BIBLIOGRAPHY.

Fig. 59.Festuca ovina.a, spikelet, × about 3-1/2.b, “seed," nat. size and × about 7.c, caryopsis, nat. size and × 7.

Caryopsis oblong, somewhat flattened, dark-brown.

The numerous varieties ofF. ovinacannot be distinguished by the “seed": the allied varietiesF. rubra,F. duriuscula, andF. heterophylla, &c. are sometimes more distinctly awned (see p.172). But difficulties will be found with the whole group, which needs revision. This group comprises the grasses so valued on downs and dry hill-pastures for sheep-feeding.Festuca sylvatica, Vill., not a common plant, is also with difficulty separable (Fig.51).

Festuca sylvatica, Vill., not a common plant, is also with difficulty separable (Fig.51).

Cynosurus cristatus, L. (Fig.60).

Palea canary yellow to light-brown, lanceolate withFig. 60.Cynosurus cristatus.a, “seed" and caryopsis, nat. size;bandc, “seed" × about 8. Note the scabrid and slightly curved awn-point. Nobbe. Cf. Fig.64.rounded back and the mid-rib prominent as a slight keel and margins infolded, about 4 mm. long (varies from 3-4·5 × 0·5 to 1 mm. broad), scabrid above, dotted below and acute to acuminate with a scabrid awn-point, often curved. Caryopsis 2-2·3 mm., somewhat flattened. Rachilla short and smooth, dilated above.

A valuable and easily recognised grass.Molinia,Holcusand similar impurities are easily detected: some Fescues are much more like it; e.g.F. tenuifolia(see p.46) in which the apex tapers suddenly to a point.Dactylisshould also be compared.†† Paleæ compressed or distinctly keeled.Molinia cærulea.Kœleria cristata.Unimportant, except as impurities among other grass “seeds."Moliniais said to occur as such in samples ofCynosurus,Dactylis, Poa trivialis, Fescues, &c., but it should give little difficulty except in comparison withGlyceria(see p.146).

†† Paleæ compressed or distinctly keeled.

Unimportant, except as impurities among other grass “seeds."Moliniais said to occur as such in samples ofCynosurus,Dactylis, Poa trivialis, Fescues, &c., but it should give little difficulty except in comparison withGlyceria(see p.146).

Molinia cærulea(Mœnch.) (Fig.61).

"Seed" 3-4 mm. or more, leather coloured or with a bluish tinge. Paleæ divaricating, the lower keeled and compressed, and tapering to a sharp point. Rachilla long, oblique and prominent. Smooth tapering, palea 5·5, fruit 2 mm. long.

Kœleria cristata, Pers. (Fig.62).

Palea 6 mm., keeled, entire, no awn but stiffly tapering, ribbed, no hairs. Rachilla large. Fruit 4·5 mm.

Fig. 61.Molinia cærulea.a, "seed," nat. size;bandc, ditto, × about 8;d, the caryopsis, nat. size;e, ditto, × about 7. Note the compressed, keeled and glabrous palea, and the long slender bone-shaped rachilla. Nobbe.

Fig. 62.Kœleria cristata.a, the “seed" (to the left) and caryopsis (to the right), nat. size;b, “seed," × about 7. The palea is compressed and keeled, and, like the large rachilla, glabrous. Nobbe.

✲✲ Palea not taper pointed, but mucronate, or two-toothed, with a sub-terminal point or spine.Elymus arenarius.Agropyrum repens.Dactylis glomerata.Sesleria cærulea.

✲✲ Palea not taper pointed, but mucronate, or two-toothed, with a sub-terminal point or spine.

Elymus arenarius, L. (Fig.63).

Fruiting palea lanceolate, 13-15 × 3 mm., tough and stiffly hairy or velvety: 5-7 ribs. Rachilla stout, hairy. Fruit hairy above, 5-11 mm. × 2·5 × 1·2, somewhat grooved.No keel. Apex of inner palea bifid, outer mucronate. Fruit shelled.

Easily distinguished fromDigraphis arundinacea, which has a basal hair-tuft and very different caryopsis; less easily fromAgropyrumandLolium, except in the velvety surface.

Fig. 63.Elymus arenarius.a, “seed," nat. size;bandc, the same, × 3. Note the stiff, velvety, bifid and mucronate outer palea, and the large hairy rachilla. Nobbe.

Fig. 64.Dactylis glomerata.a, spikelet with glumes removed, nat. size;b, ditto, × about 6;candd, “seed," nat. size (below) and × about 6. The stiff and slightly curved awn-point is sub-terminal and arises from between two teeth. Rachilla dilated above. Nobbe. Cf. Fig.60.

Agropyrum repensmay have a mucronate awn-point or not. The small palea 10-12, the caryopsis 5-6 mm. (see p.169for description).

