolute in bud1 scabrid above and smooth below1 with a minutely serrate1 very narrow1 hyaline margin1 #a to #aj inches long and #a_/ab inch broad4 ,the inflorescence is a lax1 narrow1 subsecund panicle1 varying in length from #c to #ab inches1 and with a slender glabrous peduncle2 the main rachis is filiform and glabrous2 branches are either solitary or binate1 unequal2 branched either from the middle or the base2 pedicels are short and capillary4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #agb4--;,aristida ,adscenscionis4 #a4 ,a spikelet2 #b4 first and second glumes2 #c4 palea2 #d4 lodicules1 stamens and ovary2 #e4 third glume with awns2 #f4 grain4 ,the spikelets are narrow1 erect1 green1 occasionally also purplish1 #a_/d to #a_/c inch long exclusive of the awn4 ,there are three glumes4 ,the first glume is linear-lanceolate1 acute1 membranous1 #a-nerved with a scaberulous keel1 #a_/af to #c_/af inch long4 ,the second glume is longer than the first1 linear-lanceolate1 acute1 occasionally #b-toothed and apiculate1 #a-veined about #a_/d inch long and with a smooth keel4 ,the third glume is as long as the second or slightly longer1 laterally compressed1 #c-nerved1 smooth but scaberulous along the keel1 awned2 there are three scabrid awns1 varying in length from #a_/b to #c_/d inch1 continuous with the glume without a column1 not jointed1 and the middle awn is longer than the lateral ones2 the callus is long1 pointed and villous4 ,there is a minute palea4 ,lodicules are two1 similar to the palea in size1 linear oblong4 ,anthers are yellow dotted with purple4 ,the ovary is oblong linear with two white feathery stigmas4 ,grain is long and linear4 ,this when young is eaten by cattle1 but they do not like it when in flower4 ,distribution4--,occurs all over the ,presidency in the plains and the low hills4 ,aristida setacea1 ,retz4 ,this is a tall coarse perennial grass with hard1 smooth and polished1 stout1 erect simple or branched stems1 #c to #d feet4 ,roots are stout and wiry4 ,the leaf-sheath is glabrous1 cylindrical4 ,the ligule is a row of short hairs4 ,the nodes are glabrous4 ,the leaf-blade is linear1 coriaceous1 convolute1 glabrous1 strongly nerved1 #f to #ab inches long4 ,the inflorescence is a contracted panicle varying from #f to #ah inches with short1 erect or subsecund branches4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #agc4--;,aristida setacea4 #a4 ,the spikelet2 #b and #c4 the first and the second glume2 #d4 the lower portion of the third glume1 anther1 ovary and the lodicules2 #e4 palea of the third glume4 ,the spikelets vary from #a_/b to #b_/c inch excluding the awn4 ,there are three glumes4 ,the first glume is about #c_/h inch long1 lanceolate-linear1 narrowed into a short awn4 ,the second glume is longer than the first1 #a-nerved and minutely #b-toothed or notched at the base of the awn4 ,the third glume is #e_/h inch long1 #c-nerved1 nearly smooth4 ,the callus of the third glume is long1 densely silkily hairy with three awns not jointed at the base with the glume2 awns about #a inch or more4 ,lodicules are ovate-lanceolate1 fairly large4 ,grain is narrow1 cylindrical4 ,this grass grows in open dry situations in many parts of the ,presidency4 ,distribution4--,all over ,india4 ,aristida ,hystrix1 ,linn4 f4 ,this is a diffuse perennial grass with a creeping root-stock1 with fairly stout sometimes proliferous freely branching stems2 branches are stiff1 erect1 inclined or prostrate1 varying in length from #f inches to #b feet4 ,the leaf-sheath is glabrous and cylindric4 ,the ligule is a ridge of close-set hairs4 ,nodes are glabrous4 ,the leaf-blades are quite flat1 narrowly lanceolate-linear very finely acuminate1 glabrous on both the surfaces but with tufts of hairs on both sides at the base where the blade joins the sheath1 prominently nerved2 margin is even and without any hyaline border1 the blade varies in length from #b to #i inches4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #agd4--;,aristida ,hystrix4 #a4 ,a spikelet2 #b1 #c and #d4 the first1 second and the third glume1 respectively2 #d;a4 the third glume and its awns2 #e4 palea of the third glume2 #f4 lodicules1 anthers and the ovary4 ,the inflorescence is an effuse panicle1 as long as broad1 varying in length from #d to #aj inches2 the main rachis is stout1 finely scabrid1 with stiff slender1 horizontally spreading or reclining branches that arise in pairs from the nodes1 the branches have swollen bases at the nodes and they are covered by long hairs4 ,the spikelets are #c_/h inch long excluding the awn4 ,there are three glumes4 ,the first glume is chartaceous1 lanceolate1 acuminate and terminating in an awn1 #a-nerved1 #c_/h to #a_/b inch including the awn1 with the keel very finely scabrous4 ,the second glume is longer than the first1 chartaceous1 lanceolate1 terminating in an awn1 #a_/b to #c_/d inch long including the awn1 with a smooth keel4 ,the callus of the third glume is short1 pointed and villous4 ,the third glume is chartaceous finely scabrid #a_/d to #c_/h inch long excluding the awn1 #c-nerved1 #c-lobed at the apex and the lobes becoming awns2 awns are #a inch long1 the middle one being a little longer4 ,the outer margin of the glume is broader than the inner margin and is rounded at the apex at the base of the awn4 ,there are three stamens and the anthers are pale or purplish4 ,the style branches are purplish4 ,the lodicules are #a_/h inch long obliquely lanceolate4 ,this grass is fairly common in all open dry situations throughout this ,presidency4 ,distribution4--,deccan ,peninsula and ,ceylon4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #age4--;,aristida mutabilis4 ,aristida mutabilis1 ,trin4 ,rup4 ,this is a small tufted annual grass with simple or branched slender stems spreading at the base1 and sometimes geniculately ascending and rooting at the lower nodes1 #f to #ab inches long4 ,the nodes have dark purple rings when dry4 ,the leaf-sheath is glabrous1 with membranous margins and long hairs at the mouth4 ,the ligule is a row of short dense hairs4 ,the leaf-blade is slender1 convolute1 rigid1 curved1 and the tip ending in a sharp point1 #a to #c inches long4 ,the inflorescence is a narrow panicle1 cylindric1 with short crowded branches1 some of them remote lower down1 peduncle is smooth1 and rachis smooth or scaberulous2 branches and pedicels are scaberulous4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #agf4--;,aristida mutabilis4 #a4 ,a spikelet2 #b1 #c and #d4 the first1 second and the third glume1 respectively2 #e4 grain4 ,the spikelets are shortly pedicellate1 pale-green about #a_/d inch long exclusive of the awn4 ,there are three glumes4 ,the first glume is membranous1 oblong-lanceolate1 shortly awned1 #a-nerved1 keeled and scaberulous on the keel and the sides4 ,the second glume is narrower and longer than the first1 shortly awned #a-nerved1 #b-toothed1 obscurely scaberulous and encircling the third glume4 ,the third glume is narrow1 convolute1 scaberulous1 #c-nerved awned with a shortly bearded callus1 the awn is three branched articulate to the short column at the base about #c_/d inch long with the middle branch slightly longer than the other two2 palea is minute4 ,lodicules are two and narrow4 ,the grain is narrow as long as the glume and grooved4 ,this resembles in general habit and appearance ,aristida ,adscenscionis1 but it is not so widely distributed4 ,so far this has been noticed only in ,tinnevelly and ,nellore districts4 ,distribution4--,southern ,india1 the ,punjab and ,rajputana1 also in ,arabia and tropical ,africa4 ,aristida funiculata1 ,trin4 ,rup4 ,this is a slender annual grass with geniculately ascending stems1 radiating on all sides4 ,the stems vary in length from #aj to #bj inches4 ,the leaf-sheath is glabrous and cylindrical4 ,the ligule is a short membrane ciliate at the margin1 or a close set fringe of hairs4 ,the leaf-blade is flat or convolute1 narrowly linear-acuminate1 with long scattered hairs on the upper surface and tufts of long hairs at the mouth1 and varying in length from #b to #f inches and in breadth from #a_/bj to #a_/ab inch4 ,the inflorescence is a narrow1 lax panicle with short1 erect1 capillary branches4 ,the spikelets vary in length from #a_/b to #g_/h inch4 ,there are three glumes4 ,the first glume is linear-lanceolate1 acute and terminating in an awn1 #a-nerved and varying in length from #c_/d to #g_/h inch4 ,the second glume is similar to the first1 but narrower and shorter1 #a_/b inch or longer4 ,the third glume is very short1 and is prolonged towards the apex as a narrow firmly convolute strap forming a twisted column of about an inch jointed at the base1 and this ends in three slender scabrid awns of about #a-a_/d inch1 the middle one being longer4 ,the glume just below the joint is finely scabrid to a little distance4 ,the palea is short4 ,anthers are small1 purple4 ,the style branches are also purple4 ,lodicules are oblong1 obliquely truncate at the apex and about #a_/aj inch long4 ,the grain is cylindric4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #agg4--;,aristida funiculata4 #a4 ,a spikelet2 #b1 #c and #d4 the first1 second and the third glume1 respectively2 #e4 a portion of the column at the top and the basal portions of the awns2 #f4 the ovary1 lodicules and the stamens2 #g4 palea of the third glume4 ,found in open dry situation in several places1 but not widely distributed4 ,distribution4--,from the ,punjab to ,concan and ,madras ,presidency1 ,arabia1 ,baluchistan and ,tropical ,africa4 #cb4 ,sporobolus1 ,br4 ,these are perennial or annual grasses with varied habit4 ,inflorescence is an open or contracted or spiciform panicle4 ,spikelets are small consisting of three membranous glumes1 #a-nerved or nerveless4 ,the first and the second glumes are unequal1 persistent or separately caducous4 ,the third glume is ovate or oblong1 acute or obtuse1 longer or shorter than the second1 #a-nerved1 paleate2 palea is as long as the glume and of the same texture of the glume dorsally narrowly inflexed along the middle line and splitting into two halves4 ,lodicules are very minute or absent4 ,stamens one to three4 ,styles are with short stigmas4 ,grain oblong1 obovoid or round4 ,,key ,,to ,,the ,,species4 ,glumes ,i and ,,ii both shorter than ,,iii4 ,panicle rather narrow with short capillary branches2 glumes ,i and ,,ii nerveless4 #a4 ,s4 diander4 ,glume ,i shorter than ,,ii and ,,iii and ,,ii nearly or quite as long as ,,iii4 ,panicle contracted1 narrow and spiciform2 glume ,i #a-nerved4 #b4 ,s4 tremulus4 ,panicle open and effuse4 ,branches with spikelets and pedicels appressed4 #c4 ,s4 coromandelianus4 ,panicle short2 leaves glabrous4 ,branches with pedicel and spikelets drooping and not appressed4 #d4 ,s4 commutatus4 ,panicle large2 leaves with long hairs4 #e4 ,s4 scabrifolius4 ,sporobolus diander1 ,beauv4 ,this is a tufted annual or perennial grass4 ,stems are slender with leaves tufted at the base1 #a to #c feet high4 ,the leaf-sheath is glabrous and smooth1 ribbed1 the lower short and the upper very long4 ,nodes are glabrous4 ,the ligule consists of a fringe of minute hairs4 ,the leaf-blades are usually flat1 glabrous1 strongly nerved1 with filiform tips1 #c to #aj inches by #a_/be to #a_/af inch4 ,the inflorescence is an erect narrow pyramidal panicle1 varying in length from #d to #aj inches and about #b inches in breadth4 ,the branches are very fine1 spreading and in scattered fascicles1 #a_/b to #b inches long1 with many very small spikelets arranged racemosely along the axis4 ,spikelets are small #a_/ah to #a_/bj inch long1 with very short pedicels4 ,the first glume is very short less than #a_/e inch1 broadly oblong1 nerveless1 hyaline1 broadly truncate and erose at the apex4 ,the second glume is a little longer than the first1 but shorter than the third1 hyaline1 broadly elliptic-oblong1 nerveless or obscurely #a-nerved4 ,the third glume is broadly ovate-oblong1 subacute1 #a-nerved1 paleate2 the palea is plicate in the median line4 ,stamens are usually two4 ,the grain is obovoid1 truncate at the apex1 and with a small white swelling in the centre at the apex1 rugulose1 red-brown4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #agh4--,sporobolus diander4 #a4 ,a portion of a branch2 #b4 a spikelet2 #c1 #d and #e4 the first1 second and the third glume1 respectively2 #f4 palea of the third glume2 #g4 anthers and the ovary4 ,this grass grows usually gregariously in somewhat sheltered situations all over the ,presidency on the plains and low hills4 ,this is an excellent fodder grass4 ,it forms fairly large tufts with plenty of green leaves on rich moist soils4 ,when the leaves are young cattle eat this grass very eagerly1 but do not seem to care for it when the leaves become old4 ,however by frequent grazing it can be made to produce young leaves in succession4 ,this grass is also an excellent soil binder1 as its roots form a perfect matting in any kind of moist soil soon after planting4 ,this is very difficult to eradicate when once established4 ,distribution4--,throughout ,india and ,burma4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #agi4--,sporobolus tremulus4 ,sporobolus tremulus1 ,kunth4 ,a small tufted perennial grass4 ,the plant consists of prostrate stems and stolons1 filiform and wiry4 ,stems vary in length from #b to #ah inches1 prostrate or erect1 rooting at the lower nodes2 flowering branches always ascending4 ,the leaf-sheath is glabrous1 finely striate1 shorter than the internode4 ,the ligule is a very short ciliated membrane4 ,the leaf-blade is narrow linear1 pungent1 somewhat rigid1 flat1 distichous1 base rounded with or without a few long hairs and varies in length from #a_/d to #a inch and in breadth from #a_/bj to #a_/af inch1 but in plants growing in rich moist soils the leaves become longer reaching #c-a_/b inches in length4 ,the inflorescence is a narrow spiciform panicle with appressed branches and spikelets1 sometimes interrupted1 varying in length from #c_/d to #a-a_/d inch2 both the peduncle and the main rachis are glabrous1 and the latter wavy4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ahj4--,sporobolus tremulus4 #a4 ,spike2 #b4 spikelet2 #c and #d4 first and second glumes2 #e and #f4 third glume and its palea2 #g4 ovary and anthers4 ,the spikelets are #a_/af inch long1 oblong-lanceolate1 pale1 crowded1 glabrous1 shortly pedicelled on thinly scaberulous filiform short branches4 ,there are three glumes in the spikelet1 and all the glumes are membranous and thin4 ,the first glume is a little shorter than the second and about two-third the length of the third glume and #a-nerved4 ,the second glume is a little shorter than the third or equal to but not longer1 oblong-lanceolate1 subacute or obtuse1 #a-nerved and obscurely scaberulous at the back along the nerve4 ,the third glume is broadly oblong1 subacute or obtuse1 #a-nerved1 glabrous1 with a palea as long as the glume2 the palea is #b-nerved1 oblong and truncate at the apex4 ,stamens are three and anthers are pale greenish yellow4 ,stigmas are pale4 ,lodicules are two1 small4 ,this grass is an excellent one for binding the soil and may also prove successful as a fodder grass4 ,it usually flourishes in moist situations1 in sandy