Chapter V: Dicotyledoneae (4)

Genus 1, species 20. Tropical and South Africa. Some are used as ornamental plants, especially the lattice-leaf (_A. fenestralis_ Hook. fil.) with perforated leaves. The tubers are edible and contain starch. (Including _Ouvirandra_ Thouars). =Aponogeton= Thunb.

FAMILY 11. SCHEUCHZERIACEAE

Marsh herbs. Leaves linear, with axillary scales. Flowers in terminal racemes or spikes, regular, hermaphrodite. Perianth of 6 segments, usually green. Stamens 3-6. Anthers turned outwards; pollen-grains ovoid. Ovary 3-6-celled. Ovule 1 in each cell, ascending, inverted. Stigmas sessile. Seeds exalbuminous, with a straight embryo. (_JUNCAGINEAE_, under _NAIADACEAE_.)

Genus 1, species 4. North, South, and West Africa. The leaves and fruits of some species are edible. (_Juncago_ Tourn.) =Triglochin= L.

SUBORDER ALISMATINEAE

FAMILY 12. ALISMATACEAE

Aquatic or marsh herbs, with milky juice. Leaves with axillary scales. Flowers regular. Perianth of 3 sepals and 3 petals, rarely in the female flowers of 3 sepals only. Stamens 6 or more, rarely 3. Anthers opening outwards. Pollen-grains globular. Carpels 6 or more, rarely 3, distinct or united at the base. Ovules solitary in each carpel, rarely two or more, inverted. Seeds without albumen; embryo curved.--Genera 9, species 15. Tropical and North Africa. (Plate 6.)

1. Carpels on a large and distinctly convex receptacle. Inner perianth-segments petal-like, larger than, or almost as large as the outer. Stamens 6 or more. [Tribe SAGITTARIEAE.] 2

Carpels on a small and almost flat receptacle. 4

2. Flowers hermaphrodite. Ripe carpels numerous, slightly compressed, with many ribs.--Species 3. Central and North-west Africa. (Under _Alisma_ L.) =Echinodorus= Engelm.

Flowers unisexual or polygamous. Ripe carpels much compressed laterally. 3

3. Flowers monoecious or polygamous. Petals a little longer than the sepals. Carpels many. Ripe carpels with two crest-like ribs.--Species 1. Tropics. (_Lophiocarpus_ Miq., under _Sagittaria_ L.) =Lophotocarpus= Th. Dur.

Flowers dioecious. Petals shorter than the sepals, white. Carpels 7-9. Ripe carpels with 3 ribs.--Species 1. German South-west Africa. =Rautanenia= Buchenau

4. Petals much smaller than the sepals or wanting. Stamens 3 or 9. [Tribe WIESNEREAE.] 5

Petals larger than the sepals, coloured. Stamens 6, rarely 9. [Tribe ALISMEAE.] 6

5. Flowers dioecious. Petals in the female flowers wanting. Stamens 9. Carpels about 12.--Species 1. East Africa. =Burnatia= Mich.

Flowers monoecious. Petals present, but very small and falling off early. Stamens 3. Carpels 3-6.--Species 2. East Africa and Madagascar. (_Wisneria_ Mich.) =Wiesnera= Mich.

6. Carpels 6-8, united at the base and spreading horizontally, containing 2 or more ovules each and opening by a lid when ripe.--Species 2. North Africa. The root-stock is edible. =Damasonium= Tourn.

Carpels 6-20, distinct, with a single ovule in each, indehiscent. 7

7. Flowers polygamous-monoecious. Carpels 15-20. Pericarp bony within, hollow on either side. Leaves sagittate.--Species 3. Tropics. (Plate 6.) =Limnophyton= Miq.

Flowers hermaphrodite. Leaves ovate, cordate, or lanceolate. 8

8. Carpels 6-12, irregularly whorled, slightly compressed and 3-5-ribbed when ripe; pericarp woody within.--Species 2. Tropics and Egypt. (Under _Alisma_ L.) =Caldesia= Parl.

Carpels 15-20, distinctly whorled, much compressed and 2-ribbed when ripe; pericarp leathery or parchment-like.--Species 1. North and East Africa. The root-stock contains starch and is used in medicine. “Water-plantain.” =Alisma= L.

SUBORDER BUTOMINEAE

FAMILY 13. BUTOMACEAE

Aquatic or marsh herbs. Leaves linear or lanceolate. Flowers in umbel-like cymes, regular, hermaphrodite. Perianth of 6 segments, all, or the inner ones only, petal-like. Stamens 9, very rarely fewer. Pollen-grains globular. Carpels 6, very rarely fewer, distinct or united at the base only, opening when ripe along the ventral suture. Ovules on irregularly branched parietal placentas, numerous, inverted. Seeds without albumen.--Genera 2, species 2. North and Central Africa. (Under _ALISMACEAE_.)

Perianth-segments nearly equal, all petal-like, pink, persistent. Embryo straight. Leaves linear. Juice not milky.--Species 1. North-west Africa (Algeria). Used as a garden plant. The root-stock is edible. “Flowering-rush.” =Butomus= Tourn.

Perianth-segments unequal, outer sepal-like, inner petal-like, white, falling off very early. Embryo horseshoe-shaped. Leaves elliptical. Juice milky.--Species 1. Northern part of Central Africa. (_Butomopsis_ Kunth) =Tenagocharis= Hochst.

FAMILY 14. HYDROCHARITACEAE

Aquatic herbs. Leaves with axillary scales. Flowers enclosed when young in a one-or several-flowered spathe of one or two bracts, regular, rarely somewhat irregular. Perianth consisting of a calyx and a corolla, rarely simple. Stamens 2-12. Anthers opening outwards or laterally. Ovary inferior, more or less distinctly one-celled, with 2-15 parietal placentas, which sometimes form incomplete dissepiments. Seeds without albumen.--Genera 10, species 40. (Plate 7.)

1. Stigmas 2-5. Placentas as many, slightly raised. 2

Stigmas 6 or more. Placentas as many, much projecting and generally meeting in the centre of the ovary. 6

2. Petals none. Stamens 3. Pollen-grains filiform. Stigmas several times as long as the sepals. Embryo with a strongly developed radicle. Totally submerged marine plants. Leaves more or less distinctly stalked.--Species 2. Indian Ocean. [Subfamily =HALOPHILOIDEAE=.] =Halophila= Thouars

Petals present, but sometimes very small and falling off very early. Pollen-grains globular. Stigmas at most twice as long as the sepals. Embryo with a not very strongly developed radicle. Freshwater plants; flowers raised above the water. Leaves sessile. [Subfamily =VALLISNERIOIDEAE=.] 3

3. Leaves whorled. Spathes 1-flowered. Flowers unisexual. Stamens 3.--Species 1. Upper Nile, Madagascar, Mauritius. Used in refining sugar. [Tribe HYDRILLEAE.] =Hydrilla= L. C. Rich.

Leaves spirally arranged. Spathes of the male flowers several-flowered. 4

4. Spathes of the male flowers 2-10-flowered, not breaking away from the stem. Stamens 3-9. Ovules inverted.--Species 3. Madagascar and Angola. [Tribe BLYXEAE.] =Blyxa= Noronha

Spathes of the male flowers many-flowered, breaking away from the stem. Stamens 2-3. Ovules straight. [Tribe VALLISNERIEAE.] 5

5. Male flowers regular, with 3 fertile and 2-4 sterile stamens. Stigmas linear, 2-cleft or 2-parted. Leaves one-nerved. Stem elongated.--Species 10. Tropical and South Africa. =Lagarosiphon= Harv.

Male flowers somewhat irregular, with 2-3 fertile stamens and sometimes a sterile one. Stigmas ovate, notched or two-toothed. Leaves several-nerved.--Species 2. North and Central Africa. Used in refining sugar. =Vallisneria= Mich.

6. Leaves in two rows. Ovules inverted, inserted in the angles formed by the placentas and the wall of the ovary. Radicle of the embryo strongly developed. Marine plants. [Subfamily =THALASSIOIDEAE=.] 7

Leaves in rosettes. Ovules inverted, but inserted on the whole surface of the placentas, or straight. Radicle of the embryo not strongly developed. Freshwater plants. [Subfamily =STRATIOTOIDEAE=.] 8

7. Scape of the male flowers short, of the female long and at length spirally twisted. Male spathes several-flowered; flowers with 3 petals and 3 stamens.--Species 1. Madagascar and Red Sea. Yields fibres and edible seeds. =Enalus= L. C. Rich.