This troublesome weed (Couch-grass) presents similar difficulties withLolium perennethatAgropyrum caninumdoes withLolium temulentum—see p.168. It is moreover extremely variable.

Dactylis glomerata, L. (Fig.64).

Stiff awn-point just below the two teeth of apex of pale. Rachilla dilated above. Paleæ 5-6 mm. long exclusive of point, compressed and inflated, ribbed and ciliate-bristly on keel, the tip incurved. Caryopsis yellow-brown, ellipsoid, 2 mm.

An important grass, said to be adulterated withLolium, Fescues,Holcus,Molinia,Bromus, &c., most of which should be readily detected. The curved tip is an important distinctive character.CynosurusandFestuca arundinacea,F. ovinaandF. rubrapresent resemblances. The seed is larger than that ofPoa.F. ovinaandF. rubraare smaller, rounded dorsally, and have no keel or cilia: the nerves are less prominent and the rachilla smaller.

F. ovinaandF. rubraare smaller, rounded dorsally, and have no keel or cilia: the nerves are less prominent and the rachilla smaller.

Sesleria cærulea, Ard.

Palea distinctly toothed at the apex, making it almost three-lobed and very characteristic; with awn-point; five ribs, serrulate. Fruit grey-yellow, obovate.

It is a mountain-and moor-grass of little value.

B. “Seed" awned—i.e. the investing palea bears, or tapers into, a distinct bristle or hair at least as long as itself or nearly so.

(a) Awn not terminal.

(1)Awn stout, either obviously twisted and bent or “kneed."

(i) “Seed" consisting of the glumes as well as paleæ investing the caryopsis13.⊙Awn bent but not twisted; glumes free below, ribbed, and with stiff short hairs on the keel.≡Awn sub-terminal, shorter than the palea, hooked.

(i) “Seed" consisting of the glumes as well as paleæ investing the caryopsis13.

⊙Awn bent but not twisted; glumes free below, ribbed, and with stiff short hairs on the keel.

≡Awn sub-terminal, shorter than the palea, hooked.

Holcus lanatus.

"Yorkshire Fog," of little use or importance, except that it is frequently found as an impurity of other hairy grasses—e.g.Alopecurus.It cannot easily be confounded with any other grass:AnthoxanthumandAlopecurus,Arrhenatherum, &c. present superficial resemblances only.These glumed hairy “seeds" are uncommon and form an easily recognised type.

"Yorkshire Fog," of little use or importance, except that it is frequently found as an impurity of other hairy grasses—e.g.Alopecurus.

It cannot easily be confounded with any other grass:AnthoxanthumandAlopecurus,Arrhenatherum, &c. present superficial resemblances only.

These glumed hairy “seeds" are uncommon and form an easily recognised type.

Fig. 65.Holcus lanatus.a, “seed"—i.e. complete spikelet—and ditto devoid of glumes, nat. size;b, spikelet, andcthe same devoid of glumes, × 7. The “seed" is here composed of the keeled glumes enclosing two pairs of paleæ and their flowers (c): the upper of these is barren and has a hooked sub-terminal awn to its outer palea. The lower awnless one is fertile. Nobbe.

Holcus lanatus, L. (Fig.65).

The “seed" consists of the complete spikelet, separated below the compressed and acute, keeled glumes; these have hairs on the keel, and completely enclose the two flowers and their paleæ. Palea ribless, white to grey, shining, obtuse, that of the upper (male) flower with a sub-terminal short hook-like awn. Total length about 4-5 mm. Caryopsis oblong-ovate, grooved. In its palea about 2-3 mm. long and with a few hairs at the base.

≡ ≡Awn dorsal, kneed, longer than the palea.

Holcus mollis, L. (Fig.66).

Palea 2·5 mm., fruit 3·1 mm. long; glumes with stiff hairs or serrulæ on keel.

The seeds ofHolcusoften fall from the glumes, but may bring them away.

Fig. 66.Holcus mollis.Type of “double seed,” which really consists of the entire spikelet (a, nat. size;candd, × 8) comprised of the two glumes enclosing two pairs of paleæ and their enclosures (b, nat. size;e, × about 8). The lower pair of paleæ are devoid of awns and enclose the caryopsis: the upper pair have stamens only, and the outer palea has a dorsal kneed awn, not twisted or hooked. Nobbe.

Holcusis of little use. The two-flowered spikelets and peculiar awns sufficiently distinguish it among the smaller forms. It is said to occur as an adulterant in “seed" ofAlopecurus.⊙⊙Awn bent and twisted, basal or nearly so; glumes very hairy.ΔGlumes golden brown: one awn straight, one “kneed."Anthoxanthum odoratum.The grass which gives the scent to new-mown hay. The “seed" is often impure, containing a continental speciesA. Pueliiand other hairy forms.