loams and rich heavy soils4 ,distribution4--,plains throughout ,india and ,ceylon4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #aha4--,sporobolus coromandelianus4 ,sporobolus coromandelianus1 ,l4 ,the plant is a densely tufted annual varying in size with the nature of the soil1 small and stunted in hard dry soils and large and spreading in rich loose and moist soils4 ,the stems are closely spreading on the ground1 rooting sometimes at the lower nodes1 branching freely1 profusely leafy at the base1 covered by a few scale leaves1 and #b to #ab inches long4 ,the leaf-sheath is glabrous1 faintly and finely striate1 distichously imbricate1 compressed1 somewhat keeled1 outer margin ciliate1 and bearded at the mouth4 ,the ligule is a thin short membranous ridge with a fringe of dense fine hairs4 ,the leaf-sheath enclosing the base of the peduncle is rather long1 glabrous with a tuft of short hairs at the mouth4 ,the leaf-blade is green without any glaucousness about it1 #a_/b to #f inches long1 #c_/af to #a_/d inch broad1 lanceolate or linear-lanceolate1 flat1 acuminate1 slightly coriaceous1 many-nerved with a prominent midrib1 scaberulous throughout1 with a few long scattered deciduous1 tubercle-based hairs towards the base1 base subcordate1 margin cartilaginous1 scabrid and finely serrulate4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ahb4--,sporobolus coromandelianus4 #a4 ,portion of a spike showing the verticillate arrangement of the branches and the glands2 #b4 spikelet2 #c4 first glume2 #d and #e4 second and third glumes2 #f4 palea of the third glume2 #g4 anthers and ovary2 #h4 grain4 ,the inflorescence is a pyramidal panicle #a-a_/b to #d inches long1 erect on a terete glabrous peduncle #a-a_/b to #f inches long1 the main rachis is slender1 erect1 striate1 glabrous and has glandular streaks just above the insertion of the branches of the lowest verticil4 ,branches are capillary1 stiff and spreading1 horizontally verticillate or subverticillate1 the lowest whorl consisting of five to sixteen or seventeen branches and the others from three to nine1 shining1 swollen at the point of insertion and provided with a glandular scar a little above the point of insertion2 branchlets are very close1 appressed to the rachis of the branch never drooping or spreading1 each bearing two to five spikelets4 ,the spikelets are small1 #a_/bj to #a_/af inch subsessile or pedicelled1 always appressed to the rachis solitary in the upper portions of the branches1 and two to five on the branchlets in the lower portion1 pale1 green or rarely copper coloured1 oblong or lanceolate1 acute or acuminate1 caducous or glumes one and two persistent4 ,there are three glumes4 ,the first glume is very small1 hyaline1 ovate1 obtuse1 occasionally truncate or acute1 about one-fifth of the third glume or less4 ,the second glume is membranous1 ovate or oblong-lanceolate1 acute or acuminate1 thinly scaberulous and #a-nerved4 ,the third glume is as long as or a little shorter than the second glume1 #a-nerved and paleate4 ,the palea is as long as the glume1 oblong1 #b-nerved1 splitting in two portions between the nerves as soon as the grain is formed4 ,stamens are three with reddish purple anthers2 stigmas are white at first1 but turning brown while withering4 ,lodicules are two1 minute4 ,the grain is oblong1 pale1 brown and obtuse at both ends1 embryo about #a_/c of the grain4 ,this grass flourishes in all kinds of soils all over the ,presidency4 ,distribution4--,throughout the plains of ,india and ,ceylon4 ,also in ,afghanistan and ,south ,africa4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ahc4--,sporobolus commutatus4 ,sporobolus commutatus1 ,kunth4 ,this is an annual and usually grows in loose tufts4 ,stems are slender1 always erect or ascending1 leafy and branching1 #b to #ae inches long4 ,the leaf-sheath is shorter than the internode1 slightly compressed1 finely striate1 glabrous and occasionally with a few scattered tubercle-based hairs1 margin ciliate2 the uppermost sheath is cylindric somewhat long and embraces the greater portion of the peduncle and has a bunch of short hairs at the top4 ,the leaf-blade is narrow linear-lanceolate1 acuminate scaberulous throughout1 with long tubercle-based hairs scattered all over1 but more of them near the base2 margins spinulosely distantly serrulate or scabrid1 base rounded or subcordate1 #a_/b to #d-a_/b inches long and #a_/af to #c_/af inch wide4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ahd4--,sporobolus commutatus4 #a4 ,a portion of a branch2 #b4 spikelet2 #c1 #d and #e4 first1 second and the third glume2 #f4 palea of the third glume2 #g4 ovary and anthers2 #h and #i4 grain4 ,the inflorescence is diffuse1 pyramidal1 #a to #c inches by #c_/d to #b inches1 on a slender glabrous peduncle #a to #f inches long1 main rachis is slender and angled1 with a glandular streak or without it4 ,branches are effuse1 fine1 capillary 7more so than in ,s4 coromandelianus71 obliquely ascending1 never stiff and horizontal1 verticillate or irregularly subverticillate1 the lowest whorl of five to twelve and the others three to seven branches2 the rachis of the branches is obscurely scaberulous1 slightly swollen at the point of insertion2 branchlets are never appressed to the branch1 always drooping and spreading on all sides1 and bearing two to four spikelets4 ,the spikelets are about #a_/af inch long1 ovate-lanceolate1 acute or acuminate dark or pale green1 sometimes purplish1 solitary or two to four on long slender pedicels1 drooping1 never appressed1 and with glandular streaks4 ,there are three glumes4 ,the first glume is minute1 hyaline1 ovate1 obtuse or acute1 nerveless4 ,the second glume is five or six times as long as the first1 ovate lanceolate1 #a-nerved1 acuminate4 ,the third glume is equal to or a little shorter than the second1 ovate-lanceolate1 acute1 #a-nerved paleate2 palea is equal to the third glume1 #b-nerved splitting into two halves between the nerves4 ,anthers are three and purple in colour4 ,stigmas are white and feathery4 ,grain as in ,s4 coromandelianus4 ,in ,flora of ,british ,india1 this plant is included under ,sporobolus coromandelianus4 ,these two plants 7,s4 coromandelianus and ,s4 commutatus7 are quite distinct and grow side by side4 ,as the differences are not easily seen in herbarium specimens the two plants are put together under the one species ,s4 coromandelianus4 ,the branches are tufted and are usually decumbent at base1 leaves quite green and somewhat broad in ,s4 coromandelianus2 and in ,s4 commutatus1 branches are usually not decumbent at base1 generally erect from the base and leaves are green glaucous and somewhat narrow4 ,the most striking difference1 however1 is in the panicle4 ,the branches of the panicle are always stiff and horizontal in ,s4 coromandelianus and the spikelets are appressed to the branches and never spreading or drooping1 whereas in ,s4 commutatus the branches are never stiff and horizontal1 always obliquely ascending and the spikelets are spreading and drooping4 ,judging from living plants these two are undoubtedly distinct and so this plant is treated as a distinct species retaining ,kunth's name ,sporobolus commutatus4 ,enumeratio ,plantarum1 ,pl4 ,i1 #bad4 ,distribution4--,this occurs in ,coimbatore1 ,madras and ,bellary ,districts2 but it is not so common nor so widely distributed as ,s4 coromandelianus1 ,l4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ahe4--,sporobolus scabrifolius4 ,sporobolus scabrifolius1 ,bhide4 ,the plant is a very pretty one1 especially when in flower4 ,it is a loosely tufted annual varying in height from #e to #cj inches4 ,stems are slender1 terete1 #f to #cj inches long1 bent at the base1 then geniculately ascending and finally becoming erect1 glabrous1 pale green or purplish4 ,the leaf-sheath is shorter than the internode1 slightly compressed1 obscurely keeled1 glabrous and striate1 margin is thinly ciliate on one side1 especially towards the mouth which is bearded4 ,the leaf-sheath embracing the peduncle is longer than the lower sheaths4 ,the ligule is a fringe of close-set hairs on an inconspicuous ridge4 ,the nodes are glabrous4 ,the leaf-blade is glaucous green1 #a to #e inches long1 #a_/h to #c_/h inch broad1 linear-lanceolate or lanceolate1 acuminate1 flat1 rounded or subcordate1 and amplexicaul at base1 scaberulous throughout1 with tubercle-based deciduous hairs on both the surfaces1 and bearded at the base above the ligule2 the margin is thickened1 serrulate1 ciliate with bulbous-based deciduous hairs4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ahf4--,sporobolus scabrifolius4 #a4 ,portion of a branch2 #b4 spikelet2 #c1 #d and #e4 the first1 second and third glumes2 #f4 palea2 #g4 anthers and ovary2 #h4 grain4 ,the inflorescence is an effuse panicle1 #b-a_/b to #g inches long and #a to #d-a_/b inches broad1 pyramidal or elliptic on a slender peduncle #a to #g inches long2 rachis is striolate1 cylindric1 glabrous and partly green and partly purplish4 ,branches are capillary1 #a_/b to #b-a_/b inches long1 those in the middle of the panicle are often the longest pale green at first but turning purple later1 whorled regularly or irregularly1 with often a solitary or twin branches intervening1 spreading1 horizontal1 reflexed1 rarely one or two erect1 dividing into still finer branchlets below1 ending in a few solitary spikelets above1 swollen at the base near the place of insertion and naked to a short length1 scabrid4 ,the lowest whorl consists of five to ten branches and in others they vary from three to eight2 the branchlets are spreading and drooping bearing from two to seven spikelets4 ,there are glandular streaks at the base of the branches above the point of insertion in the naked portion and also on the pedicels of the spikelets4 ,the spikelets are #a_/bj to #a_/af inch long1 lanceolate1 acuminate1 on finely capillary pedicels long or short1 pale at first and becoming purplish when old4 ,there are three glumes1 the first two being empty4 ,all the glumes are #a-nerved and membranous4 ,the first glume is membranous1 about two-thirds of the second1 sometimes less1 ovate-lanceolate1 acuminate slightly scaberulous on the keel4 ,the second glume is a little longer than the third1 ovate-lanceolate1 acuminate1 scaberulous on the keel4 ,the third glume is oblong-ovate1 glabrous1 flower bearing1 paleate2 the palea is shorter than the glume1 #b-nerved1 splitting into two between the nerves4 ,anthers are three1 small1 pale yellow at first but becoming purple when old1 stigmas are pale4 ,lodicules are two and minute4 ,grain is rounded1 slightly compressed1 oblique at the base1 nearly as long as broad4 ,distribution4--,in black cotton soils in ,coimbatore and ,bellary districts4 #cc4 ,gracilea1 ,koen4 ,these are small tufted grasses4 ,the inflorescence is a spike bearing unilaterally turbinate clusters of spikelets which are #b-;flowered4 ,the spikelets have usually four1 and rarely six glumes and very often the rachilla is produced beyond the fourth glume4 ,the first and the second glumes are narrow 7the first being the narrowest71 rigid1 ciliate with long hairs and awned4 ,the third glume is bisexual1 chartaceous1 broadly ovate1 #c-nerved1 shortly awned4 ,the fourth glume is similar to the third but smaller and male4 ,the fifth and sixth glumes when present are small and empty4 ,lodicules are two and small4 ,grain linear oblong4 ,,key ,,to ,,the ,,species4 ,stems stout2 leaves not filiform2 tip of glume ,,iii entire #a4 ,g4 nutans4 ,stems slender1 leaves filiform2 tip of glume ,,iii toothed #b4 ,g4 ,royleana4 ,gracilea nutans1 ,koen4 ,this grass is a perennial with stout fibrous roots4 ,stems are stout1 leafy and creeping below1 ascending later2 naked and slender above1 #d to #aj inches long4 ,the leaf-sheath is glabrous1 shorter than the blade1 coriaceous and open above4 ,the ligule is a ridge of hairs4 ,the leaf-blade is lanceolate1 narrowed from the rounded or subcordate base to the acute tip1 coriaceous1 #c_/d to #a inch long2 margins are ciliate with tubercle-based cilia2 the surfaces with or without a few scattered long tubercle-based hairs4 ,the inflorescence is #a to #c inches long1 consisting of distant sessile fascicles of four to six spikelets2 the rachis of the spike is flexuous2 the rachis of the fascicles ends in three subulate empty glumes4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ahg4--;,gracilea nutans4 #a4 ,a portion of the inflorescence with three fascicles of spikelets2 #b4 a spikelet without the first glume2 #c1 #d1 #e and #h4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively2 #f and #aj4 palea of the third and the fourth glume1 respectively2 #g4 lodicules1 stamens and the ovary2 #i4 the rachilla produced beyond the fourth glume4 ,the spikelets are closely appressed and each one has four glumes4 ,the first and the second glumes are empty1 #b_/e inch long1 rigidly coriaceous1 gradually narrowed from a villous base into an erect1 scabrid awn1 #a-nerved4 ,the second glume has broad hyaline margins towards the base4 ,the third glume is about #a_/aj inch1 ovate1 with a short scabrid awn at the tip1 scaberulous at the back just above the middle1 #c-nerved1 paleate and with both stamens and ovary2 palea is narrow1 lanceolate1 as long as the glume and #b-toothed at the tip4 ,the grain is oblong1 brownish4 ,the fourth glume is about half as long as the third glume1 with a short1 stout1 smooth rachilla1 ovate-lanceolate1 terminated at the tip by two teeth and a short awn1 scabrid above the middle at the back1 paleate and male2 palea is shorter than the glume2 the rachilla is produced beyond the fourth glume and terminates in a thickening4 ,this grass grows in open somewhat dry loamy and laterite soils in the ,east ,coast districts4 ,distribution4--,mysore and the ,carnatic and ,ceylon4 ,gracilea ,royleana1 ,hook4 f4 ,this is a slender annual grass4 ,stems are very slender1 densely tufted1 geniculately ascending or erect1 #c to #h inches long4 ,the leaf-sheath is either covered with scattered tubercle-based hairs or glabrous4 ,the ligule is a hairy ridge4 ,the nodes are glabrous4 ,the leaf-blade is filiform1 linear-lanceolate1 acutely pointed1 glabrous or nearly so1 margins distantly ciliate1 #a to #b inches long by #a_/af inch or less4 ,the inflorescence is #a_/b to #c inches long and consists of fascicles of spikelets2 the rachis is trigonous1 smooth1 and flexuous4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ahh4--;,gracilea ,royleana4 #a4 ,a fascicle of spikelets2 #b4 the spikelet without the first and the second glumes2 #c1d1 #e and #h4 the first1 second1 third and the fourth glume1 respectively2 #f4 palea of third glume2 #g4 grain2 #i4 palea of the fourth glume2 #aj4 rachilla4 ,the spikelets consist of four glumes4 ,the first glume is rigidly coriaceous1 gradually narrowed from a villous base to an erect scabrid awn1 #a-nerved4 ,the second glume is also coriaceous1 narrowed to an awn but has broad hyaline margins towards the base4 ,the third glume is ovate-lanceolate1 scabrid all over the back and with two teeth1 one on each side of the awn1 paleate2 the palea is #b-toothed at the apex and as long as the glume and contains three stamens and the ovary4 ,the grain is oblong brownish4 ,the fourth glume is stalked1 shorter than the third glume1 distinctly #c-toothed at the apex1 scabrid at the back above the middle1 paleate and male2 the palea is smaller than the glume and #b-toothed at the apex4 ,the rachilla is produced behind the palea and it ends in two small teeth1 one being slightly larger than the other4 ,this grass is a very slender one and it is closely allied to ,gracilea nutans4 ,it differs from ,g4 nutans in being an annual and in having filiform leaves1 bicuspidate third glume which is scabrid all over the back and a fourth glume distinctly tricuspidate at the apex4 ,this does not occur so widely as ,gracilea nutans4 ,distribution4--,bellary and ,chingleput districts1 the ,punjab1 ,rajputana1 ,concan and ,kanara4 #cd4 ,enteropogon1 ,nees4 ,tall slender grasses with very long narrow leaves4 ,spikelets are #b-;flowered1 narrow1 biseriate1 unilateral1 imbricate on the rachis of a solitary spike2 the rachilla is elongate between the flowering glumes and produced beyond them and terminates in a rudimentary awned glume4 ,there are four glumes4 ,the first two glumes are hyaline1 unequal-nerved and persistent4 ,the third and the fourth glumes are chartaceous1 narrowly lanceolate1 #c-nerved1 bicuspidate and awned below the tip2 awns are capillary1 straight2 the callus is bearded and articulate at the base4 ,the third glume bears a bisexual or female flower and the fourth bisexual or male4 ,lodicules are two4 ,stamens are three with long anthers4 ,styles short diverging from the base1 with short stigmas laterally exserted4 ,enteropogon melicoides1 ,nees4 ,this is a tall perennial grass with stout roots4 ,stems are densely tufted on a short woody root-stock1 erect1 leafy1 #a to #c feet long4 ,leaf-sheaths are compressed and distichous below1 glabrous or sometimes with a few hairs close to the margin4 ,ligule is a ridge with long hairs4 ,the leaf-blade is very long #a_/f to #a_/d inch broad1 auricled at the base1 narrowed into very finely acuminate or capillary tips midrib prominent2 scaberulous on both the surfaces and with long hairs on the auricles4 ,the spikes usually solitary1 but occasionally binate1 #f to #aj inches long2 rachis is quite smooth and dorsally rounded4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #ahi4--;,enteropogon melicoides4 #a4 ,a portion of the spike2 #b and #c4 the first and the second glumes2 #d4 the spikelet with its callus1 flowering glumes and the rachilla2 #e and #h4 the third and the fourth glume2 #g4 the fourth glume and the rachilla2 #f and #i4 palea of the third and the fourth glume2 #aj4 ovary1 stamens and lodicules2 #aa4 grain front and back view4 ,the spikelets are about #a_/d inch long1 erecto-patent4 ,there are four glumes4 ,the first glume is lanceolate1 #a-nerved1 and persistent4 ,the second glume is twice as long as the first1 linear-lanceolate1 with a very short awn and #b-toothed at the tip1 #a-nerved1 persistent4 ,the third glume is rigid1 lanceolate-linear1 #c-nerved1 scaberulous all over2 paleate and awned2 awn is nearly as long as the glume1 rigid4 ,the fourth glume is similar to the third glume in all respects but shorter4 ,the rachilla is produced beyond the fourth glume and it terminates in an awned rudimentary glume4 ,the third glume as well as the fourth glume contains a perfect flower and the grain is developed always in the third and mostly in the fourth also4 ,the grain is oblong1 brownish1 dorsally concave and ventrally raised and convex4 ,the grain in the fourth glume is usually much smaller than that found in the third glume4 ,this usually grows amidst thickets and occurs all over this ,presidency4 ,distribution4--,mysore1 ,burma1 ,ceylon and ,seychelle ,islands4 #ce4 ,cynodon1 ,pers4 ,these are perennial grasses with stems creeping and rooting at the nodes1 and producing tufts of barren branches and flowering stems at the nodes4 ,the inflorescence consists of two to six spikes in terminal umbels4 ,the spikelets are small1 #a-;flowered1 laterally compressed1 sessile1 alternately #b-seriate and imbricate on one side of the rachis4 ,the spikelet has three glumes4 ,the first two glumes are empty1 thin1 keeled1 and acute or mucronate4 ,the third glume is the largest1 boat-shaped1 #c-nerved1 with ciliate keels1 palea is #b-keeled1 somewhat shorter than the glume4 ,lodicules are two4 ,the anthers are somewhat large4 ,grain is oblong1 free4 ,,key ,,to ,,the ,,species4 ,glumes ,i and ,,ii shorter than ,,iii4 ,underground stems present4 ,hairs on the margins and keels of glume ,,iii pointed and not clavate4 #a4 ,c4 dactylon4 ,underground stems absent4 ,hairs on the margins and keels of glume ,,iii clavellate and pointed at the apex4 #b4 ,c4 intermedius4 ,glume ,i shorter than ,,ii but ,,ii equal to or longer than ,,iii-- ,hairs on the margins and keels of glume ,,iii clavellate and rounded at the apex4 ,underground stems absent4 #c4 ,c4 ,barberi4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #aij4--;,cynodon dactylon4 ,cynodon dactylon1 ,pers4 ,this is a perennial grass with creeping branches and also with numerous deeply penetrating underground stems covered with white scale-leaves4 ,stems are prostrate1 widely creeping and rooting at the nodes and forming matted tufts with slender1 erect or ascending flowering branches1 #c to #ab inches high4 ,the leaf-sheath is somewhat tight1 glabrous1 membranous at the mouth which is villous4 ,the ligule is a fine ciliate rim4 ,the leaf-blade is soft1 narrowly linear1 finely acute1 acuminate or pungent1 somewhat glaucous1 conspicuously distichous at the base of the stem and1 in non-flowering branches1 scabrid along the margins4 ,the inflorescence consists of two to eight smooth1 digitate1 green or purplish spikes1 #a to #c inches long2 rachis is slender1 compressed or angular1 scaberulous4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #aia4--;,cynodon dactylon4 #a4 ,a portion of spike1 front view2 #b4 back view of a bit of spike2 #c4 spikelet2 #d4 first glume2 #e4 second glume2 #f4 third glume2 #g4 palea of third glume and rachilla2 #h4 lodicules1 ovary and anthers2 #i4 hairs on the margin and keel of third glume4 ,spikelets are laterally compressed1 sessile1 imbricate1 arranged alternately in two series along one side of the rachis2 rachilla produced beyond the first two glumes and hidden at the back of the palea between the two keels1 small1 slender and blunt when old and with a membranous imperfect glume when young1 less than half the length of the spikelet4 ,there are three glumes4 ,the first and second glumes are shorter than the third1 empty1 ovate-lanceolate1 acute1 membranous with one thick green nerve in the middle1 keeled1 upper margin and keel scaberulous4 ,the second glume is usually a little longer than the first1 but occasionally also slightly shorter than the first4 ,the third glume is longer than both the first and second glumes1 obliquely oblong to ovate1 subacute1 membranous1 boat-shaped1 smooth1 keeled1 #c-nerved1 one central along the keel and two marginal1 keel scabrid below with stiff pointed hairs above1 tip and lower margins scabrid or pilose1 palea linear oblong1 a little less than the third glume1 obtuse1 #b-nerved and with two scabrid keels4 ,stamens are three with pale purple anthers4 ,lodicules are two4 ,stigmas are purplish4 ,grain is oblong1 slightly flattened1 dorsally rounded1 dull reddish-brown4 ,this is the common ,hariali grass4 ,it is also called ,devil's grass4 ,distribution4--,it is cosmopolitan4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #aib4--;,cynodon intermedius4 ,cynodon intermedius1 ,rang4 ,tad4 ,this grass is a widely creeping perennial4 ,the stems are slender1 glabrous1 creeping superficially and rooting at the nodes1 but never rhizomiferous1 leafy with slender erect or geniculately ascending flowering branches1 and varying in length from #ab to #ah inches4 ,nodes are slightly swollen1 glabrous1 green or purplish4 ,the leaf-sheath is smooth1 glabrous1 slightly compressed1 sparsely bearded at the mouth1 shorter than the internode1 except the one enclosing the peduncle which is usually long4 ,the ligule is a shortly ciliated rim4 ,the leaf-blade is linear1 flat1 finely acuminate1 scaberulous above and along the margins1 smooth below except in some portions of the midrib1 #a_/b to #g inches in length and #c_/af to #a_/d inch in breadth4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #aic4--;,cynodon intermedius4 #a and #b4 ,front and back view of a portion of a spike2 #c4 a spikelet2 #d4 first glume2 #e4 second glume2 #f4 third glume2 #g4 palea with the rachilla at its back2 #h4 lodicules1 stamens and the ovary2 #i4 clavellate and pointed hairs of the margins and keel of the third glume 7very much enlarged72 #aj4 grain4 ,the inflorescence consists of four to eight long1 thin1 slender1 slightly drooping1 digitately arranged spikes1 #b to #d inches long on a long smooth peduncle2 the rachis is tumid and pubescent at its base1 slender1 somewhat compressed and scaberulous4 ,the spikelets are rather small1 narrow1 greenish or purplish1 #a_/ae inch long or less1 the rachilla is slender1 produced to about half the length of the spikelet behind the palea4 ,there are three glumes4 ,the first and the second glumes are lanceolate acute or acuminate1 #a-nerved1 keeled1 keel obscurely scabrid1 very unequal1 the first glume being always shorter than the second glume4 ,the third glume is obliquely ovate-oblong1 chartaceous1 longer than the second glume1 obtuse or subacute and #c-nerved2 the margins and keel with close set clavellate hairs pointed at the apex2 palea is chartaceous1 #b-keeled1 keels obscurely scaberulous and without hairs4 ,there are three stamens with somewhat small purple anthers4 ,ovary with purple stigmas and two small lodicules4 ,grain is oblong reddish brown1 with a faint dorsal groove4 ,this species is closely allied to the cosmopolitan species ,cynodon dactylon1 ,pers4 and to another new species ,cynodon ,barberi1 ,rang4 ,tad4 described in the ,journal of the ,bombay ,natural ,history ,society1 ,volume #bd1 part ,,iv1 page #hdf1 and it is therefore named ,cynodon intermedius4 7,see ,journal of the ,bombay ,natural ,history ,society1 ,volume #bf1 part ,i1 pages #cjd and #cje47 ,this grass differs from ,cynodon dactylon1 ,pers4 7#a7 in not having underground stems and having only stems creeping and rooting along the surface of the ground1 7#b7 in having less rigid leaves1 7#c7 by having longer1 slenderer1 somewhat drooping spikes and narrower spikelets1 7#d7 by having the first two glumes always unequal1 the second being longer1 7#e7 by having clavellate pointed hairs on the margins and keels of the third glume and 7#f7 by having smaller anthers4 ,compared with ,cynodon ,barberi1 this plant is more extensively creeping with longer slender branches and the leaves are usually very much longer1 and the third glume is longer than the second4 ,distribution4--,so far1 this was collected at ,gokavaram in ,godavari district ,no4 #hbfb1 in ,chingleput ,no4 #aadhh1 in ,tinnevelly district ,nos4 #acabi and #acbei1 and at ,kallar on the ,nilgiris ,no4 #acihh4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #aid4--;,cynodon ,barberi4 ,cynodon ,barberi1 ,rang4 ,tad4 ,this grass is perennial with slender1 creeping stems1 #ab to #bd inches long1 rooting at the nodes and invariably with two or three rarely more branches from each node2 flowering branches are slender1 erect or ascending1 #a to #f inches long4 ,the leaf-sheath is short1 smooth1 compressed with scattered long hairs at the mouth4 ,the ligule is a narrow membrane with the edge cut into narrow lobes4 ,the leaf-blade is flat1 linear1 acute or subacute1 scaberulous1 #a_/c to #c-a_/b inches long1 #a_/h to #c_/af inch broad4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #aie4--;,cynodon ,barberi4 #a4 ,front and back view of a portion of spike2 #b4 a single spikelet2 #c4 a spikelet with the flower out2 #d4 the third glume1 its palea and the produced rachilla with a minute glume2 #e4 clavellate hairs2 #f4 ovary2 #g4 lodicules2 #h4 grain4 ,the inflorescence consists of three to five digitate spikes1 #c_/d to #a-a_/b inches long1 erect or spreading1 pale green or purplish4 ,the spikelets are compressed laterally1 sessile or obscurely pedicelled1 imbricate1 alternately biseriate on the ventral side of the rachis1 #a-;flowered2 the rachilla is produced into a bristle behind the palea1 with or without a minute glume4 ,there are three glumes4 ,the first glume is lanceolate1 acute1 shorter than the second1 with a keel which is scabrid4 ,the second glume is lanceolate1 acuminate1 equal to or a little longer than the third glume with a scabrid keel4 ,the third glume is obliquely oblong to ovate1 subacute1 truncate or #b-toothed1 boat-shaped1 sub-chartaceous1 #c-nerved1 paleate and distinctly keeled2 the keel and the margins of the glume are densely covered with distinctly clavellate hairs2 palea is firmly membranous1 equal to or slightly smaller than the glume1 linear-oblong1 #b-keeled1 densely hairy with clavellate hairs along the keels1 and #b-nerved4 ,there are two lodicules and three stamens4 ,the ovary is ovoid with two style branches4 ,grain is free within the glume1 oblong1 smooth1 transparent1 and the embryo is about one-third the length of the grain4 ,this species is closely allied to ,cynodon dactylon1 ,pers41 but differs from it in the following respects3--,the absence of stoloniferous underground branches1 leaves short and not finely pointed2 spikes not exceeding five2 the second glume is always equal to or longer than the third glume2 presence of clavellate hairs on the keels and margins of the third glume and on the keels of the palea4 ,distribution4--,so far collected in ,coimbatore1 ,salem1 ,tinnevelly1 ,chingleput and ,godavari districts4 #cf4 ,chloris1 ,sw4 ,these are annual or perennial grasses4 ,spikes are solitary or many in terminal umbels or short racemes1 erect or spreading4 ,spikelets are unilateral1 sessile1 crowded1 biseriate on a slender rachis with four to six glumes and #a to #c-;flowered2 the rachilla is produced and disarticulating above the empty glumes4 ,the first two glumes are unequal1 narrow1 keeled1 membranous1 #a-nerved1 persistent1 acute1 mucronate and the second glume awned shortly4 ,floral glumes narrow or broad1 acute1 obtuse or minutely #b-toothed and awned1 paleate2 sterile glumes are small1 without palea4 ,there are two lodicules and anthers are rather small4 ,grain is narrow and free4 ,,key ,,to ,,the ,,species4 ,spikelets #a-;flowered4 ,perennial4 ,rachilla produced beyond the flowering glumes and bearing awns with rudimentary glumes4 ,spikes #d to #aj1 long1 whorled2 spikelets narrow fusiform2 glume ,,iii oblong lanceolate4 #a4 ,c4 incompleta4 ,rachilla produced beyond the flowering glume and bearing #a to #c reduced glumes4 ,spikes free at the base1 digitate4 ,spikes #f to #i2 spikelets #b-;awned2 glume ,,iii ovate1 bearded with long hairs above the middle4 #c4 ,c4 virgata4 ,spikes #d to #bj2 spikelets #c-;awned2 glume ,,iii broadly ovate1 densely bearded dorsally and on the margins above the middle4 #d4 ,c4 barbata4 ,spikes connate at the base1 erect and not spreading4 ,spikes #b to #f2 spikelets narrow #d-;awned1 glume ,,iii ovate-lanceolate1 bearded only on the margins and not at the back4 #f4 ,c4 montana4 ,annual4 ,spike solitary1 spikelets broadly cuneiform1 #c-;awned1 glume ,,iii broadly cuneate1 upper margins naked and keel villous4 #b4 ,c4 tenella4 ,spikelets #a- to #c-;flowered4 ,perennial4 ,spikes #e-i1 spikelets broadly cuneate #c to #e-;awned1 glume ,,iii bearded all through the margin and dorsally4 #e4 ,c4 ,bournei4 ,chloris incompleta1 ,roth4 ,this is a perennial grass4 ,stems are procumbent when growing in open places1 but erect if growing amidst bushes1 often branched1 ending in long naked peduncles1 varying in length from #a-a_/b to #d feet4 ,in some cases prostrate stems produce roots at the nodes4 ,the leaf-sheaths are long1 glabrous1 the mouth being generally hairy4 ,the ligule consists of long hairs4 ,nodes are glabrous4 ,the leaf-blades are linear1 flat1 finely acuminate and narrowed into very long points at the apex2 glabrous or slightly hairy at the base and contracted1 #d to #aj inches long and #a_/f to #a_/d inch broad4 ,the inflorescence consists of two to five rarely six1 very slender spikes1 #c to #h inches long1 forming a terminal whorl4 ,the rachis is fine and scabrid4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #aif4--;,chloris incompleta4 #a4 ,a portion of the rachis with two spikelets2 #b4 the third glume and its palea with the rudimentary fourth glume2 #c and #d4 the first and the second glumes2 #e and #f4 the third glume and its palea2 #g4 the ovary1 anthers and lodicules4 ,spikelets are narrowly lanceolate1 closely appressed and imbricate1 #a_/f inch long excluding the awn and very variable4 ,there are four glumes in the spikelet4 ,the first glume is very small linear-lanceolate1 acute1 about #a_/aj inch or less4 ,the second glume is lanceolate1 membranous1 three times the length of the first glume1 #b-toothed at the apex and the mid-nerve produced into a very short awn4 ,the third glume is oblong-lanceolate as long as the second glume or longer1 #b-toothed at the apex1 awned1 the awn being about #c_/h inch long2 the callus is bearded at the base4 ,the palea is as long as the glume1 #b-toothed or not at the apex4 ,the fourth glume is very minute1 awned and is borne by a rachilla produced to half the length of the third glume4 ,this grass is fairly common and grows in all situations and in all sorts of soils4 ,distribution4--,this occurs all over the ,presidency in the plains4 ,chloris tenella1 ,roxb4 ,this grass is a very slender annual with weak stems1 branched from the base1 #aj to #ah inches long4 ,the leaf-sheath is glabrous1 compressed and keeled4 ,the ligule is a truncate membrane4 ,the nodes are glabrous4 ,the leaf-blade is linear to linear-lanceolate1 flaccid1 finely acuminate with the margin more or less ciliate towards the base1 #c to #h inches long and #a_/h to #a_/d inch wide4 ,the spikes are solitary1 erect4 #a to #b-a_/b inches long4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #aig4--;,chloris tenella4 #a4 ,a portion of the spike2 #b4 a spikelet2 #c1 #d1 #e1 #f1 #g1 #h1 #i and #aj4 the glumes in regular order beginning with the first2 #e;a1 #f;a1 #g;a1 #h;a and #i;b4 are the palea of the third1 fourth1 fifth1 sixth and the seventh glumes1 respectively2 #e;b4 grain4 ,the spikelets are large about #a_/d inch long cuneate and bifarious4 ,there are usually five to six glumes 7and rarely up to eight74 ,the first glume is ovate-lanceolate1 acute and hyaline1 #a-nerved4 ,the second glume is a little longer and broader than the first glume1 #a-nerved and this mid-nerve produced into a very short awn4 ,the third glume is as long as the second or longer1 coriaceous1 obovate and truncate at the top1 #c-nerved and the marginal nerves distant from the margin1 keel and the lateral nerves villous to about three-fourths their length1 scabrid at the apex close to the truncate margin1 paleate2 palea is elliptic1 with ciliate margins1 callus is densely villous4 ,the fourth glume is nearly half or a little more than half of the third glume1 narrower1 paleate2 palea is elliptic4 ,the succeeding glumes fifth to the eighth are similar to the fourth in shape but they get smaller and smaller and the last glume is epaleate4 ,the third glume is usually grain bearing1 but rarely the fourth also may contain a grain1 the remaining glumes being sterile4 ,grain is oblong1 lenticular1 brownish4 ,this grass is widely spread in the ,ceded districts and appears to be a good fodder grass4 ,distribution4--,southern ,india1 ,rajputana1 ,scind and ,khandeish4 ,chloris virgata1 ,sw4 ,this grass seems to be a perennial4 ,the stems are somewhat flattened1 erect1 tufted1 leafy at the base and occasionally with creeping stems rooting at the lower nodes varying in length from #aj to #ba inches4 ,the leaf-sheaths are glabrous1 compressed1 upper sheaths somewhat inflated2 mouth of the sheath is bearded with long hairs in the leaves of young branches and quite glabrous when old and in flower-bearing branches1 margins are thin and membranous4 ,the ligule is a thin narrow membranous ridge4 ,the leaf-blades are rather narrow1 linear1 flat1 acute1 glabrous when old1 and with scattered long hairs in the leaves of young branches1 varying in length from #b to #i and sometimes even #ae inches and in breadth about #a_/h inch or less4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #aih4--;,chloris virgata4 #a4 ,spikelet2 #b and #c1 the first and second glumes2 #d and #e4 the third glume and its palea2 #f4 lodicules1 stamens and the ovary2 #g4 the fourth glume2 #h4 grain4 ,the inflorescence consists of from four to nine spikes digitately arranged on a long peduncle and the leaf-sheath enclosing the inflorescence is somewhat large and inflated4 ,spikes are #a to #a-a_/b inches long with fine1 angular rachis1 scaberulous in the edges4 ,spikelets are about #a_/aj inch1 #b-;awned1 shortly stalked and consist of only four glumes4 ,the first glume is small lanceolate1 glabrous1 with the keel scaberulous1 #a-nerved4 ,the second glume is about one and a half times the first1 oblong-lanceolate1 #b-;fid at the apex1 glabrous1 but the keel scaberulous and nerve produced between the lobes into a short scaberulous awn4 ,the third glume is oblong-ovate1 lanceolate1 #b-;fid at the apex1 and awned in the sinus1 awn being about #a_/d inch long bearded at the base1 the margins are slightly ciliate up to about the middle and then closely ciliate with long hairs almost to the tip1 but not to the tip2 on the two sides of the dorsal nerve there are two shallow grooves one on each side1 with short scattered appressed hairs2 the palea is narrow oblanceolate1 minutely #b-;fid at the tip1 with margins folded inward and embracing the stamens1 ovary and the lodicules4 ,grain is narrow1 trigonous1 oblong1 translucent and shining4 ,the fourth glume is borne by a short rachilla which is about #a_/c the length of the third glume or less1 shorter than the third1 cuneiform1 empty and awned4 ,this grass grows well and produces a fair amount of foliage4 ,distribution4--,this is not very common4 ,so far collected only from ,hosur in ,salem district and ,bellary district although its distribution is said to be ,central and ,southern ,india4 ,it was found growing abundantly on old walls of houses in ,poona city in #aibj and #aiba4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #aii4--;,chloris barbata 7perennial plant74 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #bjj4--;,chloris barbata4 ,chloris barbata1 ,sw4 ,this is a very common perennial grass4 ,stems are stout1 tufted1 geniculately ascending and erect when in flower1 and some creeping and rooting at the nodes2 leafy at the base and branching upwards1 #a to #c feet2 the lower internodes are #b to #c inches long and the upper still longer1 glabrous4 ,the leaf-sheaths are glabrous1 compressed laterally1 open at the base and closed above1 with a few scattered long hairs at the mouth1 the margins thinly membranous4 ,the ligule is a very narrow membrane4 ,the nodes are glabrous mostly bearing tufts of leaves with compressed equitant sheaths4 ,the leaf-blade is narrow linear1 flat or folded1 acuminate1 with long hairs on the margin towards the base1 varying in length from #b to #ah inches4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #bja4--;,chloris barbata4 #a to #e4 the first1 second1 third1 fourth and the fifth glume of a spikelet2 #c;a and #c;b4 the third glume and its palea2 #c;c4 ovary1 stamens and lodicules2 #d;a and #e;a4 the fourth and fifth glumes2 #f4 grain4 ,the inflorescence consists of five to fourteen or fifteen sessile1 digitately arranged spikes1 varying in length from #a-a_/b to #c inches1 on a slender peduncle2 the rachis is slender minutely hairy swollen at the base4 ,the spikelets are green or purplish1 #c-;awned1 unilaterally biseriate on the outside of the rachis1 #a_/aj inch excluding the awn2 the rachilla is bearded at the base1 but is shorter than the third glume and bears two barren glumes4 ,there are five glumes4 ,the first and the second glumes are lanceolate1 acute1 membranous1 pale and #a-nerved1 but the first glume is shorter than the second4 ,the third glume is broadly elliptic or ovate1 concave1 awned1 #c-nerved1 with margins densely bearded above the middle and sparsely bearded dorsally on both the sides of the mid-nerve2 the palea is oblanceolate1 as long as the glume1 folded inside along the margins and outside along the middle1 enclosing three stamens and ovary4 ,the fourth glume is cuneiform1 #c-nerved1 awned1 shortly ciliate above the middle1 empty4 ,the fifth glume is awned1 #c-nerved1 glabrous1 and globose4 ,this grass is very widely distributed and it grows in all kinds of soils4 ,cattle eat it when young1 but avoid it when the inflorescence is mature4 ,distribution4--,throughout the plains in ,india1 ,burma and ,ceylon4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #bjb4--;,chloris ,bournei4 #a4 ,full plant2 #b4 leaf showing ligule4 ,chloris ,bournei1 ,rang4 ,tad4 ,this grass appears to be perennial4 ,the stems are somewhat stout1 tufted1 erect or ascending geniculately from a creeping and rooting base1 varying in length from #a to #c feet and with internodes to #f inches becoming longer upwards4 ,the leaf-sheaths are equal to or longer than the internodes at the base1 but shorter above1 glabrous1 compressed1 distichous1 bearded towards the mouth and with membranous margins4 ,the ligule is a narrow membranous ridge4 ,nodes are thickened1 deeply purple ringed1 glabrous and the lower nodes always with a fan-like tuft of flattened leaf-sheaths and leaves4 ,the leaf-blades are linear1 finely acuminate1 slightly broadened and rounded at the base1 keeled1 the upper surface scaberulous and with a few scattered long hairs especially towards the base1 smooth or slightly scaberulous below1 #a to #i inches by #a_/ab to #a_/d inch4 ,the inflorescence consists of digitately arranged spikes #a-a_/b to #d inches long on a peduncle which is sometimes #ae inches long4 ,spikes are stout1 purple-tinged1 three to seven and even nine in some specimens1 shortly stalked1 the base of the stalk being slightly swollen and villous at the base1 the rachis is slender1 somewhat villous towards the base4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #bjc4--;,chloris ,bournei4 #a to #e4 ,the glumes in order2 #c;a and #c;b4 the third glume and its palea2 #c;c4 flower2 #d;a and #d;b4 the fourth glume and its palea2 #e;a4 fifth glume2 #f4 a spikelet with four awned glumes2 #g4 grain4 ,the spikelets are about #a_/h inch excluding the awn1 very shortly pedicelled1 biseriate1 unilateral1 disarticulating above the first two glumes which are persistent1 purplish or pale1 #a- to #c-;flowered1 usually #c- to #d-;awned and sometimes #e-;awned2 awns are purplish #c_/af to #e_/af inch long1 finely scabrid4 ,there are five or seven glumes in a spikelet4 ,the first glume is hyaline1 purplish or pale1 about #a_/aj inch long1 lanceolate1 sub-acuminate1 #a-nerved with a scaberulous keel4 ,the second glume is hyaline1 about one and half times as long as the first1 oblong elliptic1 minutely #b-lobed at the apex1 with a minute mucro between1 #a-nerved with a scabrid keel4 ,the third glume is as long as the second1 awned1 pale or purple1 ovate or obovate1 narrowed at the base and clasping the rachilla at its base1 apex shortly #b-;fid with a purple dorsal awn1 #c-nerved paleate2 the two marginal nerves are densely bearded with long white or purple tinged hairs from near the base to almost the apex and the mid-nerve also similarly bearded with long hairs on both sides1 and the base with a tuft of long hairs2 the palea is as long as the glume1 coriaceous obovately-cuneate1 obtuse1 minutely bifid1 purple-tipped1 with folded hyaline margins1 #b-keeled2 keels shortly ciliate4 ,stamens three with yellow or purple anthers1 ovary with two feathery stigmas and two lodicules4 ,grain is oblong shining light reddish brown1 narrowed at both ends and somewhat trigonous4 ,the remaining glumes fourth to seventh are borne by the rachilla1 thinly chartaceous1 broadly obcordate or obovate1 gradually diminishing in size1 purple-tinged1 #c- to #e-nerved1 scaberulous4 ,the fourth and fifth glumes are empty and epaleate when the spikelets are five glumed4 ,if there are six glumes1 the fourth bears stamens and the ovary1 the fifth and sixth glumes are empty1 and in spikelets of seven glumes1 the third1 fourth1 and the fifth glumes are flower-bearing and contain grains1 and the remaining two glumes are empty4 ,this species is a tall robust one resembling ,chloris barbata in its inflorescence1 but with larger spikelets--as large as those of ,chloris tenella4 ,no doubt it is closely allied to ,chloris barbata1 but differs from it by having larger spikelets that are #c- to #e-;awned and #a- to #c-;flowered1 and the nerves being bearded throughout their length with long hairs4 ,specimens of this grass were sent to ,kew and ,calcutta herbariums for identification and they were named ,c4 montana1 with which ,i could not agree4 ,so again ,i sent these specimens along with specimens of what ,i considered ,c4 montana to ,dr4 ,stapf at ,kew through ,mr4 ,gamble and ,dr4 ,stapf wrote about these thus3--,we have not been able to match it with any of the described species of ,chloris and ,mr4 ,ranga ,acharya will be fully justified in describing it as a new species4 ,we have had it apart from ,wight's specimen from the following collections3--7#a7 ,sattur1 ,november #ai1 #agie1 sub-,andropogon barbata1 ,var48 ,herb ,rottler4 7#b7 ,ahmednagar-,miss ,shattock 7,u4,s4 ,dept4 ,agri4--received #aiad74 7#c7,tornagallu1 ,bellary district1 #aath ,august #aija 7,ex herb ,ranga ,acharya in ,herb1 ,bourne ,no4 #ceid74 ,distribution4--,this grass was found growing in abundance in the fields ,nos4 #ac1 #cg and #fb of the ,agricultural ,college and in the grounds around the ,forest ,college1 ,coimbatore1 and was also collected in ,hagari and ,samalkota4 ,this grass grows well and is likely to prove useful1 as cattle seem to like it4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #bjd4--;,chloris montana4 ,chloris montana1 ,roxb4 ,this is a perennial grass usually met with on dry soils4 ,the stems are erect1 tufted1 