Scapes moderately long, not spirally twisted. Male spathes one-flowered; flowers without petals, with 6 stamens.--Species 1. East Africa. =Thalassia= Soland.

8. Placentas undivided. Ovules straight. Fertile stamens 9. Stem emitting runners. Leaves floating.--Species 1. Algeria and Madagascar. “Frogbit.” [Tribe HYDROCHARITEAE.] =Hydrocharis= L.

Placentas two-cleft. Ovules inverted. Seeds very numerous. Fertile stamens 6-12. Stem very short, without runners. Leaves at least partially submerged. [Tribe OTTELIEAE.] 9

9. Flowers hermaphrodite. Spathes one-flowered. Stigmas 6.--Species 9. Tropics and Egypt. Some are used as vegetables. (Plate 7.) =Ottelia= Pers.

Flowers dioecious. Spathes of the male flowers several-flowered. Stigmas 9-15.--Species 10. Tropics. Some are used as vegetables. =Boottia= Wall.

ORDER TRIURIDALES

FAMILY 15. TRIURIDACEAE

Small, pale, yellowish or reddish herbs. Leaves reduced to scales. Flowers in racemes, regular, monoecious. Perianth of 6 petaloid, valvate segments united at the base. Stamens 3; filaments short or wanting; anthers 2-celled, opening transversely. Carpels inserted on a convex or conical receptacle,

_FLOW. PL. AFR._ _Pl. 7._

J. Fleischmann del.

Ottelia alismoides (L.) Pers.

_A_ Plant in flower. _B_ Flower. _C_ Stamen. _D_ Pistil cut lengthwise.]

_FLOW. PL. AFR._ _Pl. 8._

J. Fleischmann del.

Chloris Gayana Kunth

_A_ Plant in flower. _B_ Inflorescence. _C_ Spikelet. _D_ Flower. _E_ Empty glume above the flower.]

numerous, distinct; styles lateral; ovules solitary, erect, inverted. Fruits dehiscing by a longitudinal slit.

Genus 1, species 3. West Africa and Seychelles. (Including _Seychellaria_ Hemsl.) =Sciaphila= Blume

ORDER GLUMIFLORAE

FAMILY 16. GRAMINEAE

Stem usually herbaceous and hollow between the nodes. Leaves alternate, usually linear and furnished at their base with a sheath split open on one side and ending in a ligule. Inflorescence consisting of spikelets, rarely of single flowers, usually enclosed by 2 glumes (outer or empty glumes) and arranged in spikes, racemes, or panicles. Flowers in the axil of the flowering glume (or valve), subtended by the usually 2-keeled palea and sometimes by one or two, rarely more, minute lodicules. Perianth none. Stamens 1-6, usually 3. Anthers opening by 2 slits or pores. Ovary 1-celled. Ovule 1, erect or laterally affixed, slightly curved, with the micropyle turned downwards. Styles 2, rarely 3 or 1. Fruit indehiscent; pericarp usually dry and adnate to the seed. Embryo outside the copious albumen.--Genera 205, species 1600. “Grasses.” (Plate 8.)

1. Spikelets 1-flowered, rarely 2-flowered, the upper flower fertile, the lower male or barren and inserted immediately below the fertile one. Axis of the spikelet not produced beyond the fertile flower, jointed below the outer glumes or not jointed; ripe spikelets falling entire from their stalk or from the rachis of the spike, sometimes together with a part of it. [Subfamily =PANICOIDEAE=.] 2

Spikelets either 1-flowered with the axis produced beyond the flower or jointed above the outer glumes, which therefore persist when the spikelet falls off, or 2-flowered with both flowers fertile or with a distinct interval between the flowers or with a continuation of the axis beyond the flowers, or 3-to many-flowered. 65

2. Spikelets distinctly compressed from the side. Stamens usually 6. Seed with a linear hilum. [Tribe ORYZEAE.] 3

Spikelets compressed from front to back or not distinctly compressed. Stamens usually 1-3. Seed usually with a punctiform hilum. 7

3. Spikelets in terminal clusters of two or three, connate, at length hardened. Stamens 3. Style undivided, papillose.--Species 1. North Africa. One source of the Esparto-grass, which is used for plaiting and paper-making. =Lygeum= L.

Spikelets in panicles. Stamens nearly always 6. Style 3-cleft or 3-parted, with feathery stigmas. 4

4. Spikelets unisexual; 1-2 sessile female and a stalked male on each branch of the panicle. Flowering glume globose. Stamens 6. Style 1, long, 3-cleft. Leaves broad-lanceolate, stalked.--Species 1. Equatorial West Africa. =Leptaspis= R. Br.

Spikelets bisexual or polygamous. Styles 3, short, free or united at the very base. Leaves linear or narrow lanceolate. 5

5. Outer glumes rudimentary. Flowering glume awnless.--Species 4. (_Homalocenchrus_ Mieg.) =Leersia= Swartz

Outer glumes distinctly developed. Stamens 6. 6

6. Flowering glume and palea slightly compressed, awnless. Leaves linear-lanceolate, more or less distinctly stalked.--Species 4. Madagascar and Natal. (Under _Potamophila_ R. Br.) =Maltebrunia= Kunth

Flowering glume and palea strongly compressed.--Species 3, two wild in Central Africa, the third (_O. sativa_ L., rice) cultivated in various regions. The seeds are used for food and for the preparation of meal, starch, oil, and brandy, the straw for plaiting and for the manufacture of paper and brush-ware. =Oryza= L.

7. (2.) Flowering glume and palea (if present) stiff or at length hardened, firmer than the outer glumes and awnless, at least in the hermaphrodite flowers. Lowest glume usually smaller than the others. Rachis of the spike or raceme or branches of the panicle rarely jointed. [Tribe PANICEAE.] 8

Flowering glume and palea (if present) membranous, thinner than the outer glumes. 26

8. Flowers unisexual, monoecious. Spikelets in panicles, the male in the lower portion of the panicle or in special panicles. Outer glumes in the male spikelets none, in the female 2. Lodicules 3. Leaves net-veined.--Species 2. Tropical and South-East Africa. =Olyra= L.

Flowers hermaphrodite or polygamous; in the latter case spikelets arranged in spikes. 9

9. Spikelets partly hermaphrodite, partly male or neuter. 10

Spikelets all hermaphrodite. 11

10. Spikelets in short spikes consisting of a lower hermaphrodite and two or three upper neuter spikelets; spikes unilateral on the flattened, leaf-like rachis of a compound spike. Stem erect. Leaves lanceolate, sagittate.--Species 1. Southern West Africa (Angola). =Phyllorhachis= Trimen.

Spikelets in a simple spike consisting of 1-2 lower female and 4-6 upper male spikelets; rachis of the spike enlarged at the base, but not leaf-like. Stem creeping.--Species 1. Madagascar. =Thuarea= Pers.

11. Spikelets in short spikes sunk in pits on a broad rachis. Stem creeping.--Species 4. Tropical and South Africa. Used for binding the sand on riverbanks or as fodder; also in medicine. =Stenotaphrum= Trin.

Spikelets not sunk in pits on a broad rachis. 12

12. Spikelets surrounded or subtended singly or 2-3 together by an involucre formed of one or several bristles or spines or of 2 toothed glumes inserted below the two empty glumes. 13

Spikelets without an involucre formed of bristles, spines, or toothed glumes. Empty glumes 1-3. Stigmas 2, feathery. 16

13. Involucre formed by two toothed glumes. Stigma 1, papillose. Aquatic herbs.--Species 1. Abyssinia. =Odontelytrum= Hack.

Involucre formed by one or several bristles or spines. Stigmas 2, feathery. 14

14. Axis of the spikelet jointed above the persistent involucre. Bristles of the involucre stiff and rough. Styles free from the base. Spikelets in spike-like panicles.--Species 30. Some of them (especially _S. italica_ Beauv.) are cultivated as cereals. =Setaria= Beauv.

Axis of the spikelet jointed below the involucre or not jointed; involucre falling together with the spikelet; rarely axis jointed above the persistent involucre, but then styles united at the base. 15

15. Bristles of the involucre numerous, stiff, thickened and often united at the base. Spikelets in spikes or racemes.--Species 10. Tropics and Egypt. Some have edible seeds; several are fodder-grasses. =Cenchrus= L.