geniculately ascending from a creeping base rooting at the nodes1 quite glabrous1 varying in length from #d inches to #d feet4 ,the leaf-sheaths are shorter than the internodes1 flat1 compressed1 glabrous1 with a few hairs or not at the mouth and with membranous margins2 the uppermost sheath is spathiform enclosing the inflorescence when young4 ,the ligule consists of only a thin ridge of short hairs densely arranged4 ,nodes are glabrous and dark-ringed1 and with fan-like spreading equitant leaf-sheaths and leaves more especially when rooting4 ,the leaf-blades are narrow linear1 finely acuminate1 rounded at the base1 glabrous throughout1 folded flat inwards1 #a_/b to #h inches long1 #a_/af to #a_/h inch broad4 ,the inflorescence consists of three to six 7very rarely up to nine7 spikes1 #a to #c inches long1 connate at the base1 erect and never spreading1 the peduncle is slender1 long1 glabrous and copiously pubescent just below the base of the connate spikes2 rachis is angular1 slender and scabrid4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #bje4--;,chloris montana4 #a4 ,a portion of the spike2 #b4 a spikelet2 #c and #d4 first and second glumes2 #e and #e;a4 third glume and its palea2 #f1 #g1 #h and #i4 fourth1 fifth1 sixth and seventh glumes2 #aj4 lodicules1 ovary and stamens2 #aa4 grain4 ,the spikelets are about #a_/h inch excluding the awns1 shortly pedicelled1 unilateral1 biseriate1 thin and slender1 #a-;flowered1 pale or purple tinged1 disarticulating above the two lower empty glumes1 which persist on the rachis1 generally #d-;awned1 very rarely #c or #e2 awns are pale or purple1 #a_/h to #e_/af inch2 pedicel is short1 angular1 scaberulous with a few pilose hairs2 rachilla is produced but is shorter than the flowering glume4 ,there are usually six glumes in a spikelet and very rarely five or seven glumes2 of these the first two glumes are hyaline1 empty1 awnless2 the third is flower-bearing and the rest empty1 thinly coriaceous and awned4 ,the first glume is white or lightly purplish1 small1 about #a_/af inch long1 lanceolate1 finely acuminate1 #a-nerved1 and with scabrid keel4 ,the second glume is twice the first glume in length1 oblong-lanceolate1 finely acuminate1 #a-nerved4 ,the third glume is broadly oblong1 chartaceous1 #c-nerved1 bearded with long hairs along the margins from a little above the base1 and with a tuft of hairs at the base and an awn at the apex2 the palea is oblong1 a little smaller than the glume1 folded along the margins4 ,there are three stamens with pale yellow anthers4 ,the styles are white with purple stigmas4 ,lodicules are narrowly cuneate4 ,the fourth and the fifth glumes are small1 epaleate1 empty1 oblong1 cuneate1 #c-nerved1 awned4 ,the sixth glume is very small1 cuneate1 awned4 ,distribution4--,in the districts forming the ,coromandel ,coast and also ,gangetic plains and ,ceylon4 #cg4 ,eleusine1 ,gaertn4 ,these are annual or perennial grasses4 ,leaves are long or short4 ,the spikelets are sessile1 #c to #ab flowered1 #b to #c-seriate1 secund1 laterally compressed and forming digitate whorled or capitate spikes1 not joined at the base2 rachilla continuous between the flowering glumes4 ,the glumes in a spikelet are few to many1 keeled4 ,the first two glumes are subequal or unequal1 persistent2 the first glume is #a-nerved and the second glume is #a- to #g-nerved4 ,the flowering glumes are #c-nerved1 paleate2 palea is complicate2 keels are strong1 scabrid or ciliate4 ,lodicules are two1 cuneate4 ,anthers are short4 ,styles distinct and short4 ,grain is free1 rugose1 and the pericarp is hyaline and loose4 ,,key ,,to ,,the ,,species4 ,spikelets pointing upward at an acute angle with the rachis of the spike4 ,spikes #a to #e inches long1 digitate1 erect4 #a4 ,e4 indica4 ,spikes #a_/f to #a_/d inch or a little more1 capitate1 spreading4 #b4 ,e4 brevifolia4 ,spikelets spreading at right angles with the rachis of the spike1 spreading or erect4 #c4 ,e4 aegyptiaca4 ,eleusine indica1 ,gaertn4 ,this is a tufted annual grass with short1 erect1 somewhat compressed1 glabrous stems1 #a to #b feet high4 ,the leaf-sheaths are compressed1 distichous1 ciliate4 ,the ligule is a ridge of hairs4 ,the leaf-blades are narrow-linear1 as long as the stem1 glabrous or with a few scattered hairs near the mouth1 acuminate1 base not contracted1 #ab to #bj inches long and #a_/h to #a_/f inch broad4 ,the spikes are elongate1 digitate1 #b to #g1 #b to #e inches long1 all in a terminal whorl and sometimes with one or two lower down1 and with the axils glandular and hairy2 the rachis is slender and dorsally flattened4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #bjf4--;,eleusine indica4 #a4 ,a portion of the spike2 #b4 a spikelet2 #c4 flowering glumes and their palea with the rachis2 #d and #e4 the first two glumes2 #f and #g4 flowering glume and its palea2 #h4 the ovary1 stamens and the lodicules2 #i and #aj4 grain4 ,the spikelets are variable in size1 #a_/ab to #a_/f inch1 #c to #e1 rarely #f-;flowered1 quite glabrous1 biseriate1 pointing upward at an acute angle with the rachis4 ,all the glumes are more or less membranous4 ,the first glume is small1 oblong-ovate or oblong1 #a-nerved with a scabrid keel4 ,the second glume is twice the size of the first1 ovate-oblong1 #c-nerved1 rarely #c- to #g-nerved1 glabrous1 shortly mucronate at the acute apex4 ,the third glume and the succeeding flowering glumes are larger than the second1 ovate-oblong1 subacute1 #c-nerved and paleate2 palea is shorter than the glume1 glabrous4 ,stamens are three4 ,lodicules are small and cuneate4 ,the grain is oblong1 obtusely trigonous1 broadly and shallowly grooved dorsally with concentric minute tubercled ridges covered with a loose pericarp4 ,this grass is fairly common in somewhat wet places in the plains and low hills4 ,distribution4--,throughout ,india and ,ceylon4 ,eleusine brevifolia1 ,br4 ,this is an annual grass4 ,stems are creeping and spreading from the root1 and ascending from a decumbent base1 generally slender and small1 but sometimes large and proliferously branched1 leafy1 #c to #g inches long4 ,the leaf-sheath is compressed and glabrous4 ,the ligule is a very short membrane1 ciliate at the margin or obsolete4 ,the leaf-blade is linear1 acute1 with a subcordate or rounded base #a_/b to #b inches long and #a_/h to #a_/f inch broad4 ,the spikes are usually many1 sessile and crowded in globose heads1 varying in diameter from #a_/c to #b_/c inch4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #bjg4--;,eleusine brevifolia4 #a4 ,a spikelet2 #b and #c4 the first and the second glumes2 #d and #e4 the third glume and its palea #f4 lodicules1 ovary and stamens4 ,spikelets are sessile1 biseriate1 ovate-oblong1 #a_/h to #a_/f inch long1 #d- to #aj-;flowered4 ,the first two glumes are membranous1 ovate-oblong1 glabrous1 acuminate and shortly awned1 the first glume is shorter than the second1 #a- to #c-nerved1 the second glume is longer than the first1 #c- to #e-nerved1 and the nerves are very close to the middle one in the keel4 ,the third and the succeeding glumes are ovate1 cuspidately acuminate1 #c-nerved1 nerves villous below the middle and paleate2 palea is oblong1 lanceolate1 truncate and minutely #b-toothed1 keels villous below the middle4 ,anthers are small4 ,lodicules are also small and cuneate4 ,styles are long and slender4 ,grain is orbicular to ovate1 concavo-convex1 red-brown1 and transversely rugose4 ,this grass is usually found in somewhat damp situations all over the ,presidency1 though somewhat local in its distribution4 ,distribution4--,sandy shores of the ,coromandel and ,carnatic coasts4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #bjh4--;,eleusine aegyptiaca4 ,eleusine aegyptiaca1 ,desf4 ,this grass is an annual with erect or creeping branches4 ,stems are erect or prostrate1 compressed1 smooth1 spreading and rooting at the nodes1 #f to #ah inches long4 ,nodes are thickened and sometimes proliferous4 ,the leaf-sheath is compressed and glabrous4 ,the ligule is short and membranous4 ,the leaf-blade is linear1 tapering to a fine point1 flat1 glaucous1 glabrous or hairy1 #a to #f inches long and #a_/ab to #a_/f inch1 wide4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #bji4--;,eleusine aegyptiaca4 #a4 ,front and back views of a portion of spike2 #b4 a spikelet2 #c and #d4 the first and the second glumes2 #e and #f4 flowering glume and its palea2 #g4 ovary and anthers4 ,spikes are digitate1 #b to #f1 #a_/b to #a-a_/b inches long4 ,spikelets are flat1 densely crowded on one side of the floral axis1 spreading at right angles1 #c- to #e-;flowered1 glumes five to seven4 ,the first glume is ovate acute4 ,the second glume is equal to the first or slightly longer1 broadly ovate1 awned4 ,the flowering glumes are ovate1 mucronate or awned1 paleate2 palea is shorter than the glume1 ovate-oblong1 obtuse or #b-;fid4 ,anthers are small4 ,grain is reddish1 rugose and sub-globose4 ,this is a very common grass occurring as a weed in cultivated fields and in open places4 ,it is a well-known fodder grass4 ,distribution4--,throughout the plains in ,india and ,ceylon4 #ch4 ,dinebra1 ,jacq4 ,these are leafy annual grasses4 ,the inflorescence is a narrow pyramidal raceme of slender1 spreading or deflexed spikes4 ,spikelets are small1 biseriate and crowded on one side of the spike and not jointed at the base2 rachilla is slender1 jointed and produced beyond the flowering glumes and bearing an imperfect glume4 ,there are four to five glumes4 ,the first two glumes are the longest1 lanceolate1 #a-nerved1 keeled and awned4 ,the second glume is slightly longer than the first4 ,the third and the fourth glumes are very small1 hyaline1 broadly ovate1 #a-nerved4 ,lodicules are present4 ,stamens are three and anthers didymous and small4 ,grain is narrowly ovoid and trigonous4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #baj4--;,dinebra arabica4 #a4 ,full plant2 #b4 leaf showing the ligule4 ,dinebra arabica1 ,jacq4 ,this grass is an annual with stems erect or with a geniculate base1 tufted1 slender or stout2 some of the lower nodes of the geniculate part of the stems bear roots2 the internodes are green or purple tinged and glabrous4 ,the leaf-sheath is thin1 somewhat loose1 usually glabrous1 rarely sparsely hairy4 ,the ligule is a short membrane irregularly cut at the top4 ,the nodes are glabrous4 ,the leaf-blade is linear1 very finely acuminate1 rough on both the surfaces1 thinly and very sparsely hairy2 the base of the blade is contracted and purple tinged towards the margin1 midrib is prominent with three or four main veins on each side2 the margins are very finely1 closely serrate4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #baa4--;,dinebra arabica4 #a and #b4 ,the front and back view of a portion of a spike2 #c4 spikelet2 #d1 #e and #f4 the first1 second and third glumes2 #g4 palea of the third glume2 #h4 lodicules1 ovary and stamens4 ,the inflorescence is a long erect narrow pyramidal panicle varying in length from #b to #af inches2 the lower branches sometimes bear several spikes and attain #f inches in length2 the peduncles are short or long1 purple tinged and the main rachis is smooth except at the top1 angular and grooved4 ,the spikes are numerous1 greenish or purple tinged1 slender1 erect or spreading or sometimes deflexed1 opposite1 alternate or in fascicles of two to four varying in length from #a_/d to #b-a_/b inches2 the rachis of the spike is trigonous1 flattened out ventrally and with a ridge on the ventral side and the margins are scabrid4 ,the spikelets are few to many in a spike1 alternate1 closely imbricating1 sessile1 about #a_/f inch long including the awns1 usually three flowered1 rarely less or four flowered2 the rachilla is very slender1 jointed at the base1 produced and jointed between the flowering glumes4 ,there are usually five glumes in a spikelet and in some four or six4 ,the first and the second glumes are lanceolate narrowed into short stiff awns1 equal or the second a little longer1 hyaline glabrous1 strongly keeled about #a_/f inch long or a little less4 ,the succeeding glumes third1 fourth and fifth are very much shorter than the first two glumes1 about #a_/aj inch or less1 ovate-oblong1 subacute1 white1 membranous with a strong greenish nerve along the keel and two short ones close to the margin1 paleate2 palea is shorter than the glume1 membranous1 oblong-obtuse1 minutely #b-toothed1 #b-nerved and #b-keeled4 ,stamens are three with small anthers4 ,stigmas are white when young and purple when mature4 ,lodicules are very minute4 ,the grain is pale1 brownish yellow1 ellipsoidal-oblong1 subacute1 trigonous1 rough and never smooth1 with a shallow groove on the dorsal side2 the embryo is about one-third the length of the grain4 ,this grass grows abundantly in cultivated dry fields all over the ,presidency4 ,the spikes when mature become very rough and give an acid taste4 ,cattle greedily eat this grass when young1 but when old and in full flower some cattle do not like it so much4 ,distribution4--,throughout the ,presidency in the plains4 ,also occurs in ,afghanistan and westward to ,senegal4 #ci4 ,leptochloa1 ,beauv4 ,these are tall slender annual grasses4 ,spikelets are very small1 compressed1 #a- to #f-;flowered1 sessile or shortly pedicelled1 alternate and unilateral on the branches of a panicle2 the rachilla is produced between the flowering glumes1 jointed at the base4 ,there are #c to #h glumes4 ,the first two glumes are unequal1 oblong or lanceolate1 #a-nerved4 ,the third and the succeeding ones are broadly ovate1 #c-nerved1 paleate4 ,lodicules are two4 ,stamens are three4 ,grain is sub-globose1 oblong or trigonous1 closely invested by the glume and its palea4 ,leptochloa chinensis1 ,nees4 ,this is a tall annual grass4 ,stems are erect or geniculately ascending from a creeping root-stock1 varying in length from #b to #d feet4 ,the leaf-sheath is smooth1 loose1 the lower often broad and open4 ,the ligule is a short hyaline lacerated membrane4 ,the leaf-blade is narrowly linear1 finely acuminate1 somewhat coriaceous1 glabrous1 #f to #ah inches long and #a_/f to #a_/d inch broad4 ,the inflorescence is a contracted panicle1 #f to #ah inches long with spreading or suberect1 alternate or opposite spikes which are capillary and vary from #b to #d inches in length4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #bab4--,leptochloa chinensis4 #a4 ,a portion of the spike2 #b and #c4 the first and the second glume2 #d and #e the flowering glume and its palea2 #f4 the stamens and the ovary4 ,the spikelets are small1 shortly stalked1 #d- to #h-;flowered1 #a_/aj to #a_/f inch with the rachilla produced between the flowering glumes4 ,the first glume is small1 oblong1 obtuse or apiculate4 ,the second glume is similar to the first but twice as long as the first glume4 ,the third glume and the succeeding flowering glumes are ovate-oblong1 obtuse or apiculate1 with sub-marginal lateral veins2 palea are broadly oblong with silkily ciliate keels4 ,anthers are usually very small4 ,grain is oblong1 obtusely trigonous1 or concavo-convex1 red-brown and rugulose on the ventral side4 ,this grass is very common amidst paddy in wet lands and in wet situations4 ,distribution4--,throughout ,india and ,ceylon in wet places4 ,also in ,china1 ,japan and ,australia4 ,,chapter ,x4 ,,tribes ,,vii ,,and ,,viii--,,festucaceae ,,and ,,hordeae4 ,festucaceae is of minor importance as it is not well represented in the ,south ,india4 ,only about half a dozen genera occur and most of them on the hills4 ,the spikelets are usually #b- or more-flowered1 pedicelled and in panicles1 open or contracted4 ,the rachilla is produced beyond the flowering glumes and articulate at the base just above the empty glumes4 ,inflorescence a raceme1 spikelets #b- to #c-;flowered1 turbinate2 glumes single-awned4 #dj4 ,pommereulla4 ,inflorescence paniculate1 spikelets few or many-flowered1 glumes many-nerved and many-awned4 #da4 ,pappophorum4 ,inflorescence various1 spikelets #b- to many-flowered1 flowering glumes #a- to #c-nerved entire1 empty glumes shorter than the lowest flowering glume1 grain very minute4 #db4 ,eragrostis4 ,hordeae is also a minor tribe and is represented by only one genus in ,south ,india4 ,the spikelets are one-or more-flowered1 sessile1 #a- or #b-seriate on the rachis1 and somewhat sunk in cavities2 the rachilla is jointed at the base and is produced beyond the flowering glumes1 glumes awned or not4 ,spikelets #a- to #c-;flowered1 first glume very minute or wanting1 second as long as the hyaline1 third spike compressed1 solitary4 #dc4 ,oropetium4 #dj4 ,pommereulla1 ,linn4 f4 ,this is a short1 stout1 creeping perennial grass4 ,spikelets are #b- to #c-;flowered1 distichously racemed1 narrowly turbinate1 villous4 ,glumes are #e to #g in a spikelet4 ,the first two glumes are narrow1 membranous1 persistent1 the first glume being #a-nerved and shorter than the second which is #c- to #e-nerved4 ,the third and the fourth glumes embracing the fifth and the sixth are empty1 flabelliform1 #d-lobed1 and dorsally shortly awned4 ,the fifth1 sixth and the seventh are cuneate1 obovate and #c-lobed1 palea ovate1 acute1 and pubescent4 ,lodicules are two and membranous4 ,stamens are two to three with small anthers4 ,grain is oblong1 compressed and free4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #bac4--,pommereulla ,cornucopiae4 ,pommereulla ,cornucopiae1 ,linn4 f4 ,this is a short1 stout perennial grass with stems rooting at the nodes2 branches are flat1 short1 densely leafy1 #b to #f inches long4 ,the leaf-sheaths are smooth1 equitant with thinly membranous margins4 ,the ligule is a ciliated ridge4 ,the leaf-blade is flat1 linear1 distichous1 coriaceous1 rounded at the tip1 margins sparsely ciliate1 #a to #b-a_/b inches long4 ,the inflorescence is a terminal raceme1 #a_/b to #b inches long1 half hidden by the uppermost leaf-sheath1 the peduncle is flattened and #a to #b-a_/b inches long2 rachis is also flattened with a tuft of long silky hairs at the base4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #bad4-,pommereulla ,cornucopiae4 #a4 ,a leaf2 #b4 inflorescence2 #c4 spikelet2 #d and #e4 the second and the first glume2 #f and #g4 the third and the fourth glume2 #h and #i4 the fifth flowering glume and its palea2 #aj and #aa4 grain4 ,the spikelets are shortly pedicelled or sessile1 dorsally compressed1 cuneiform1 about #a_/c inch1 glistening1 villous1 not articulate at the base1 #b- to #c-;flowered1 rachilla is narrowed downwards1 resembling a callus and villous1 jointed at the acute base above the empty glumes1 and crowned with broad obconic empty awned glumes4 ,the spikelets have usually seven1 rarely eight glumes4 ,the first and the second glumes are narrow1 membranous1 glistening1 empty and persistent and the others are coriaceous with membranous margins4 ,the first glume is linear or linear-lanceolate1 acuminate1 #a-nerved1 scaberulous along the nerve4 ,the second glume is longer than the first1 oblong-lanceolate1 acuminate1 narrowed towards the base1 inserted much above the first glume and embracing the rachilla1 #c-nerved1 scaberulous along the mid-nerve at the base only4 ,the third and fourth glumes are half-amplexicaul1 empty1 epaleate1 flabelliform1 #d-lobed1 #g-nerved1 shortly awned at the back1 villous2 the side lobes are acuminate or aristate and the central lobes are shortly awned4 ,the fifth1 sixth and seventh glumes are obovate-cuneate1 #g- to #i-nerved1 paleate1 flower-bearing and #c-lobed1 the side lobes are acuminate and the central lobe is bifid and dorsally awned2 palea is ovate-acute1 #b-nerved and ciliolate4 ,the eighth glume1 if present1 is neuter and imperfect1 #c-lobed and shortly awned4 ,lodicules are minute4 ,stamens are two or three with small anthers4 ,grain is oblong1 compressed1 reddish brown4 ,this grass generally grows in gravelly and somewhat alkaline soils4 ,so far this has been noticed and collected in ,chingleput and ,nellore districts4 ,distribution4--,mysore and the ,carnatic1 and ,ceylon4 #da4 ,pappophorum1 ,nees4 ,this is a perennial grass4 ,spikelets are contracted spiciform panicles1 #a- to #c-;flowered1 rachilla is jointed at the base4 ,there are #e to #g glumes in the spikelet4 ,the first and the second glumes are membranous1 keeled #c- to many-nerved1 persistent4 ,the third and the fourth glumes are much shorter 7excluding the awns7 than the first two1 coriaceous1 orbicular1 concave1 obscurely many-nerved1 cleft into nine or more equal or alternately longer long-ciliate erect awns4 ,the fourth and the subsequent glumes are imperfect and they get gradually smaller and smaller1 the last glume being represented only by a rudimentary glume with three awns4 ,lodicules are dolabriform and two4 ,stamens are three4 ,styles are free4 ,grain is obovoid or oblong1 free4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #bae4--,pappophorum elegans4 ,pappophorum elegans1 ,nees4 ,this grass is perennial with wiry roots4 ,stems are erect ascending from a swollen woody base1 thinly hairy and rarely glabrous1 pale green and sometimes with red blotches1 wiry1 varying in length from #a to #c feet4 ,the leaf-sheath is thinly pubescent1 some hairs being minutely gland-tipped4 ,the leaf-blade is narrow1 linear-lanceolate1 sharply acuminate1 covered both above and below with hairs1 many of which being minutely gland-tipped1 convolute when young4 ,the ligule is a ridge of hairs4 ,nodes are pubescent4 ,the inflorescence is a panicle with short branches1 #a to #c inches long1 rachis is pubescent2 peduncle is #b to #d inches long1 pubescent4 ,the spikelets are pale green1 sometimes purple tinged and appearing white when mature1 softly pubescent1 about #a_/d inch long including the awn2 the rachilla is produced and disarticulates above the two lower glumes4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #baf4--,pappophorum elegans4 #a and #b4 ,the first and second glumes2 #c4 the third glume and its palea2 #d4 palea of the third glume2 #e4 lodicules1 stamens and ovary2 #f and #g4 fourth glume and its palea2 #h and #i4 fifth glume and its palea2 #aj and #aa4 sixth and seventh glumes4 ,there are #f or #g glumes in the spikelet4 ,the first glume is lanceolate1 acute1 softly hairy1 usually #i-nerved1 or varying from #g to #ab 7some nerves do not reach the apex71 about #a_/d inch long4 ,the second glume is similar to the first but a little longer and both the glumes have broad hyaline margins4 ,the third glume is broadly orbicular1 concave1 sub-chartaceous1 #i-nerved1 densely villous and with a tuft of hairs at the base where it joins the rachilla1 cleft into #i awn-like lobes1 bisexual and paleate2 the awns are alternately long and short1 subulate1 plumose in the lower half and scabrid above1 the palea is oblong-ovate1 sub-chartaceous1 with two pubescent keels1 bifid at the apex1 and with #c purple anthers4 ,the ovary is ovoid or ovoid-oblong1 with two white stigmas4 ,lodicules are two1 small cuneate or quadrate4 ,grain ovoid or ovoid-oblong4 ,the fourth glume is similar to the third glume but smaller1 paleate with rudimentary anthers and two fleshy lodicules4 ,the fifth1 sixth and seventh glumes are imperfect and gradually decreasing in size1 and with awns varying in number from #e to #h1 #c to #e1 and #a to #c1 respectively1 minutely paleate or not4 ,this grass grows well in black cotton and rich loamy soils and is a hardy one4 ,cattle seem to eat this grass4 ,distribution4--,fairly common in the plains in the ,deccan districts and in the ,coromandel coast districts4 #db4 ,eragrostis1 ,beauv4 ,these are slender1 glabrous1 annual or perennial grasses4 ,stems are usually erect or geniculately ascending1 very rarely prostrate4 ,leaves are narrow4 ,inflorescences are open or contracted panicles1 rarely spikes4 ,spikelets are usually strongly laterally compressed1 #b1 to many-flowered and not articulate at the base2 rachilla is tough and persistent1 jointed above the empty glumes and in some also between the flowering glumes1 not produced beyond the last glume4 ,glumes are many1 broad1 obtuse1 acute or mucronate1 never awned1 dorsally rounded and keeled2 the first and the second glumes are much shorter than the spikelet1 equal or unequal1 empty1 persistent or separately deciduous1 #a-nerved or the second #c-nerved1 usually membranous4 ,flowering glumes are imbricating1 at length deciduous from the rachilla1 #c-nerved1 all bisexual or the uppermost and rarely the lowest imperfect1 ovate to lanceolate1 membranous to chartaceous1 usually glabrous1 the lateral nerves short not reaching the mid nerve2 palea are broad1 membranous1 deciduous with its glume or persistent on the rachilla with two ciliate smooth or scabrid keels4 ,stamens are three rarely two4 ,ovary is glabrous with two styles ending in plumose stigmas4 ,grain is minute1 globose1 obgloboid or obovoid1 free in the glume and the palea4 ,,key ,,to ,,the ,,species4 ,a4 ,spikelets panicled4 ,b4 ,rachilla of spikelets more or less jointed and breaking up from above downwards4 ,panicle more or less contracted and margin of flowering glumes not ciliate4 ,spikelets #a_/bj to #a_/f inch long2 grain obovoid2 stamens #b2 panicle narrow interrupted1 #f to #ah inches long #a4 ,e4 interrupta4 ,,bb4 ,rachilla of spikelets tough1 persistent2 flowering glumes falling away from base upwards4 ,c4 ,spikelets pedicellate4 ,spikelets flat1 ovate-elliptic or oblong1 lateral nerves of flowering glumes very prominent and straight1 almost percurrent2 palea deciduous with their glumes #b4 ,e4 amabilis4 ,spikelets less compressed1 linear or linear-oblong2 lateral nerves less prominent2 not fascicled1 long pedicellate and divaricate when ripe4 ,leaf margins without glands4 ,spikelets versatile1 narrow1 linear #a inch or more long1 branches of panicle solitary #c4 ,e4 tremula4 ,leaf margins glandular4 ,first glume #a-nerved and second glume #c-nerved #d4 ,e4 major4 ,first glume and second glume #a-nerved #e4 ,e4 ,willdenoviana4 ,spikelets small1 #a_/d inch or less1 branches of panicle whorled #f4 ,e4 pilosa4 ,,cc4 ,spikelets sessile and jointed on the very short densely crowded branchlets of a tall1 narrow raceme like panicle1 deciduous1 acute1 much compressed1 imbricate and secund #g4 ,e4 cynosuroides4 ,,aa4 ,spikelets in a long terminal spike4 ,spikelets distichously spreading1 secund1 keels of palea winged #h4 ,e4 bifaria4 ,eragrostis interrupta1 ,beauv4 7,var4 ,koenigii1 ,stapf47 ,this is a tall grass1 annual or perennial1 with erect stems #a to #c feet or more4 ,the leaf-sheath is glabrous and close4 ,the ligule is a short1 fimbriate membrane4 ,nodes are glabrous4 ,the leaf-blade is narrow1 flat1 acuminate1 glabrous on both sides1 #c to #aj inches long4 ,the panicle is erect1 narrow1 contracted1 with branches in pseudo-whorls and varying in length from #f to #ah inches1 branches are slender1 filiform1 two or more arising from the same level1 #a to #c inches long4 ,the spikelets are small1 pedicellate1 smooth1 usually #f to #ad-;flowered1 pale but often tinged with red1 the rachilla is jointed between the flowering glumes1 and breaks away from above downwards4 ,the empty glumes are very small1 subequal1 ovate-oblong1 hyaline1 obtuse and #a-nerved4 ,floral glumes also are small but slightly longer than the empty ones1 ovate-oblong1 obtuse and paleate1 palea is linear-oblong with smooth or scabrid keels4 ,stamens are two with small anthers4 ,grain is obovoid4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #bag4--;,eragrostis interrupta4 ,var4 ,koenigii4 #a4 ,two spikelets2 #b and #c4 empty glumes2 #d4 empty glumes with two flowering glumes and their palea2 #e4 flowering glumes and palea2 #f4 ovary and two stamens2 #g4 grain4 ,this grass is a very variable plant and has a few varieties4 ,the one described above is ,var4 ,koenigii ,stapf41 and this is the one that occurs very widely4 ,the other two varieties which occur very rarely are 7#a7 diarrhena ,stapf4 and 7#b7 tenuissima ,stapf4 ,the former is a tall plant with very narrow panicle and spikelets and the latter either tall or short and with a panicle bearing very slender divaricate branches4 ,this grass usually occurs in clayey soils especially on the bunds and in the paddy fields4 ,distribution4--,throughout ,india1 ,burma and ,ceylon4 ,also in tropical ,asia and ,africa4 ,eragrostis amabilis1 ,w4 ,a4 ,this is an annual tufted grass with slender1 glabrous1 erect or geniculately ascending stems1 #f to #ah inches1 leafy chiefly at the base4 ,the leaf-sheath is glabrous and smooth4 ,the ligule is absent or very obscure4 ,the leaf-blade is lanceolate-linear or linear1 narrowed from a broad subcordate base to an acute tip1 smooth and flat4 ,the panicle is ovoid-oblong or oblong1 open or contracted1 sparingly branched2 branches are filiform1 solitary1 ramifying from near the base2 rachis and nodes are glabrous4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #bah4--;,eragrostis amabilis4 #a4 ,a portion of a branch with spikelets2 #b4 a single spikelet2 #c and #d4 empty glumes2 #e4 and #f4 a flowering glume and its palea2 #g4 lodicules1 stamens and ovary2 #h4 grain4 ,the spikelets are ovate-oblong or linear-oblong1 pale or purplish #a_/f to #a_/b inch1 up to #ej-;flowered1 rachilla is tough with very short internodes4 ,the glumes are very closely and distichously imbricating 7and hence spikelets are pretty72 the empty glumes are subequal1 ovate-lanceolate1 acute or cuspidately acuminate1 #a-nerved1 #a_/be to #a_/af inch long4 ,flowering glumes are broadly ovate or suborbicular1 mucronulate1 punctulate1 with the lateral nerves equidistant from the margins and the median nerve1 and produced far up towards the median nerve2 palea is broad1 shorter than its glume1 deciduous with it1 and with winged and scabrid keels4 ,stamens are three4 ,grain is obovoid-ellipsoid1 smooth1 laterally compressed1 reddish-brown4 ,this grass is abundant in wet places on the hills and fairly common in the plains though not abundant4 ,distribution4--,throughout ,india and ,ceylon4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #bai4--;,eragrostis tremula4 ,eragrostis tremula1 ,hochst4 ,this is an elegant annual grass4 ,stems are tufted erect or sometimes geniculately ascending1 branching freely1 #f inches to #c feet4 ,the leaf-sheath is smooth1 glabrous1 shorter than the internodes1 becoming purplish when dry4 ,the ligule is a ridge of short hairs4 ,the leaf-blade is linear-lanceolate1 tapering to a fine point1 rigid1 glabrous or sparsely