Bristles of the involucre fine, not thickened at the base.--Species 65. Some (especially the duchn, _P. typhoideum_ Rich.) are cultivated as cereals, as fodder, or as ornamental plants. (Including _Gymnothrix_ Beauv. and _Penicillaria_ Willd.) =Pennisetum= Pers.

16. Spikelets with 2 outer glumes and 1 flower, or with 1 outer glume and 2 flowers. 17

Spikelets with 3 outer glumes and 1 flower, or with 2 outer glumes and 2 flowers. 21

17. Spikelets containing an hermaphrodite and a male flower, arranged in panicles. Glumes awnless. Styles free.--Species 1. South-west Africa (Nama-land). =Anthaenantia= Beauv.

Spikelets 1-flowered, arranged in one-sided, usually digitate or panicled spikes. 18

18. Rachis of the spike prolonged beyond the spikelets. Style 1, with 2 stigmas.--Species 3. North-west and South Africa. =Spartina= Schreb.

Rachis of the spike not prolonged beyond the spikelets. Styles 2, free or shortly united. 19

19. Styles united at the base. Flowering glume papery. Upper outer glume awned. Spikelets in digitate racemes.--Species 1. East Africa. (_Stereochlaena_ Hack.) =Chloridion= Stapf.

Styles free. Flowering glume cartilaginous. 20

20. Lower outer glume decurrent into a callous swelling. Flowering glume mucronate.--Species 6. Central Africa. =Eriochloa= Kunth

Lower outer glume without a callus at the base.--Species 15. Tropical and South Africa. Used as fodder-, medicinal, or ornamental plants. The seeds of several species (especially those of the fundi _P. exile_ Kippist) are sometime used as food. =Paspalum= L.

21. Spikelets containing two hermaphrodite flowers. Axis of the spikelet jointed above the persistent outer glumes. Outer glumes awnless. Spikelets arranged in panicles.--Species 6. Tropics. =Isachne= R. Br.

Spikelets containing a single hermaphrodite flower and sometimes also a male flower. Axis of the spikelet jointed below the outer glumes; spikelet falling as a whole. 22

22. First (lowest) outer glume awned, as well as the second. Spikelets one-flowered, directed to one side and disposed in panicles.--Species 4. Tropical and South Africa. Some are used as fodder. =Oplismenus= Beauv.

First outer glume awnless. 23

23. Second outer glume apparently removed from the first by a conical or cylindrical, strongly-haired swelling at the base, usually awned or mucronate. Spikelets in panicles. 25

Second outer glume without a basal swelling. 24

24. First outer glume as large as or larger than the second, papery.--Species 1. South-west Africa to Angola. (Under _Panicum_ L.). =Leucophrys= Rendle

First outer glume much smaller than the second.--Species 20. Some are used as ornamental or fodder-plants. (Including _Monachyron_ Parl. and _Rhynchelytrum_ Nees, under _Panicum_ L.) =Tricholaena= Schrad.

25. Second outer glume bearing, like the third, a long, twisted awn.--Species 1. German East Africa. =Acritochaete= Pilger

Second outer glume unawned.--Species 220. Some (especially _P. miliaceum_ L., millet, and _P. sanguinale_ L.) are cultivated as cereals, others furnish vegetables, syrup, or fodder, or are used for plaiting-work or as ornamental plants. (Including _Axonopus_ Beauv., _Digitaria_ Pers., _Echinolaena_ Desv., _Sacciolepis_ Nash, and _Syntherisma_ Walt.) =Panicum= L.

26. (7.) Outer glumes 3, the lowest smaller than the others, the uppermost sometimes including a male flower. Rachis and branches of the inflorescence not jointed. [Tribe TRISTEGINEAE.] 27

Outer glumes 1-3; if 3, then the lowest larger than the uppermost. 30

27. Spikelets arranged in spikes. First and second outer glume minute, the third awned.--Species 3. Abyssinia. =Beckera= Fresen.

Spikelets arranged in panicles. Second outer glume not very small. Flowering glume awnless. 28

28. Lowest outer glume minute, like the second awnless, the third more or less distinctly awned. Spikelets arranged singly along the branches of the panicle.--Species 1. Tropical and South-east Africa. Used as a fodder-grass. =Melinis= Beauv.

Lowest outer glume not very small; the third awnless, rarely both the second and third awned. 29

29. Outer glumes, at least the second, awned. Spikelets arranged singly along the branches of the panicle. (See 24.) =Tricholaena= Schrad.

Outer glumes awnless, the first and second about half the length of the third and the flowering glume. Spikelets in clusters along the branches of the panicle.--Species 2. West Africa and Mascarene Islands. Used as ornamental plants. =Thysanolaena= Nees

30. (26.) Flowers unisexual. Male and female spikelets in different inflorescences, or male spikelets in the upper, female in the lower portion of the inflorescence. [Tribe MAYDEAE.] 31

Flowers hermaphrodite or polygamous, rarely (_Andropogon_) unisexual, but then male and female spikelets in the same inflorescence and arranged in pairs, the male spikelets sometimes rudimentary. 33

31. Male spikelets in a terminal spike, the female at its base, enclosed singly or 2-3 together by a hardened globose bract. Style not very long, 2-cleft.--Species 1 (_C. Lacryma Jobi_ L., Job’s tears). North-west Africa, Madagascar and neighbouring islands. Used medicinally and for making ornamental articles and rosaries. =Coix= L.

Male spikelets in spikes arranged in a terminal panicle, female in spikes or spadices with membranous bracts or spathes. Style very long, undivided or shortly 2-cleft. 32

32. Female spikelets in fascicled spikes with a jointed rachis. Style 2-cleft. Fruit enclosed when ripe in a cartilagineous case.--Species 1 (_E. mexicana_ Schrad., Teosinte), cultivated as an ornamental or fodder-plant. =Euchlaena= Schrad.

Female spikelets connate into a spadix with a thick, not jointed rachis. Fruit projecting beyond the membranous glumes, rarely enclosed by leathery glumes.--Species 1 (_Z. Mays_ L., maize or Indian corn). Cultivated for the grain or as a fodder-or ornamental plant. The seeds are also used for the preparation of starch, oil, and spirituous drinks. The leaves and spathes yield fibre. =Zea= L.

33. Spikelets in heads surrounded by 2 or 3 involucral bracts, containing a single hermaphrodite flower. Outer glumes 2, membranous, awnless, the lower one short. Flowering glume larger than the outer glumes, awnless. Stamens 2.--Species 1. North Africa and Senegambia. =Crypsis= Ait.

Spikelets in spikes, racemes, or panicles. 34

34. Spikelets arranged singly or in clusters of 3-6, very rarely in pairs, along the continuous rachis of a spike or raceme. Outer glumes 2. [Tribe ZOYSIEAE.] 35

Spikelets arranged in pairs, one sessile, the other stalked, more rarely singly or in clusters of 3 or more, along the more or less distinctly jointed rachis of a spike or raceme or along the branches of a sometimes very narrow (spike-like) panicle. Outer glumes usually 3. [Tribe ANDROPOGONEAE.] 42

35. Spikelets in clusters of 3-6, falling as a whole. 36

Spikelets solitary along the rachis, rarely in pairs. 38

36. Clusters of spikelets enclosed by a hard, urn-shaped involucre formed by the lowest outer glumes. Rachis of the spike wavy.--Species 5. Central and South Africa. =Anthephora= Schreb.

Clusters of spikelets without an involucre. 37

37. Clusters containing 2-4 fertile spikelets and a barren one. Outer glumes 1-2, the upper one with hooked spines on the nerves. Rachis of the spike glabrous.--Species 4. (_Nazia_ Adans.) =Tragus= Hall.

Clusters containing 1-2 fertile and 2-3 barren, often awn-like spikelets. Outer glume 1, with rough nerves, awned.--Species 1. Southern West Africa (Hereroland). =Monelytrum= Hack.

38. Styles united at the base; stigmas short, feathery. Outer glumes 2, glabrous, with a long awn or awnless. Flowering glume smaller. Spikelets diverging from the rachis.--Species 4. Tropical and South Africa. Used as fodder-grasses. =Perotis= Ait.

Styles free or the stigmas elongated and short-haired all round. 39

39. Outer glume 1, compressed, keeled, awnless. Styles free. Spikelets pressed close to the rachis. Leaves stiff.--Species 1. Mascarene Islands. (_Osterdomia_ Neck.) =Zoysia= Willd.