hairy1 but with prominent white hairs near the mouth of the sheath at the base1 #a to #aj inches long and #a_/ab to #c_/af inch broad1 the base is rounded and the margin eglandular and very finely serrate4 ,the inflorescence is a large1 effuse1 nodding1 pyramidal or oblong panicle1 much branched1 the peduncle being as long as the rest of the plant2 branches are slender1 solitary1 suberect1 drooping1 rather angled1 scaberulous1 #c to #g inches long with very fine capillary branchlets2 all the axils of the branches and branchlets have long white hairs4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #bbj4--;,eragrostis tremula4 #a4 ,spikelet2 #b and #c4 the first and the second glume2 #d and #e4 flowering glume and its palea2 #f4 stamens1 ovary and lodicules4 ,the spikelets are linear1 narrowed upwards1 glabrous1 flattened pale green or purple tinged1 few to #gj-;flowered2 pedicels are slender and capillary1 longer or shorter than the spikelets2 rachilla is zigzag and glabrous4 ,the first two glumes are subequal1 ovate1 acute1 one-nerved1 keel obscurely scaberulous1 membranous4 ,the third and the succeeding flowering glumes are ovate1 obtuse1 as long as the second glume or slightly longer1 sub-chartaceous1 glabrous1 three-nerved2 palea is shorter than the glume1 curved obovate oblong and persistent on the rachilla4 ,stamens are three with small anthers4 ,style branches are two4 ,lodicules are minute4 ,grain is nearly globose1 compressed on one side1 obscurely rugulose4 ,this grass is not very widely distributed although it occurs in some parts of the ,presidency4 ,it is common on the ,west ,coast in sandy places4 ,distribution4--,from the ,punjab to ,bengal and ,burma and ,southward to ,carnatic4 ,also said to occur in ,afghanistan and ,tropical ,africa4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #bba4--;,eragrostis major4 ,eragrostis major1 ,host4 ,this is an annual tufted grass4 ,stems are erect or geniculately ascending1 usually short1 leafy and branched below1 glabrous and shining1 #a_/b to #b feet long4 ,the leaf-sheath is glabrous1 striate1 shorter than the internodes1 keeled with tubercles or glands on the keel and also on some of the smaller nerves on the sides1 and bearded with long white hairs externally at the mouth4 ,the nodes are glabrous purple1 shining and with a glandular ring below4 ,the ligule is a ridge of long hairs4 ,the leaf-blade is linear-lanceolate or linear1 tapering to a fine point1 glabrous1 flaccid1 margins finely serrulate and glandular1 base rounded1 varying in length from #a_/b to #aj inches and in breadth #c_/af to #g_/af inch2 the midrib is prominent and with a row of glands beneath and there are #c to #e lateral nerves on each side of the mid-nerve4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #bbb4--;,eragrostis major4 #a4 ,a branch with spikelets2 #b and #c4 empty glumes2 #d and #e4 flowering glume and its palea2 #f4 grain4 ,the panicle is ovate or ovate-oblong1 on a short1 smooth peduncle1 usually open and stiff2 branches are usually many1 sub-solitary or fascicled1 spreading or suberect1 capillary1 stiff1 again branching from near the base and about #c inches long2 rachis is angular1 with glands and tufts of sparse white hairs at the angles of branches and branchlets4 ,spikelets are linear to ovate-oblong1 compressed1 pale or green1 sometimes purple tinged at the base1 few to #dj-;flowered and occasionally up to #gj-;flowers1 #a_/h to #a inch4 ,the empty glumes are subequal or the first is a little shorter1 ovate1 acute1 membranous1 keeled1 and sometimes the keels with glands2 the first glume is usually one-nerved 7rarely obscurely one- to three-nerved7 and the second glume is three-nerved4 ,the flowering glumes are broadly ovate1 oblique1 obtuse1 sometimes with a minute mucro1 sub-chartaceous1 punctulate1 strongly three-nerved1 paleate1 about #a_/ab inch long2 palea is shorter than the glume1 curved1 obovate-oblong1 keels ciliolate and persistent4 ,stamens are three with very small pale yellow anthers4 ,stigmas are two and white4 ,lodicules are very small4 ,grain is globose reddish brown1 minutely and obscurely lineolate4 ,this grass is a very common weed occurring in cultivated dry fields all over this ,presidency4 ,distribution4--,throughout ,india and ,ceylon in the plains and low hills4 ,occurs also in tropical and sub-tropical parts of ,asia and ,africa4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #bbc4--;,eragrostis ,willdenoviana4 ,eragrostis ,willdenoviana1 ,nees4 ,this is a tufted annual4 ,stems are leafy at the base1 erect or geniculately ascending1 slender but rigid1 varying in length from #d to #ah inches4 ,the leaf-sheath is smooth1 cylindric1 glabrous1 outer margin ciliate2 tufts of long hairs are present at the sides of the margin of the sheath1 just outside close to the hyaline patch4 ,the ligule is a fringe of short white hairs4 ,the nodes are greenish or with a tinge of purple1 glabrous and with a glandular ring below4 ,the leaf-blade is lanceolate-linear1 pointed1 flat1 rigid1 the margin is very minutely serrulate1 glandular and occasionally also with fine long hairs2 the upper surface is somewhat rough1 the lower smooth and both with fine long scattered hairs or glabrous4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #bbd4--;,eragrostis ,willdenoviana4 #a4 ,spikelets2 #a;a4 #ast glume2 #b and #b;a4 the second glume2 #c and #c;a4 the flowering glume2 #d4 palea of the flowering glume2 #e4 lodicules1 stamens and the ovary2 #f4 grain4 ,the inflorescence is a stiff open panicle1 ovate to oblong1 #b to #d-a_/b inches long on a slender1 terete1 glabrous peduncle2 the main rachis is angular1 slender with glandular scars1 a little below the attachment of the branches2 the branches are capillary1 grooved stiff and spreading with small glandular scars just above the node4 ,the spikelets are elliptic-oblong to linear1 #a_/h to #c_/d inch by about #a_/bj inch1 greenish or tinged with purple1 few to about #be 7or sometimes even up to #db7 glumed1 pedicellate2 pedicel is capillary1 grooved and angular1 with a glandular ring about the middle1 spreading sometimes at right angles1 rachilla is persistent4 ,empty glumes are unequal4 ,the first glume is hyaline very small1 nerveless or one-nerved1 subacute or subobtuse2 the second glume is much longer than the first glume1 ovate-oblong subacute1 keeled1 membranous and one-nerved4 ,flowering glumes vary from about #ab to #cj and in some well grown plants as many as #db1 broadly ovate1 obtuse or subacute1 rigidly membranous1 three-nerved 7one median and two marginal7 glabrous1 keeled and keels are scaberulous near the apex2 palea is oblong linear1 a little curved1 persistent1 a little smaller than the glume1 two-keeled2 there are three stamens with small purplish anthers and two small lodicules4 ,the grain is oblong truncate at both ends1 reddish brown1 with a prominent groove on the dorsal side2 embryo occupying nearly half the length of the grain4 ,this grass grows abundantly in somewhat rich soils all over the ,presidency and cattle eat it4 ,it grows quickly and bears a fair amount of foliage4 ,distribution4--,madras ,presidency in the plains2 also occurs in ,ceylon4 ,eragrostis pilosa1 ,beauv4 ,this is a densely tufted annual grass4 ,stems are usually erect1 slender and simple1 flaccid1 #c inches to #c feet4 ,the leaf-sheath is compressed1 glabrous and bearded with long hairs close to the mouth4 ,the ligule is a ridge of hairs4 ,the leaf-blade is short1 narrow1 finely acuminate1 #a-a_/b to #d inches4 ,the panicle is oblong to pyramidal1 flaccid1 open or contracted erect or inclined1 #b to #h inches2 rachis is hairy or glabrous2 branches are very fine filiform or capillary1 more or less whorled1 lower six inches long2 branchlets are still finer and capillary4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #bbe4--;,eragrostis pilosa4 #a4 ,a portion of a branch with spikelets2 #b and #c4 empty glumes2 #d4 flowering glumes2 #e4 palea2 #f4 grain4 ,spikelets are linear1 grey tipped with purple1 or often purplish1 scattered1 #a_/h to #a_/e by #a_/cj to #a_/bj inch1 with pedicels shorter or longer than the spikelets4 ,the empty glumes are hyaline1 very unequal1 nerveless or the second which is ovate-lanceolate and larger than the first faintly #a-nerved4 ,the flowering glumes are ovate acute1 paleate1 #a_/aj to #a_/h inch2 palea is sub-persistent and keels of palea scaberulous4 ,stamens are three with small violet anthers4 ,grain is ellipsoid laterally pointed at the base4 ,this grass occurs in wet places or close to the margins of ponds1 marshy situations all over the ,presidency4 ,distribution4--,all over ,india and also in ,south ,europe and most warm countries4 ,eragrostis cynosuroides1 ,beauv4 ,this is a tall perennial grass freely branching from the base and with stout stolons covered with shining sheaths4 ,the root-stock is stout and creeping4 ,the stems are tufted1 smooth1 erect1 with fascicles of leaves at the base #a to #c feet high4 ,the leaf-sheath is glabrous1 slightly compressed1 distinctly keeled1 as broad or slightly broader than the blade at the mouth4 ,ligule is a line of short hairs4 ,the leaf-blade is linear1 rigid1 glabrous1 acuminate with filiform tips1 and finely serrulate margins1 varying in length from #b to #aj inches and the basal leaves sometimes reaching #bj inches4 ,the panicle is strict1 erect1 narrowly pyramidal1 often interrupted1 varying in length from #f to #ah inches and breadth from #a_/b to #b inches4 ,branches are many1 short1 crowded1 densely clothed from the base with sessile1 imbricating1 much compressed deflexed spikelets4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #bbf4--;,eragrostis cynosuroides4 #a4 ,a branch with spikelets2 #b4 flowering glumes with their palea2 #c and #d4 empty glumes2 #e and #f4 flowering glume and its palea4 ,the spikelets are secund1 biseriate1 shining1 pale brown1 #a_/b inch long1 up to #cj-;flowered4 ,the empty glumes are unequal1 the second being the larger4 ,the flowering glumes are coriaceous1 ovate1 acute as long as the second or slightly longer1 paleate1 palea is sub-coriaceous and shorter than the glume4 ,stamens are three4 ,grain is obliquely ovoid1 laterally compressed4 ,this grass grows usually in moist sandy loams1 sand dunes1 and is very common on the ,coromandel coast and in the ,deccan ,districts4 ,distribution4--,throughout in the plains of ,india4 ,eragrostis bifaria1 ,wight ,ex ,steud4 ,this is a densely tufted perennial grass4 ,stems are simple1 erect1 glabrous1 somewhat compressed1 #a to #c feet high1 and the base clothed with the old remains of the leaf-sheaths4 ,the leaf-sheath is scaberulous1 keeled4 ,the ligule is a line of fine hairs4 ,the leaf-blade is wiry1 narrow1 linear1 flexuous1 rigid1 acute1 smooth1 flat or complicate1 keeled1 #b to #c inches long and up to #a_/f inch wide4 ,the spikes are solitary1 #aj to #ab inches long bearing spikelets unilaterally4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #bbg4--;,eragrostis bifaria4 #a and #a;a4 ,spikelets2 #b4 and #c4 empty glumes2 #d and #e4 the flowering glume and its palea2 #f4 the ovary1 stamens and the lodicules4 ,the spikelets are ovate or ovoid to oblong1 much compressed1 usually #ae- to #bj-;flowered and up to #dj and then linear1 #a_/d to #b_/c inch long1 spreading1 green or olive grey4 ,the empty glumes are one-nerved and keeled4 ,the first glume is longer than the second glume1 very acute or acuminate4 ,the second glume is smaller than the first1 with stout rounded keel4 ,the flowering glumes are as long or slightly shorter than the first glume1 broadly ovate1 sub-acuminate1 with faint nerves and paleate2 palea is shorter than its glume and with ciliate wings to the keel4 ,stamens are three4 ,grain is free4 ,this grass is very common in the plains in somewhat wet situations all over the ,presidency4 ,distribution4--,deccan ,peninsula in ,india and also in ,tropical ,africa4 #dc4 ,oropetium1 ,trin4 ,a very small densely tufted erect annual4 ,leaves are filiform4 ,the inflorescence is a simple slender curved spike4 ,spikelets are very minute1 one-flowered1 half immersed in the alternating distichous cavities of the rachis of the spike2 rachilla is bearded4 ,there are three glumes in the spikelet4 ,the first glume is very minute1 empty1 hyaline and persistent4 ,the second glume is linear-lanceolate1 rigid1 empty1 persistent recurved when old1 tip obtuse or emarginate4 ,the third glume is shorter broader1 hyaline1 one-nerved1 obtuse or truncate1 palea is narrow with smooth keel4 ,lodicules are not found4 ,stamens are three4 ,grain is oblong terete and free4 ,oropetium ,thomaeum1 ,trin4 ,this is a very small densely tufted annual grass1 never exceeding #c inches in height and with compressed slender1 tough stems4 ,the leaf-sheath is compressed1 membranous1 short and open4 ,the ligule is an erect lacerate membrane4 ,the leaf-blade is filiform1 shorter or longer than the stem1 erect or curved1 coriaceous with the margins sparsely ciliate with long strict hairs1 #a_/b to #a inch long4 ,the spikes are solitary or fascicled curved on very short branches #a to #a-a_/b inches long2 rachis is green1 undulating1 tetragonous1 with a broad central nerve on the flat faces4 ,illustration3 ,fig4 #bbh4--,oropetium ,thomaeum4 #a4 ,spike2 #b4 spikelet2 #c and #d4 empty glumes2 #e4 flowering glume2 #f and #g4 flowering glume and its palea2 #h4 the ovary1 stamens and lodicules4 ,the spikelets are very small1 one-flowered1 half immersed in the alternating distichous cavities of the rachis4 ,there are three glumes in the spikelet4 ,the first glume is very minute1 hyaline and sunk in the hollow of the rachis4 ,the second glume is the longest1 linear-lanceolate1 rigid1 tip obtuse or emarginate1 slightly convex with a broad thickened centre and recurved in fruit4 ,the third glume is shorter than the second1 hyaline1 broader obtuse1 semi-circular in profile1 excessively membranous1 with the callus bearded and paleate2 palea is smaller than the glume4 ,there are three stamens4 ,grain is oblong1 terete1 free4 ,this small grass is very common all over the ,presidency in the plains in moist places4 ,distribution4--,plains of ,india1 ,burma and ,ceylon4 ,,glossary4 ,a ,acuminate applied to the apex of a leaf having a gradually diminishing point1 #di4 ,acute applied to the apex of a leaf distinctly and sharply pointed but not drawn out1 #ec4 ,adventitious roots which do not arise from the radicle or its roots subdivisions1 but from parts other than these1 #g4 ,aleurone layer a special peripheral layer in the grain of grasses1 consisting of cells filled with proteid granules1 #ah4 ,amplexicaul applied to the base of the leaf when it embraces the stem1 #ab4 ,apiculate said of the apex when it has a sharp1 short point4 ,appressed lying flat for the whole length of the part or organ1 #ei4 ,articulate jointed1 #de4 ,auricle outgrowth at the sides close to the ligular region1 #aa4 ,awned having an awn1 that is1 a bristle-like appendage1 especially on the glumes of grasses4 ,b ,bifarious disposed in two rows or ranks on the two sides1 #di4 ,binate in pairs1 #ec4 ,blade the expanded portion of a leaf1 #b1 #aj4 ,bristles stiff hairs1 #de4 ,bulbous based having an inflated