Outer glumes 2. 40

40. Outer glumes subulate, with a long awn, short-haired. Flowering glume somewhat shorter, with a rather long awn. Palea slightly shorter than the flowering glume, acuminate. Styles free. Fruit with a large hilum. Spikelets in pairs.--Species 1. Northern East Africa. =Tetrachaete= Chiovenda

Outer glumes and flowering glume with a short awn or awnless. 41

41. Outer glumes convex, with hooked spines on the back, awnless. Flowering glume much shorter, unarmed or mucronate. Styles free; stigmas feathery. Spikelets with a flattened stalk.--Species 1. Northern part of Central Africa. =Latipes= Kunth

Outer glumes compressed and keeled, not bearing hooked spines. Flowering glume broad, 3-nerved, mucronate or shortly awned. Stigmas long, short-haired all round.--Species 5. North Africa. Used as ornamental or fodder-plants. “Foxtail grass.” (Including _Colobachne_ Beauv.) =Alopecurus= L.

42. (34.) Joints of the rachis much thickened, forming, together with the appressed or adnate pedicels of the stalked spikelets, hollows in which the sessile spikelets are sunk. Flowering glumes awnless. Lowest outer glume leathery or hardened. Sessile spikelets hermaphrodite, stalked ones male or neuter, rarely (_Ophiurus_) reduced to the adnate pedicel and therefore apparently absent. [Subtribe ROTTBOELLIINAE.] 43

Joints of the rachis not much thickened, nor forming hollows for the reception of the spikelets, rarely slightly concave, but then flowering glumes of the sessile spikelets awned or (_Elionurus_) the lowest outer glume membranous or papery and marked with two transparent balsamiferous streaks. 48

43. Lower outer glume awned or tailed, at least in the stalked spikelets. 44

Lower outer glume neither awned nor tailed, rarely tailed in the terminal spikelet only. 46

44. Lower outer glume with a long tail (or soft awn). Racemes digitate. Aquatic herbs.--Species 1. Central Africa. Forming the chief element of the grass-barriers (sudd) of the upper Nile. =Vossia= Wall. & Griff.

Lower outer glume with 1-2 short awns, or in the stalked spikelets with a long awn, in the sessile awnless. Racemes solitary or arranged in racemes. 45

45. Lower outer glume with 1-2 short awns. Joints of the rachis horizontally truncate without an appendage.--Species 7. Central Africa. Used for plaiting-work. (_Rhytidachne_ Hack., including _Jardinea_ Steud.) =Rhytachne= Desv.

Lower outer glume in the sessile spikelets awnless, in the stalked ones with a long awn or tail. Joints of the rachis obliquely truncate with an appendage at the tip.--Species 5. Central and South Africa. =Urelytrum= Hack.

46. Lower outer glume globular, pitted. Leaves cordate at the base.--Species 1. Tropics. Used in medicine. (Including _Hackelochloa_ O. Ktze.) =Manisuris= Swartz

Lower outer glume more or less ovate, flat or rounded on the back. 47

47. Stalked spikelets reduced to the adnate pedicel and therefore apparently absent.--Species 1. Northern East Africa. (Under _Rottboellia_ L. fil.) =Ophiurus= Gaertn.

Stalked spikelets containing a male flower or reduced to empty glumes.--Species 15. (Including _Hemarthria_ R. Br.) =Rottboellia= L. fil.

48. (42.) Sessile spikelets 2-flowered, the lower flower male, the upper male or hermaphrodite. Stalked spikelets 1-2-flowered or reduced to empty glumes. 49

Sessile spikelets 1-flowered, rarely all spikelets stalked and 1-or (_Imperata_) 2-flowered. 52

49. Sessile spikelets containing 2 male flowers, stalked spikelets a male and a female or hermaphrodite flower. Outer glumes of the sessile spikelets awned. Flowering glumes awnless. Spikelets in compound racemes. Leaves lanceolate.--Species 1. Madagascar. =Cyphochlaena= Hack.

Sessile spikelets containing a male and an hermaphrodite flower. Flowering glumes of the sessile spikelets nearly always awned. [Subtribe ISCHAEMINAE.] 50

50. Racemes reduced to the 3 terminal spikelets, surrounded by sheathing bracts, fasciculate; fascicles arranged in panicles. Stamens 2-3.--Species 1. Islands of Réunion and Socotra. Used as an ornamental plant. =Apluda= L.

Racemes consisting of numerous pairs of spikelets, solitary or digitate; one spikelet of each pair sometimes reduced to the pedicel. Stamens 3. 51

51. Stalked spikelets reduced to the pedicel. Lower outer glume tuberculate.--Species 1. Abyssinia. =Thelepogon= Roth

Stalked spikelets 1-2-flowered or reduced to empty glumes.--Species 7. Tropical and South Africa. Some are used as fodder-or garden plants. =Ischaemum= L.

52. Spikelets all alike, hermaphrodite. [Subtribe SACCHARINAE.] 53

Spikelets of two kinds, the sessile hermaphrodite, rarely female, the stalked ones male or neuter, sometimes reduced to the pedicel. [Subtribe ANDROPOGONINAE.] 60

53. Rachis of the raceme jointed. 54

Rachis of the raceme not jointed. 57

54. Racemes more or less palmately arranged on a short main axis, rarely solitary. 55

Racemes arranged in panicles along a slender main axis, silky. Spikelets in pairs. 56

55. Spikelets solitary on the branches of the inflorescence, all sessile. Flowering glumes awned from the back. Leaves cordate-lanceolate.--Species 5. Tropics. =Arthraxon= Beauv.

Spikelets in pairs on the branches of the inflorescence, one sessile, the other stalked. Flowering glumes awned from the tip, rarely awnless. Leaves linear or lanceolate with a narrow base.--Species 5. South and East Africa, Madagascar and the neighbouring islands. (Including _Eulalia_ Kunth) =Pollinia= Trin.

56. Flowering glume produced into a bristle or awn.--Species 5. South Africa, southern Central Africa, and Algeria. Some are used as ornamental plants or for plaiting mats. =Erianthus= Michx.

Flowering glume unarmed like the other glumes.--Species 5. One of them (_S. officinarum L._, sugar-cane) known only in a cultivated state. It is used for the manufacture of sugar, syrup, rum, and wax, also as a vegetable and a fodder-plant. =Saccharum= L.

57. Spikelets in pairs along the rachis of the raceme, awnless. Outer glumes 3, membranous, silky. Stamens 1-2.--Species 1 (_I. cylindrica_ P. Beauv.) Sometimes a noxious weed in plantations, but also used for paper-making, and as a fodder-, medicinal or ornamental plant. =Imperata= Cyr.

Spikelets scattered along the rachis of the raceme, awned. 58

58. Outer glumes 3, the two lower stiff. Flowering glume very small, ending in a long awn. Panicle spreading, hairy.--Species 2. Central Africa. =Cleistachne= Benth.

Outer glumes 2. Flowering glume rather large, with a usually short awn in a terminal notch or on the back. Panicle spike-like. 59

59. Stigmas projecting at the tip of the spikelet, short-haired all round. Outer glumes awnless, rarely with a short awn. (See 41.) =Alopecurus= L.

Stigmas projecting near the base of the spikelet, feathery. Outer glumes with usually long awns.--Species 6. North Africa, Abyssinia, and South Africa. Some are used as ornamental plants. “Beardgrass.” =Polypogon= Desf.

60. (52.) Racemes bearing at their base a false whorl of 4 male or neuter spikelets and subtended by a spathe-like bract, more rarely without a bract. 61

Racemes without a whorl of male or neuter spikelets at their base, rarely surrounded by an imperfect whorl of spikelets, but then racemes in pairs subtended by a common spathe. 62

61. Hermaphrodite spikelets produced at the base into an appendage decurrent along the rachis, easily separating from the whorl of spikelets below them.--Species 2. (_Anthistiria_ L. fil.). =Themeda= Forsk.

Hermaphrodite spikelets without a decurrent appendage at the base, falling together with the whorl of spikelets below them.--Species 1. Naturalized in the Island of Mauritius. (Under _Anthistiria_ L. fil.) =Iseilema= Anders.

62. Spikelets all stalked, in pairs, the longer-stalked hermaphrodite, the shorter-stalked male. Rachis of the raceme indistinctly jointed. Racemes terminal, solitary or 2-3 together.--Species 1. Tropical and South Africa. =Trachypogon= Nees

Spikelets partly sessile, partly stalked. Rachis of the raceme distinctly jointed, fragile at maturity, rarely indistinctly or not jointed, but then spikelets in clusters of three, arranged in panicles. 63

63. Lowest outer glume marked with two transparent balsamiferous streaks, usually 2-toothed. Glumes awnless. Racemes solitary; rachis nearly always silky.--Species 10. Tropical and South Africa. =Elionurus= Humb. & Bonpl.

Lowest outer glume without balsamiferous streaks. Flowering glumes of the sessile spikelets awned, very rarely awnless and then racemes nearly always panicled. 64

64. Flowering glumes awned from the back. Leaves cordate at the base. (See 55.) =Arthraxon= Beauv.

Flowering glumes awned from the tip or awnless. Leaves not cordate.--Species 110. The sorghum or Guinea corn (_A. Sorghum_ Brot.) is cultivated as a cereal and used for manufacturing sugar, spirituous drinks, dyes, and brushware. Other species are used in perfumery (lemon-grass, vetiver-root) and medicine, for plaiting-work, or as fodder-or garden-plants. (Including _Anatherum_ Beauv., _Chrysopogon_ Trin., _Cymbopogon_ Spreng., _Euclaste_ Franch., _Heterochloa_ Desv., _Heteropogon_ Pers., _Homopogon_ Stapf, and _Sorghum_ Pers.) =Andropogon= L.

65. (1.) Leaf-blade jointed with the sheath and finally separating from it, often contracted at the base into a short stalk, usually transversely veined. Stem generally woody. [Subfamily =BAMBUSOIDEAE=.] 66 Leaf-blade passing into the sheath without a joint and without a stalk, rarely transversely veined. Stem herbaceous. [Subfamily =POOIDEAE=.] 79

66. Stamens 3. Styles 2-3, free. Outer glumes 1-2. Pericarp dry and thin. [Tribe ARUNDINARIEAE.] 67

Stamens 6. 68

67. Spikelets 2-flowered. Upper flowering glume keeled. Herbs.--Species 1. Equatorial West Africa. =Microcalamus= Franch.

Spikelets many-flowered. Flowering glumes not keeled. Undershrubs or shrubs.--Species 2. East and South Africa. They yield wood, fibre, vegetables, edible seeds, and medicaments. =Arundinaria= Michx.

68. Fruit a nut or a berry; pericarp thick, free from the seed. Tall shrubs or trees. 69

Fruit a caryopsis; pericarp thin, adnate to the seed. [Tribe BAMBUSEAE.] 72

69. Palea rounded on the back, similar to the flowering glume. Spikelets 1-flowered. [Tribe MELOCANNEAE.] 70

Palea 2-keeled. Fruit a nut. [Tribe DENDROCALAMEAE.] 71

70. Spikelets in one-sided spikes, the axis not continued beyond the flower. Outer glumes acuminate. Fruit a large apple-like berry. Trees.--Species 1. Naturalized in the Island of Mauritius. The fruits are edible; also the wood and the fibres are used. =Melocanna= Trin.

Spikelets in panicled clusters, the axis continued beyond the flower in the form of a bristle. Outer glumes rolled inwards. Fruit a small wrinkled nut. Shrubs.--Species 1. Madagascar. Used medicinally. =Schizostachyum= Nees

71. Spikelets 1-flowered, in scattered heads. Lodicules 2-3, large. Fruit oblong.--Species 1. Madagascar. =Cephalostachyum= Munro

Spikelets 2-or more-flowered, in panicled glomerules. Lodicules 1-2, very small, or absent. Fruit subglobular, beaked.--Species 1. Naturalized in the Island of Mauritius. Yields wood, fibre, vegetables, edible seeds, and medicaments, and is also used as an ornamental plant. =Dendrocalamus= Nees

72. Filaments united into a tube. Palea of the uppermost (hermaphrodite) flower of each spikelet usually 1-keeled. 73

Filaments free. Palea of the uppermost flower 2-keeled, rarely without a keel. 75

73. Spikelets terete. Lodicules none. Tall shrubs.--Species 5. Central Africa. =Oxytenanthera= Munro

Spikelets compressed. Herbs. 74

74. Outer glumes 2. Fruit spindle-shaped, furrowed; style much broadened at the base. Spikelets in racemes.--Species 1. Equatorial West Africa. =Atractocarpa= Franch.

Outer glumes 3-4. Fruit subglobular, not furrowed; style not broadened.--Species 5. Equatorial West Africa. =Puelia= Franch.

75. Spikelets 1-flowered. Outer glumes 6-10. Ovary glabrous. Style 2-3-cleft or-parted. Tall shrubs.--Species 3. Madagascar and Mascarenes. =Nastus= Juss.

Spikelets 2-or more-flowered. Outer glumes 1-6. 76

76. Lodicules none. Spikelets 2-flowered, in clusters surrounded by two bracts. Ovary glabrous. Style undivided, hairy.--Species 1. German East Africa. =Oreobambus= K. Schum.

Lodicules 2-3. Spikelets without bracts. Ovary hairy. 77

77. Lodicules 2. Outer glume 1. Palea not winged on the keels. Styles 2, free. Spikelets many-flowered. Herbs with 4 large leaves.--Species 1. West Africa (Cameroons). (Under _Guaduella_ Franch.) =Microbambus= K. Schum.

Lodicules 3. Outer glumes usually 2. 78

78. Palea with winged keels. Spikelets strongly flattened. Herbs.--Species 5. Equatorial West Africa. =Guaduella= Franch.

Palea not winged on the keels. Spikelets slightly flattened. Tall shrubs.--Species 2. Cultivated and sometimes naturalized. They yield wood, fibre, vegetables, edible seeds, drinks, and medicaments, and are also used as ornamental plants. “Bamboo.” =Bambusa= Schreb.

79. (65.) Spikelets sessile in the notches on the rachis of a nearly always equal-sided spike, usually 2-ranked. [Tribe HORDEAE.] 80

Spikelets along a rachis without notches, in usually one-sided spikes or in racemes or panicles. 94

80. Spike one-sided. Spikelets solitary in each notch, 1-flowered. Outer glume 1, minute. Flowering glume awned. Stigma 1. Leaves stiff.--Species 1. Azores. “Matgrass.” [Subtribe NARDEAE.] =Nardus= L.

Spike equal-sided. Stigmas 2. 81

81. Spikelets solitary in each notch of the spike. 82

Spikelets 2-6 in each notch of the spike. [Subtribe ELYMINAE.] 93

82. Spikelets with the back towards the hollows of the rachis. [Subtribe LOLIINAE.] 83

Spikelets with the side towards the hollows of the rachis. 88

83. Spikelets 1-flowered, awnless, the terminal one with 2 outer glumes, the others with one. 84

Spikelets 2-to many-flowered. 86

84. Flowering glumes with a hairy callus at their base. Outer glumes 1-3-nerved. Dwarf herbs.--Species 2. South and East Africa. =Oropetium= Trin.

Flowering glumes with a glabrous, sometimes rudimentary callus. 85

85. Joints of the rachis of the spike produced into wing-like appendages.--Species 1. Island of Socotra. =Ischnurus= Balf. fil.

Joints of the rachis of the spike without wing-like appendages.--Species 3. Madagascar, South and North-west Africa. =Monerma= Beauv.

86. Spikelets 2-flowered. Styles long. Outer glumes 2. Flowering glumes produced into 3 points.--Species 1. North-west Africa (Algeria). (Including _Kralikiella_ Coss. et Durieu). =Kralikia= Coss. et Durieu

Spikelets many-flowered. Styles very short. 87

87. Outer glumes 2, awnless. Flowering glumes with 2 points and a dorsal awn. Lodicules 2-cleft. Fruit hairy at the top.--Species 2. North Africa. (Including _Meringurus_ Murbeck). =Gaudinia= Beauv.

Outer glumes in the terminal spikelets 2, in the lateral single. Fruit glabrous.--Species 6. North, South, and East Africa. Two species (ray-grass) are cultivated on lawns; one (the darnel, _L. temulentum_ L.) is poisonous. (Including _Arthrochortus_ Lowe). =Lolium= L.