base1 #ff4 ,bulliform cells thin walled cells occurring1 at intervals1 on the epidermis of some grasses1 #ce4 ,bundle sheath sclerenchymatous cells or fibres found round the vascular bundles of the monocotyledonous type1 such as those of grasses1 #bj4 ,c ,callus the projecting part or an extension of the flowering glume below its point of insertion1 #afh4 ,caryopsis a one-celled1 one-seeded1 superior fruit in which the pericarp has fused with the seed-coat4 ,chartaceous papery1 i4e41 thin and somewhat rough1 #dg4 ,ciliate fringed with hairs1 #ed4 ,ciliolate very sparsely fringed with hairs1 #gj4 ,clavate club-shaped1 #ajd4 ,clavellate thickened towards the apex1 #beb4 ,coleorhiza the sheath of a monocotyledonous embryo which is pierced by the radicle during germination1 #ah4 ,collar the white or colourless band at the base of the blade of a grass leaf just where it joins the sheath1 #c4 ,conduplicate folded together lengthwise1 #ab4 ,convolute rolled round from one margin to the other1 so that one margin is inside and the other outside1 #ab4 ,coriaceous leathery1 #di4 ,corymbosely arranged in corymbs1 i4e41 flat-topped flower clusters1 #ef4 ,crinite bearded with weak1 long hairs1 #acg4 ,crisped curled1 #ei4 ,cuneate wedge-shaped or triangular1 #di4 ,cuspidate tipped with a small triangular piece at the apex1 #gj4 ,d ,decumbent reclining but with the upper part ascending1 #hj4 ,digitate lingered1 arranged at the end of the stalk1 #ea4 ,dioecious having the sexes separated on two distinct individuals1 #de4 ,distichous two-ranked or two-rowed1 #ai4 ,e ,embryo young plant contained in the seed1 #ah4 ,endodermis the innermost layer of the cortex abutting on and forming a sheathing layer round the stele1 #cb4 ,exodermis the layer or layers of thickened cells beneath the piliferous layer of roots1 #cb4 ,extra vaginal applied to shoots or branches that come out piercing the leaf sheath in grasses1 #i4 ,f ,fascicle a cluster or bundle1 #ie4 ,filiform thread shaped1 slender and thin1 #ed4 ,flexuous bent alternately in opposite directions1 #fb4 ,foveolate marked with small pits1 #ahj4 ,g ,geniculately bent abruptly so as to resemble a knee-joint1 #aah4 ,geminate in pairs1 #ei4 ,germ-sheath a sheath enclosing the bud or the plumule in a grain1 #ah4 ,gibbous convex or rounded1 #gg4 ,glabrescent slightly hairy but becoming glabrous1 #hi4 ,glabrous quite smooth without hairs1 #hi4 ,glaucous covered with a bloom1 #afj4 ,glume the chaffy two-ranked members found in the inflorescence of grasses4 ,h ,hirsute covered with fairly long distinct hairs1 #ij4 ,hyaline colourless or translucent1 #ea4 ,i ,imbricate overlapping1 #di4 ,internode portion of a stem between two nodes1 #b4 ,intravaginal growing out from inside the sheath4 ,involucel a ring of bracts surrounding several spikelets1 #abj4 ,k ,keeled having a ridge along the length1 #ei4 ,l ,lemma the flowering glume of a grass1 #ae4 ,ligule the thin1 scarious projection found at the top of the leaf sheath where it joins the blade in grasses1 #c4 ,lodicule a small scale outside the stamens in the flower of grasses4 ,m ,membranous thin and semi-transparent1 #ea4 ,monoecious stamens and pistils on separate flowers1 but on the same individual1 #add4 ,motor cells large thin-walled cells occurring in the epidermis of the leaves of some grasses1 #ce4 ,mucronate possessing a short and a straight point1 #gj4 ,n ,node the part of the stem which has a leaf1 or the knot in the grass stem1 #b4 ,p ,palea the inner glume in the spikelet of grasses1 #d4 ,pectinate pinnatifid with narrow segments which are set close like the teeth of a comb1 #afb4 ,pericycle the outermost zone of cells of the stele immediately within the endodermis1 #cb4 ,phloem the portion of the vascular bundle towards the cortex1 #ai4 ,pileole another name for germ-sheath1 or the sheath covering the plumule in the grain1 #ah4 ,piliferous bearing hairs1 #ca4 ,pistil the female organ of a flower1 consisting of the ovary1 style and stigma1 #af4 ,plumose feathered1 #ea4 ,prophyllum the first scale-like leaf of a branch found where it joins the main stem1 #aj4 ,protandry anthers ripening before the pistil in the same flower1 7proterandry74 #af4 ,protogyny pistil ripening before the anthers in the same flower1 7proterogyny74 #af4 ,puberulous slightly hairy1 #fb4 ,pubescent clothed with soft hair1 #fb4 ,punctate marked with dots1 pits or glands1 #fc4 ,pungent ending in a rigid and sharp point1 #ei4 ,r ,raceme a centrifugal or indeterminate inflorescence with stalked flowers1 #ac4 ,rachilla a secondary axis in the inflorescence of the grasses1 the axis of the spikelet1 #ac4 ,rachis axis of an inflorescence1 #ac4 ,retuse with a shallow notch at the apex1 #fg4 ,rhizome root-stock or under ground stem prostrate on the ground1 #e4 ,rugulose somewhat wrinkled1 #ij4 ,s ,scaberulous slightly rough due to the presence of short hairs1 #fi4 ,scabrid somewhat rough1 #ge4 ,scale a reduced leaf1 #aj4 ,sclerenchyma elongated cells with pointed ends and much thickened cell-wall4 ,scutellum the single cotyledon found in connexion with the embryo in grass grains1 #ah4 ,secund directed to one side only1 #dg4 ,serrate beset with small teeth on the margin1 #hc4 ,setose beset with bristles1 #ajb4 ,sheath the tubular lower part of a leaf in grasses1 #b4 ,spathaceous having a large bract enclosing a flower cluster1 #ajd4 ,spiciform spike-like1 #ac4 ,spike an inflorescence with sessile flowers on an elongated axis1 the older flowers being lower down and the younger towards the top1 #ac4 ,squarrose rough with outstanding processes1 #abj4 ,stipe a short stalk of a gynaecium1 #ij4 ,stipitate having a short stalk1 #fb4 ,stolon any basal branch which is disposed to root1 #e4 ,striolate marked with very fine longitudinal parallel lines1 #di4 ,sub-coriaceous somewhat leathery1 #dg4 ,subulate finely pointed1 #aba4 ,t ,triquetrous three-sided or edged1 #dg4 ,truncate as if cut off at the end1 #fj4 ,tumid swollen1 #ff4 ,turbinate cone-shaped or top shaped1 #abj4 ,x ,xylem the wood elements of the vascular bundle lying next to the phloem1 #ai4 ,,index 7,small i denotes ,figure ,numbers47 ,a ,aerial roots1 #f1 #h;i1 #i;i ,agrostideae1 #dd1 #bbj ,aleurone layer1 #ah ,andropogoneae1 #dd1 #ach ,andropogon1 #ae1 #ahb inflorescence1 #ac annulatus1 #bjd1 #afj;i1 #afa;i asper1 #aie1 #aee;i1 #aef;i caricosus1 #bja1 #aei;i section of stem1 #bf1 #cc;i1 #cd;i contortus1 #e1 #bjg1 #afb;i1 #afc;i ligule1 #ac;i foveolatus1 #ahe1 #adh;i1 #adi;i monticola1 #aii1 #aeh;i pertusus1 #e1 #aia1 #aeb;i1 #aec;i pumilus1 #ahh1 #aej;i1 #aea;i ,schoenanthus var4 caesius1 #bji1 #afd;i ,schoenanthus1 ligule1 #ac;i ,sorghum1 #f1 #fg1 #h;i section of grain1 #bj;i1 #ba;i ,sorghum1 section of root1 #cb1 #de;i1 #df;i1 #dg;i squarrosus1 #aic1 #aed;i ,wightianus1 #aig1 #aeg;i ,anthistiria1 #baa tremula1 #bab1 #afe;i ,apludeae1 #aci ,apluda1 #agj varia1 #aga1 #adb;i1 #adc;i ,apocopis1 #afd ,wightii1 #aff1 #aci;i1 #adj;i ,aristida1 #bba ,adscenscionis1 #bbc1 #aga;i1 #agb;i funiculata1 #bbi1 #agg;i ,hystrix1 #bbf1 #agd;i lodicules1 #ae mutabilis1 #bbh1 #age;i1 #agf;i setacea1 #bbe1 #agc;i leaf structure1 #cf1 #cg1 #ch1 #ci1 #ed;i1 #ee;i ,arundo ,donax1 #i1 #aj;i ,auricles1 #aa1 #ac;i ,axonopus1 #df1 #ajf cimicinus1 #ajh1 #ajg;i1 #ajh;i ,b ,bamboo1 #aa ,bearded node1 #i1 #aa;i ,blade of leaf1 #aj ,bristles1 #de ,bundle sheath1 #bj1 #ba ,c ,cambium1 #ai ,caryopsis1 #ag ,cenchrus1 #df1 #abj biflorus1 #aba1 #aag;i catharticus1 #abb1 #aah;i ,chamaeraphis1 #df1 #aja spinescens1 #ajb1 #ajd;i ,chlorideae1 #dd1 #bbj ,chloris1 #ae1 #beg barbata1 #bfd1 #aii;i1 #bjj;i1 #bja;i leaf-folding1 #ab1 #af;i rachilla1 #af ,bournei1 #bfg1 #bjb;i1 #bjc;i incompleta1 #beh1 #aif;i lodicules1 #ae montana1 #bgj1 #bjd;i1 #bje;i tenella1 #bei1 #aig;i virgata1 #bfj1 #aih;i ,closed vascular bundle1 #ai ,chlorophyllous layer1 #cc ,coix1 #de1 #adj ,lachryma-,jobi1 #ada1 #abf;i unisexual spikelets1 #ae ,coleorhiza1 #ah ,collar1 #c1 #ab ,commelina1 #ad ,conduplicate1 #ab1 #af;i ,convolute1 #ab1 #af;i ,cynodon1 #bdh ,barberi1 #bee1 #aid;i1 #aie;i dactylon1 #i1 #bej1 #aij;i1 #aia;i intermedius1 #beb1 #aib;i1 #aic;i rachilla1 #af ,d ,diaphragm1 #ca ,digitaria1 #ae1 #de1 #ea longiflora1 #ei1 #gf;i1 #gg;i sanguinalis1 rachis1 #ac sanguinalis var4 ciliaris1 #ea1 #ec1 #ga;i1 #gb;i sanguinalis var4 extensum1 #ef1 #gd;i1 #ge;i sanguinalis var4 ,griffithii1 #ed1 #gc;i ,dinebra1 #bgg arabica1 #bgi1 #baj;i1 #baa;i rachilla1 #af spikelet1 #ad1 #ag;i ,e ,eleusine1 #bgb aegyptiaca1 #e;i1 #bgf1 #bjh;i1 #bji;i leaf folding1 #ab1 #af;i brevifolia1 #bgd1 #bjg;i indica1 #bgc1 #bjf;i ,embryo1 #ah ,endodermis1 #cb ,enteropogon1 #bdf melicoides1 #bdg1 #ahi;i inflorescence1 #ac ,epidermis1 #ba of leaf1 #cd1 #di;i1 #ej;i ,eragrostis1 #bib amabilis1 #bie1 #bah;i bifaria1 #cjg1 #bbg;i cynosuroides1 #cjf1 #bbf;i interrupta var4 ,koenigii1 #bid1 #bag;i ,tr4 section of stem1 #bg1 #cf;i major1 #ab1 #cjj1 #bba;i1 #bbb;i pilosa1 #cje1 #bbe;i tremula1 #big1 #bai;i1 #bbj;i panicle1 #ac ,willdenoviana1 #cjc1 #bbc;i1 #bbd;i leaf margin1 #ab leaf structure1 #cg1 #ci1 #ef;i1 #eg;i panicle1 #ac1 #ad ,eremochloa1 #afb muricata1 #afc1 #ach;i ,eriochloa1 #ae1 #de1 #fj polystachya1 #fb1 #gh;i1 #gi;i structure of leaf1 #ce1 #ea;i ,tr4 section of stem1 #bb1 #bg;i1 #bh;i ,euandropogoneae1 #aci ,exodermis1 #cb1 #df;i ,extravaginal branch or shoot1 #i1 #aj;i ,f ,festucaceae1 #dd1 #bhc ,fibro-vascular bundle1 #bj ,floral diagram1 #af1 #ai;i ,g ,germ sheath1 #ah ,glabrous node1 #i1 #aa;i ,glumes1 #d1 #ad ,grain1 #ag ,gracilea1 #bdc nutans1 #bdd1 #ahg;i ,royleana1 #bde1 #ahh;i ,ground tissue1 #ba ,h ,hackel1 #af ,heteropogon contortus1 #bjg1 #afc;i ,hordeae #dd1 #bhc ,hygrorhiza1 #abc1 #abf aristata1 #abg1 #abj;i stamens1 #ae ,i ,imperata1 #adf arundinacea1 #adg1 #abh;i ,internodes1 #b1 #ba ,intravaginal branches1 #h ,ischaemeae1 #ach ,ischaemum1 #aa1 #aej aristatum1 #aea1 #acj;i1 #aca;i ciliare1 #aei1 #i;i1 #ace;i1 #acf;i laxum1 #afj1 #acg;i pilosum1 #f1 #aef1 #acc;i1 #acd;i rugosum1 #aec1 #acb;i ,iseilema1 #bad anthephoroides1 #bai1 #afi;i1 #agj;i laxum1 #baf1 #aff;i1 #afg;i1 #afh;i ,l ,lanceolate1 #aa1 #ad;i ,leaf1 #i ,leaf-blade1 #b1 #c ,leaf-sheath1 #b1 #c ,leaves1 forms of1 #aa1 #ad;i margins1 #ab1 #ae;i ,leersia1 #abc1 #abd hexandra1 #abe1 #aai;i stamens1 #ae ,lemma1 #ae ,leptochloa1 #bha chinensis1 #bhb1 #bab;i ,ligule1 #c ,linear1 #aa1 #ad;i ,linear-lanceolate1 #aa1 #ad;i ,lodicules1 #d1 #ae1 #d;i ,lophopogon1 #afg tridentatus1 #afh1 #ada;i ,m ,manisuris1 #agi granularis1 #ahj1 #adg;i rachis1 #ad ,maydeae1 #ach ,mnesithea1 #agg laevis1 #agh1 #adf;i ,motor-cells1 #ce1 #ea;i1 #eb;i1 #ee;i1 #eg;i1 #fg;i1 #fh;i ,n ,nodes1 #b1 #i1 #aa;i bearded1 #aa;i ,o ,ochlandra1 #ae ,open vascular bundles1 #ai ,oropetium1 #cjh ,oropetium ,thomaeum1 #cji1 #bbh;i ,oryza1 #ai;i sativa1 #aj1 #aa1 #ac;i ,oryzeae1 #dc1 #abc ,p ,palea1 #d1 #ad ,panicaceae1 #dc1 #de ,paniceae1 #dc ,panicle1 #ac1 #ad ,panicum1 #ae1 #af1 #de1 #df1 #fd ,panicum colonum1 #aa1 #bh1 #cj1 #hj1 #hi;i1 #ij;i leaf-apex1 #ab leaf-structure1 #cg1 #ch1 #dj1 #eh;i1 #fd;i section of stem1 #bh1 #bi crus-galli1 #bh1 #bi1 #cj1 #ge1 #gh1 #f;i1 #dj;i1 #hf;i1 #hg;i distachyum1 #ib1 #ig;i1 #ih;i flavidum1 #bh1 #cj1 #fi1 #hb;i1 #hc;i ,t4 section of stem1 #cg;i1 #ch;i leaf-structure1 #ch1 #ci1 #dj1 #ff;i1 #fg;i fluitans1 #bh1 #ca1 #gb1 #hd;i1 #he;i section of stem1 #cj1 #db;i1 #dc;i leaf-structure1 #ch1 #ci1 #dj1 #ei;i1 #fe;i interruptum1 #ie1 #ii;i1 #ajj;i isachne1 #ff1 #hj;i1 #ha;i leaf epidermis1 #ci1 #fb;i1 #fc;i section of stem1 #bg1 #ce;i javanicum1 #a1 #e1 #hf1 #a;i1 #g;i1 #ic;i1 #id;i epidermis of leaf1 #cd1 #di;i1 #ej;i inflorescence1 #c1 #ac1 #c;i leaf sheath1 #c1 #b;i structure1 #cc1 #dh;i ligule1 #ac;i spikelets1 #c1 #d1 #d;i prostratum1 #hc1 #ia;i1 #ib;i punctatum1 #gc ramosum1 #hi1 #ie;i1 #if;i section of stem1 #be1 #ca;i1 #cb;i repens1 #ii1 #ajb;i1 #ajc;i extravaginal shoots1 #i1 #aj;i structure of leaf margins1 #ce1 #ec;i structure of leaf1 #ce1 #ci1 #eb;i stagninum1 #bh1 #gg1 #hh;i section of stem1 #bh1 #da;i tenellum1 #ig trypheron1 #if1 #aja;i ,pappophorum1 #bhh elegans1 #bij1 #bae;i1 #baf;i ,parenchymatous cells1 #bj ,paspalum1 #ae1 #de1 #dg scrobiculatum1 #di1 #fi;i1 #gj;i inflorescence1 #ac rachis1 #ac ,pennisetum1 #df1 #aad ,alopecuros1 #f1 #aaf1 #aac;i1 #aad;i inflorescence1 #ac ,pennisetum cenchroides1 #f1 #aah1 #aae;i1 #aaf;i rachis1 #ac section of root1 #ca1 #dd;i root1 #cb section of stem1 #bb1 #be;i1 #bf;i section of vascular bundle1 #ai1 #bj1 #bb;i1 #bc;i typhoideum1 #f ,pericycle1 #cb1 #dg;i ,perotis1 #abc1 #ace latifolia1 #acg1 #abd;i1 #abe;i ,phloem1 #ai1 #bj ,pileole1 #ah ,piliferous layer1 #ca1 #dd;i ,piper4 ,piper ,pistil1 #af ,pitted vessels1 #bj ,plumule1 #ah ,poaceae1 #dc1 #bbj ,polytoca1 #de1 #adc barbata1 #add1 #abg;i unisexual spikelets1 #ae ,pommereulla1 #bhd ,cornucopiae1 #bhf1 #bac;i1 #bad;i ,primary axis1 #ah ,prophyllum1 #aj1 #ab;i ,protandry1 #af ,protogyny1 #af ,r ,raceme1 #ac ,rachilla1 #ad1 #af ,rachis1 #c1 #ac ,radicle1 #ah ,rhizome1 #i ,root-hairs1 #ca1 #dd;i ,root-system1 #f ,rottboellia1 #ad1 #aci1 #agc exaltata1 #age1 #ade;i section of stem1 #bj1 #ba1 #bd;i ,myurus1 #agd1 #add;i ,rottboellieae1 #aci ,s ,sacchareae1 #ach ,saccharum1 #ach1 #adh spontaneum1 #adi1 #abi;i ,scales1 #aj ,sclerenchyma1 #ba ,scutellum1 #ah ,setaria1 #de1 #df1 #aji glauca1 #aaj1 #aji;i inflorescence1 #ac section of stem1 #bc1 #bd1 #bi;i1 #cj;i intermedia1 #aaa1 #aaj;i verticillata1 #aac1 #aaa;i1 #aab;i ,sheath of leaf1 #aj ,shoot-system1 #g ,spiciform panicle1 #ac raceme1 #ac ,spike1 #ac ,spikelet1 #c1 #ac1 #ad ,spinifex1 #de1 #df1 #ajc squarrosus1 #ajd1 #aje;i1 #ajf;i leaf structure1 #ch1 #fj;i1 #fa;i unisexual spikelets1 #ae ,sporobolus1 #bcj commutatus1 #bch1 #ahc;i1 #ahd;i coromandelianus1 #bce1 #aha;i1 #ahb;i panicle1 #ac1 #ad diander1 #bca1 #agh;i scabrifolius1 #bda1 #ahe;i1 #ahf;i tremulus1 #bcc1 #agi;i1 #ahj;i ,stamens1 #ae ,stele1 #cb ,stellate cells1 #bh1 #ca ,structure of leaf1 #cb of root1 #ca ,sympodia1 #i ,t ,trachys1 #abc1 #abh mucronata1 #abi1 #aba;i ,tragus1 #abc1 #aca racemosus1 #e1 #acc1 #abb;i1 #abc;i ,v ,vascular bundle1 #ai closed1 #ai open1 #ai ,vascular bundle1 longitudinal section1 #bj1 #bc;i transverse section1 #ai1 #bb;i ,vetiveria zizanioides1 #aic1 #aed;i ,x ,xylem1 #ai1 #bj ,z ,zea ,mays1 #f ,zoysieae1 #dc1 #abc ,transcriber's ,notes3 ,fig4 #df4--,transverse section of the cortica portion ,changed cortica to cortical4 ,fig4 #dh4 444 ,ep4 c4 ,an ordinary epidermal cell2 st4 stomata2 sc4 sclerenchyma2 ph4 phloen2 ,changed phloen to phloem4 ,fig4 #ea4--;,a portion of the transverse section of the leaf of ,eriochloa polystachy ,changed polystachy to polystachya4 ,page #ach3 in ,imperata or they may be different as in ,isachaemum and ,changed to ,ischaemum to match other occurrences4 ,page #aic3 7,vetiveria zizanioides47 ,changed ,veteveria to ,vetiveria to match other occurrences4 ,page #baa3 spikelets are smaller than the involucrant spikelets1 linear-oblong1 'involucrant' may be equivalent to 'involucral'4 ,unchanged4 ,page #bhh3 #da4 ,pappophorum1 ,nees4 ,changed from ,pap pophorum to ,pappophorum to match other occurrences4 ,page #cja3 with a minute mucro1 sub-chartaceous1 puncticulate1 strongly ,changed puncticulate to punctulate4 ,index3 ,changed asterisks to small i's to denote illustration numbers4