88. Spikelets 1-, very rarely 2-flowered, in a slender spike; joints of the spike separating at maturity together with the lower spikelet. Outer glumes approximate in front. [Subtribe LEPTURINAE.] 89

Spikelets 2-to many-flowered, in usually stout spikes; joints of the spike separating at maturity together with the upper spikelet or not separating at all. Outer glumes opposite one another. [Subtribe TRITICINAE.] 90

89. Outer glume 1, very small. Flowering glumes awned. Stamen 1. Rachis of the spike with but slightly hollowed joints.--Species 1. North-west Africa (Algeria). =Psilurus= Trin.

Outer glumes 2, large. Flowering glumes awnless.--Species 4. North Africa, Abyssinia, Socotra. =Lepturus= R. Br.

90. Flowering glumes decurrent into a callus limited by a furrow, falling with the fruit when ripe. Fruit adhering to the palea.--Species 7. North Africa, Abyssinia, South Africa. The quitch grass (_A. repens_ Beauv.) is used for binding the sand, as fodder, for making syrup, and medicinally. (Including _Eremopyrum_ Jaub. et Spach). =Agropyrum= Gaertn.

Flowering glumes without a callus at the base, persisting at maturity. Fruit free. 91

91. Outer glumes ovate, 3-to many-nerved. Fertile spikelets ventricose, 2-5-flowered. Spike usually with a terminal spikelet.--Species 13. Ten species spontaneous in North Africa and Abyssinia, the others (especially the wheat, _T. sativum_ Lam. and _polonicum_ L.) cultivated in various regions. The latter are used as cereals and for plaiting-work, other species as ornamental plants. (Including _Aegilops_ L.) =Triticum= L.

Outer glumes oblong lanceolate or subulate, 1-2-nerved. Spikelets not ventricose, 2-, rarely 3-flowered. Spike without a terminal spikelet. 92

92. Outer glumes truncate, two-keeled, with a long awn. Flowering glumes awned from below the tip. Spike very dense.--Species 2. North-west Africa. =Haynaldia= Schur

Outer glumes acuminate, one-nerved. Flowering glumes awned from the tip. Spike rather loose.--Species 3. North Africa, Abyssinia, and South Africa. One of them (the rye, _S. cereale_ L.) is cultivated as a cereal and also used as fodder, for making brandy and paper, and for plaiting-work. =Secale= L.

93. Spikelets 1-flowered, sometimes with an empty glume above the flower. Flowering glume awned.--Species 8. North Africa; some species also cultivated or naturalized in Abyssinia, Madagascar, and South Africa. The barley (_H. sativum_ Jessen) is cultivated as a cereal and for making beer; it is also used as fodder and for medicinal purposes. Other species are used as ornamental plants. =Hordeum= L.

Spikelets 2-6-flowered.--Species 2. North Africa. Used as ornamental plants. “Lymegrass.” =Elymus= L.

94. (79.) Spikelets in two rows approximated to one another, forming one-sided, sometimes panicled spikes (or spike-like racemes). [Tribe CHLORIDEAE.] 95

Spikelets in sometimes spike-like but equal-sided racemes or more frequently in panicles not consisting of one-sided spikes. 123

95. Spikelets containing 1 hermaphrodite flower. 96

Spikelets containing 2 or more hermaphrodite flowers. 108

96. Spikelets bearing no male flowers or empty glumes above the hermaphrodite flower, but sometimes ending in a short bristle. 97

Spikelets bearing above the hermaphrodite flower a male flower or one or several empty, sometimes very small or awn-like glumes. 101

97. Spikelets awned. 98

Spikelets awnless. 99

98. Flowering glume much shorter than the outer glumes, with a very long awn. Spikes 1-4, terminal.--Species 3. Central Africa and Egypt. =Schoenefeldia= Kunth

Flowering glume almost as long as the outer glumes, with a short awn. Spikes numerous, arranged along a common axis.--Species 4. Southern West Africa. =Willkommia= Hack.

99. Spikes solitary, terminal.--Species 3. Central and South Africa. Used in medicine. =Microchloa= R. Br.

Spikes digitate or in racemes. 100

100. Spikes digitate, 3-5. Flowering glume usually larger than the outer glumes.--Species 5. Some are used as pasture-grasses or in medicine. “Dogstooth.” =Cynodon= Pers.

Spikes arranged along a common axis. Rachis of the spike dilated. Flowering glume much smaller than the outer glumes.--Species 2. East Africa. =Craspedorhachis= Benth.

101. Outer glumes 4. Second outer glume and flowering glume awned. Spikes solitary, rarely 2-3 together.--Species 5. Tropical and South Africa and Egypt. (Including _Campulosus_ Desv.) =Ctenium= Panzer

Outer glumes 2. 102

102. Spike 1, terminal. 103

Spikes 2 or more, sometimes fascicle-like. 105

103. Flowering glume many-nerved, awned. Styles united at the base, with shortly bearded, at length spirally twisted stigmas.--Species 1. Central Africa. =Streptogyne= Beauv.

Flowering glume 3-nerved. Styles free, with feathery stigmas. 104

104. Spikelets awned, imbricate, in slender spikes.--Species 6. East and South Africa, Madagascar and Seychelles. =Enteropogon= Nees

Spikelets awnless, crowded, in stout spikes.--Species 1. South Africa. =Harpechloa= Kunth

105. Spikes in false whorls or closely superposed.--Species 25. Some are used as ornamental or fodder-plants. (Plate 8.) =Chloris= Swartz

Spikes all distant or the lowest only approximate. 106

106. Spikes very short and very dense. Outer glumes ciliate, with a straight awn. Flowering glume with 3 awns. Several empty glumes above the flowering glume. Low grasses.--Species 1. Northern East Africa. =Melanocenchris= Nees

Spikes more or less elongated and loose. Flowering glume with 1 awn or awnless. Rather tall grasses. 107

107. Flowering glume awned, 2-toothed. Empty glume above the flowering one awn-like. Spikes very loose, at first erect.--Species 1. Abyssinia. =Gymnopogon= Beauv.

Flowering glume awnless. Spikes rather dense, spreading.--Species 8. Central Africa. Some have edible seeds. (Including _Cypholepis_ Chiov.) =Leptochloa= Beauv.

108. (95.) Spikes 1-3, terminal. 109

Spikes more than 3. 114

109. Flowering glumes with 3, sometimes very short awns. Spikelets many-flowered. Spikes long, rather loose.--Species 4. Central Africa. =Tripogon= Roth

Flowering glumes with one awn or mucro or unarmed. Spikes dense, usually short. 110

110. Flowering glumes with a rather long awn, long-haired on the back. Spikelets 2-3-flowered.--Species 6. Central and North Africa. (Including _Lepidopironia_ Rich.) =Tetrapogon= Desf.

Flowering glumes unarmed or mucronate. 111

111. Spikes 2-3 together. Spikelets 3-4-flowered. Fruit almost orbicular. Leaves rather broad.--Species 1. Egypt and Nubia. (Under _Eragrostis_ Beauv.) =Coelachyrum= Nees

Spike solitary. Fruit oblong. Leaves narrow. 112

112. Spikelets 2-flowered. Flowering glumes and paleas delicately membranous.--Species 3. South Africa. (_Prionanthium_ Desv.) =Prionachne= Nees

Spikelets 3-to many-flowered. Flowering glumes and paleas firmly membranous, rather stiff. 113

113. Outer glumes subequal.--Species 1. North-west Africa (Algeria). =Wangenheimia= Moench

Outer glumes very unequal or only one present.--Species 50. Some are used for the manufacture of paper or as ornamental or fodder-plants. Fescue.” (Including _Ctenopsis_ De Not., _Nardurus_ Reichb., and _Vulpia_ Gmel.) =Festuca= L.

114. (108.) Outer glumes 4. Spikelets falling entire. 115

Outer glumes 2, usually persisting on the stalk of the spikelet. 116

115. Outer glumes 1-nerved. Flowering glumes 5-nerved. Styles short.--Species 1. South Africa. =Tetrachne= Nees

Outer glumes 3-8-nerved. Flowering glumes 7-11-nerved. Styles long.--Species 2. South Africa and Angola. (Under _Tetrachne_ Nees). =Entoplocamia= Stapf

116. Outer glumes shortly awned, much longer than the flowering glumes. Spikes short, distant, at length bent downward.--Species 2. Central Africa and Egypt. Used as ornamental grasses. (_Dineba_ Jacq.) =Dinebra= Jacq.

Outer glumes unarmed or mucronate, shorter than the flowering glumes. 117

117. Spikelets very densely crowded. Spikes digitate, at least the upper. 118

Spikelets not very densely crowded. Spikes distant. 119

118. Spikes ending in a point. Outer glumes mucronate.--Species 6. Used as cereals, fodder-, medicinal, or ornamental plants, and for making beer. (Under _Eleusine_ Gaertn.) =Dactyloctenium= Willd.

Spikes terminated by a spikelet. Outer glumes usually unarmed. Pericarp usually loose.--Species 10. The coracan (_E. coracana_ Gaertn.) is cultivated as a cereal and for the preparation of beer; other species are used as medicinal or ornamental plants. (Including _Acrachne_ Wight Arn.) =Eleusine= Gaertn.

119. Flowering glumes rounded on the back. Pericarp more or less adhering to the palea. (See 113.) =Festuca= L.

Flowering glumes keeled. Pericarp free. 120

120. Glumes thinly membranous, the outer subequal. 121

Glumes firmly membranous, glabrous, the outer conspicuously unequal. 122

121. Flowering glumes 4-toothed, shortly awned.--Species 3. East and South Africa. (Under _Diplachne_ Beauv.) =Leptocarydium= Hochst.

Flowering glumes entire or obscurely 2-3-toothed. (See 107.) =Leptochloa= Beauv.

122. Spikelets 2-8-flowered, with a jointed, ciliate axis. Lodicules very small. Fruit linear-oblong, closely enveloped by the glumes.--Species 2. South and East Africa. Used as fodder-grasses. (Under _Eragrostis_ L. or _Leptochloa_ Beauv.) =Pogonarthria= Stapf

Spikelets many-flowered, with a tough axis. Lodicules rather large. Fruit ovate, loosely enveloped by the glumes.--Species 1. East Africa and Egypt. (_Stapfiola_ O. Ktze., under _Eragrostis_ L.) =Desmostachya= Stapf

123. (94.) Spikelets 1-flowered. 124

Spikelets 2-or more-flowered. 153

124. Outer glumes 4, rarely 3. Palea usually 1-nerved. [Tribe PHALARIDEAE.] 125

Outer glumes 2, rarely 1 or none. Palea usually 2-nerved. [Tribe AGROSTIDEAE.] 129

125. Leaves lanceolate or elliptical, transversely veined. Spikelets in pairs on the branches of a panicle. Outer glumes 3.--Species 2. Madagascar. =Poecilostachys= Hack.

Leaves linear. Flowering glume awnless. 126

126. Upper two outer glumes, or at least the uppermost, larger than the lower. Stamens 6, rarely 3.--Species 25. South and East Africa, Mascarene Islands, St. Helena. =Ehrharta= Thunb.

Upper two outer glumes smaller than the lower, more rarely equalling them. Stamens 2-3. 127

127. Upper two outer glumes awnless, smaller than the lower. Flowering glume and palea hardening. Lodicules present. Stamens 3.--Species 10. North, East, and South Africa. Some species are used as ornamental grasses. The seeds of _Ph. canariensis_ L. (Canary-seeds) are used as food and in medicine. =Phalaris= L.

Upper two outer glumes awned; lower two unequal. Flowering glume and palea membranous. Lodicules none. Stamens 2. 128

128. Upper two outer glumes smaller than the lower.--Species 5. North-west and Central Africa. The vernal grass (_A. odoratum_ L.) imparts a sweet scent to new-made hay. =Anthoxanthum= L.

Upper two outer glumes about as large as the lower.--Species 5. South Africa and Madagascar. “Holygrass.” (_Ataxia_ R. Br., under _Anthoxanthum_ L.). =Hierochloë= Gmel.

129. (124.) Stigmas shortly branched all round, protruding between the tips of the slightly gaping glumes. [Subtribe PHLEINAE.] 130

Stigmas feathery, protruding above the base of the spikelet or enclosed in it. 133

130. Flowering glume rather stiff, awned or mucronate. Axis of the spikelet produced beyond the flower into a bristle usually bearing an empty glume.--Species 2. South Africa. =Fingerhuthia= Nees

Flowering glume thinly membranous, unarmed. Axis of the spikelet rarely produced beyond the flower into a bristle without empty glumes. 131

131. Spikelets in slender simple spikes. Outer glumes obscurely keeled, unarmed. Flowering glume somewhat shorter than the outer. Leaves awl-shaped.--Species 1. North-west Africa (Algeria). =Mibora= Adans.

Spikelets in spike-like panicles. Outer glumes distinctly keeled. Leaves flat. 132

132. Flowering glume somewhat longer than the outer. Outer glumes unarmed.--Species 4. North Africa to Senegambia, East Africa, Madagascar. =Heleochloa= Host

Flowering glume much shorter than the outer. Outer glumes mucronate or shortly awned.--Species 5. North Africa to Senegambia. Some species have edible seeds or are used as ornamental grasses. _Ph. pratense_ L. is a valuable fodder-grass. “Timothy-grass.” =Phleum= L.

133. Flowering glume harder than the outer glumes at maturity, tightly enclosing the fruit. Axis of the spikelet not prolonged beyond the flower. [Subtribe STIPINAE.] 134

Flowering glume thinner than the outer at maturity, loosely enclosing or not enclosing the fruit, rarely harder or tightly enclosing the fruit, but then the axis of the spikelet prolonged into a bristle. 137

134. Flowering glume awnless.--Species 1. North-west Africa (Algeria). Yields edible seeds and is used as an ornamental grass. =Milium= L.

Flowering glume awned. 135

135. Flowering glume narrow, with a 3-branched awn, but the lateral branches sometimes very short. Lodicules 2.--Species 80. Some of them have edible seeds or are used as fodder. (Including _Arthratherum_ Beauv.) =Aristida= L.

Flowering glume with a single awn. 136

136. Flowering glume narrow, with a strong, kneed, usually twisted, persistent awn. Palea not distinctly keeled. Lodicules usually 3.--Species 15. North Africa, northern East Africa, Madagascar, and South Africa. The Esparto-grass (_St. tenacissima_ L.) is used for the manufacture of paper, ropes, and in plaiting-work, other species as ornamental grasses (feather-grass); some have edible seeds. (_Stupa_ L., including _Macrochloa_ Kunth) =Stipa= L.

Flowering glume broad, with a fine, short, deciduous awn. Palea 2-keeled. Lodicules usually 2.--Species 3. North Africa, one species also introduced into South Africa. (_Piptatherum_ Beauv.) =Oryzopsis= Michx.

137. Fruit not enclosed by the glumes; pericarp usually loose and dehiscing. Axis of the spikelet not produced beyond the flower. Glumes unarmed. Flowering glume usually longer than the outer ones.--Species 60. Some of them yield edible seeds or are used as fodder and for plaiting-work. (Including _Triachyrium_ Hochst. and _Vilfa_ Beauv.) =Sporobolus= R. Br.

Fruit enclosed by the flowering glume and the palea; pericarp usually adnate to the seed. 138

138. Spikelets of two kinds, the fertile surrounded by the sterile, which consist of numerous glumes. Flowering glume 1-nerved, with a dorsal awn.--Species 1. North Africa and Abyssinia; also introduced into South Africa. Used as an ornamental grass. (_Chrysurus_ Pers.) =Lamarckia= Moench

Spikelets all alike. 139

139. Outer glumes conspicuously shorter than the flowering glume. Flowering glume firmly herbaceous, 3-5-nerved, with a long, straight, terminal or subterminal awn. Panicle loose.--Species 2. East and South-east Africa (Kilimandjaro and Transvaal). (Under _Brachyelytrum_ Beauv.) =Pseudobromus= K. Schum.

Outer glumes almost equalling the flowering glume or exceeding it. Flowering glume membranous, rarely firmer, but then many-nerved or with a distinctly dorsal awn or awnless. 140

140. Outer glumes feathery, long. Flowering glume with two short terminal awns or with a long dorsal one. Panicles spike-or head-like.--Species 1. North Africa; introduced in South Africa. Used as an ornamental grass. “Harestail-grass.” =Lagurus= L.

Outer glumes not feathery. 141

141. Outer glumes bladdery at the base, much longer than the flowering glume. Panicles spike-like.--Species 2. North Africa and Abyssinia. “Nitgrass.” =Gastridium= Beauv.

Outer glumes not bladdery. 142

142. Flowering glume cleft into 9-23 awn-shaped teeth. Panicles spike-like.--Species 13. Some are used as fodder-grasses. (Including _Enneapogon_ Desv.) =Pappophorum= Schreb.

Flowering glume with 1-3 awns or awnless. 143

143. Flowering glume with a delicate dorsal awn and two long and thin lateral awns.--Species 2. Egypt and Abyssinia. =Trisetaria= Forsk.

Flowering glume awnless or with a single awn and sometimes 2 short bristles. 144

144. Flowering glume with a terminal awn, rounded on the back, sometimes keeled towards the tip. (See 113.) =Festuca= L.

Flowering glume with a dorsal awn or with a short mucro or unarmed. 145

145. Flowering glume decurrent into a callus bearing a tuft of long hairs. 146

Flowering glume with a glabrous or shortly and scantily hairy callus or without a callus. 147

146. Flowering glume papery, unarmed or shortly mucronate. Spikelets large, with a glabrous and bristle-like or a club-shaped prolongation of the axis.--Species 1 (_A. arundinacea_ Host, maram). North Africa. Used for binding sand-dunes and as a fodder-grass; the root-stock is edible. (_Psamma_ Beauv.) =Ammophila= Host

Flowering glume membranous, awned from the back, very rarely awnless. Spikelets rather small, sometimes with a bristle-like and usually hairy prolongation of the axis.--Species 6. Azores, mountains of tropical Africa, South Africa. Some are used as ornamental or medicinal plants. (Including _Deyeuxia_ Beauv.) =Calamagrostis= Roth

147. Axis of the spikelet not distinctly continued beyond the flower. Flowering glume shorter than the outer glumes. 148

Axis of the spikelet produced beyond the flower into a bristle-like appendage bearing sometimes empty glumes. 149

148. Palea as long as the flowering glume. Panicles few-flowered.--Species 1. South Africa. (Under _Agrostis_ L. or _Colpodium_ Trin.) =Poagrostis= Stapf

Palea shorter than the flowering glume. Panicles many-flowered.--Species 30. North and South Africa and mountains of the tropics. Some are used as fodder-or ornamental grasses. “Bent-grass.” =Agrostis= L.

149. Flowering glume much shorter than the outer glumes, with 2 bristles at the top and an awn on the back near the base. Continuation of the axis of the spikelet hairy, without glumes. Panicles spike-like.--Species 1. North-west Africa. (Under _Gastridium_ Beauv.) =Triplachne= Link

Flowering glume slightly shorter or longer than the outer glumes. Continuation of the axis of the spikelet glabrous or bearing empty glumes. 150

150. Flowering glume with a very long awn. Outer glumes unequal. Continuation of the axis of the spikelet without glumes. Panicle loose.--Species 2. North-west Africa (Algeria). Used as ornamental grasses. =Apera= Adans.

Flowering glume with a short or moderate awn or awnless. Outer glumes subequal. Continuation of the axis of the spikelet usually with empty glumes. 151

151. Lower outer glume 1-nerved. Flowering glume 3-5-nerved, membranous, about as long as the outer glumes. Continuation of the axis of the spikelet with 1-2 empty glumes or without glumes.--Species 10. North Africa, Abyssinia, South Africa. Some are used as fodder-grasses. =Koeleria= Pers.

Lower outer glume 3-9-nerved. Flowering glume 5-to many-nerved, leathery or longer than the outer glumes. 152

152. Fruit deeply grooved. Flowering glume leathery, rounded on the back, with a kneed dorsal awn. Outer glumes 7-9-nerved.--Species 20. Extra-tropical regions and mountains of the tropics. Some (especially _A. sativa_ L.) are cultivated as cereals (oat) or fodder, and yield also oil and medicaments; others are used as ornamental grasses. (Including _Avenastrum_ Juss.) =Avena= L.

Fruit not deeply grooved. Flowering glume keeled, longer than the outer ones. Outer glumes 3-7-nerved. Empty glumes above the flower 2 or more.--Species 10. Extra-tropical regions. Some are used as ornamental grasses. =Melica= L.

153. (123.) Flowering glumes, at least one in each spikelet, bearing a twisted or kneed, generally dorsal awn, usually shorter than the outer glumes, rarely awnless, and then spikelets 2-flowered with a very short axis not prolonged beyond the flowers. [Tribe AVENEAE.] 154

Flowering glumes bearing a straight, terminal or subterminal awn, or unawned, usually longer than the outer glumes. Spikelets 2-flowered, the axis prolonged between the flowers or above them, or 3-many-flowered. [Tribe FESTUCEAE.] 177

154. Spikelets 2-flowered without a continuation of the axis beyond the upper flower. Flowering glumes usually unawned. 155

Spikelets 2-flowered with a continuation of the axis beyond the upper flower, or 3-many-flowered. Flowering glumes awned. 161

155. Spikelets solitary, enveloped by a spathe. Flowering glumes connate. Style 1, undivided. Stigma papillose. (See 3.) =Lygeum= L.

Spikelets in panicles, racemes, or spikes. Flowering glumes free. Styles 2, free. Stigmas feathery. 156

156. Outer glumes with a cartilaginous, pectinately-toothed keel. Panicle spike-like. (See 112.) =Prionachne= Nees

Outer glumes membranous. 157

157. Outer glumes hemispherical. Panicle spike-like.--Species 1. North-west Africa (Algeria). =Airopsis= Desv.

Outer glumes not hemispherical. Panicle spreading. 158

158. Outer glumes shorter than the flowering glumes. Flowering glumes truncate or minutely toothed.--Species 1. North-west Africa. (Under _Aira_ L.) =Molineria= Parl.

Outer glumes somewhat longer than the flowering glumes. 159

159. Flowering glumes blunt, unarmed, hardened at maturity. Axis of the spikelet very short. (See 21.) =Isachne= R. Br.

Flowering glumes 3-lobed, 2-toothed, or mucronate, usually provided with a dorsal awn, not hardened at maturity. 160

160. Flowering glumes 3-lobed, unarmed. Axis of the spikelet somewhat elongated between the flowers.--Species 1. North-west Africa (Algeria). Used as an ornamental grass. (Under _Aira_ L.) =Antinoria= Parl.

Flowering glumes 2-toothed or mucronate, nearly always with a dorsal awn. Axis of the spikelet very short.--Species 8. Extra-tropical regions and mountains of the tropics. Some species are used as ornamental grasses. =Aira= L.

161. (154.) Flowering glumes with a terminal awn inserted between the apical lobes or teeth. 162

Flowering glume with a dorsal awn inserted below the apex. 168

162. Spikelets 2-flowered; the lower flower male, the upper female or hermaphrodite. 163

Spikelets 2-or more flowered; all flowers hermaphrodite or the uppermost male. Flowering glumes 5-11-nerved. 165

163. Spikelets in clusters of 3 at the tips of the branches of a raceme or panicle.--Species 13. Tropical and South Africa. =Tristachya= Nees

Spikelets solitary at the tips of the branches of a panicle. 164

164. Palea auricled. Flowering glume of the upper flower not distinctly toothed. Spikelets small.--Species 4. Tropical and South Africa. Some are used for plaiting-work. =Arundinella= Raddi

Palea not auricled. Flowering glume of the upper flower distinctly toothed. Spikelets large.--Species 25. Tropical and South Africa. =Trichopteryx= Nees

165. Spikelets with 2 flowers and a minute or bristle-like continuation of the axis. Flowering glumes with 2-4, at least partly bristle-like teeth. 166

Spikelets with 3 or more flowers, the uppermost of which is usually incomplete. Flowering glumes with 2 rarely bristle-like teeth. 167

166. Fruit globular; pericarp crusty, almost free from the seed.--Species 5. South Africa. (Under _Danthonia_ DC.) =Pentameris= Beauv.

Fruit oblong.--Species 40. Southern and tropical Africa. The seeds of some species are eaten or used in medicine. (Under _Danthonia_ DC.) =Pentaschistis= (Nees) Stapf

167. Spikelets falling entire with a part of their stalk. Lowest flowering glume without, the others with side-bristles.--Species 4. South Africa. (Under _Danthonia_ DC.) =Chaetobromus= (Nees) Stapf

Spikelets not falling entire; axis jointed between and below the flowering glumes.--Species 30. Extra-tropical regions and mountains of the tropics. The seeds of several species are eaten or used in medicine. =Danthonia= DC.

168. (161.) Spikelets in spikes, many-flowered. (See 87.) =Gaudinia= Beauv.

Spikelets in sometimes spike-like panicles. 169

169. Lower flowers male, upper hermaphrodite. 170

Lower or all flowers hermaphrodite, upper sometimes male or barren. 171