Holcusis of little use. The two-flowered spikelets and peculiar awns sufficiently distinguish it among the smaller forms. It is said to occur as an adulterant in “seed" ofAlopecurus.

⊙⊙Awn bent and twisted, basal or nearly so; glumes very hairy.

ΔGlumes golden brown: one awn straight, one “kneed."

Anthoxanthum odoratum.

The grass which gives the scent to new-mown hay. The “seed" is often impure, containing a continental speciesA. Pueliiand other hairy forms.

Fig. 67.Anthoxanthum odoratum.a, “seed" and caryopsis, nat. size;b, the “seed," andc, caryopsis, × about 7. The “seed" consists of the inner hairy glumes, each with a dorsal awn—one kneed—enclosing the paleæ and caryopsis. The outer pair of unawned glumes has been removed. Nobbe.

Anthoxanthum odoratum, L. (Fig.67).

The one-flowered spikelet has four hairy glumes, the outer pair of which are unequal and awnless: the “seed" consists of the inner pair of golden-brown hairy and dorsally awned glumes, covering the thin, membranous, shining, smooth, blunt paleæ and the caryopsis, to which the inner palea adheres. Total length, without awns, about 3-4 mm. Palea 1·6 mm. Caryopsis 1·5 mm., brown, shiny, and easily separating. One awn is short, stiff and straight and inserted above the middle of its glume;the other longer and sharply bent, inserted about the middle.

Hierochloe, a rare northern grass, also comes here.ΔΔGlumes connate below, hairy on the keels.Alopecurus pratensis.A. geniculatus.A. agrestis.Alopecurusis very characteristic, and should be carefully examined as a type.A. pratensisis a valuable grass and said to be often adulterated with the undesirableA. agrestis,Holcus, &c.ArrhenatherumandAvenaare easily distinguished by the basal hairs, rachilla, &c.

Hierochloe, a rare northern grass, also comes here.

ΔΔGlumes connate below, hairy on the keels.

Alopecurusis very characteristic, and should be carefully examined as a type.A. pratensisis a valuable grass and said to be often adulterated with the undesirableA. agrestis,Holcus, &c.ArrhenatherumandAvenaare easily distinguished by the basal hairs, rachilla, &c.

Fig. 68.Alopecurus pratensis.a, “seed," nat. size, andb,c, ditto, × 8;d, caryopsis, × 7. The “seed" here consists of the two glumes, connate below and hairy on the keel and ribs, including the caryopsis enveloped in a single palea with a dorsal awn. Note remains of stigma ind. Nobbe.

Alopecurus pratensis, L. (Fig.68).

Inner palea absent. Outer palea 5 mm., caryopsis 3 mm. long, often with remains of the stigma.

The greyish-brown spikelet ofAlopecuruseasily falls as a whole, included in the glumes; the palea is loose and delicate.

Glumes connate below, silky-hairy on keel and ribs all the way up. The palea has a bent dorsal awn, about 5 mm. long.

Alopecurus geniculatus, L.

Palea 2 mm., fruit 1·3 mm. long.

The glumes hairy on ribs and keel as inA. pratensis: glumes more obtuse.

Alopecurus agrestis, L.

Palea 6 mm., fruit 3 mm. long.

Glumes only ciliate, on ribs and keel, except at the base where the hairs are longer.

Keel slightly winged.

Best distinguished fromA. pratensisby the glumes, which are smoother, broader above the middle, harder and with a few basal hairs.The speciesA. fulvus,A. bulbosus, andA. alpinusare rare.(ii) “Seed" consisting of the paleæ investing the caryopsis, freed from the glumes.✲Palea at least 14 or 15 mm. long: caryopsis 5-7 mm.[Oat type.]Avena fatua.A. pratensis.

Best distinguished fromA. pratensisby the glumes, which are smoother, broader above the middle, harder and with a few basal hairs.

The speciesA. fulvus,A. bulbosus, andA. alpinusare rare.

(ii) “Seed" consisting of the paleæ investing the caryopsis, freed from the glumes.

✲Palea at least 14 or 15 mm. long: caryopsis 5-7 mm.[Oat type.]

Avena fatua, L.

Palea parchment-like, lanceolate-terete, acuminate and bifid at the apex, rounded on the back and with yellowhairs on the lower part. 15 × 3 mm. Awn brown, twisted and bent, arising from the middle, about 30 mm. long. Caryopsis 7 mm. long, hairy at the top and distinctly grooved. Rachilla with fine bristles.

Avena pratensis, L.

Palea very similar toA. fatua, apex 2-4-toothed or bifid, rachilla with stiffer hairs. Caryopsis about 5 mm. long.

Avena pubescens, Huds. is a variety ofA. pratensisfound on dry calcareous soils. The caryopsis is very narrow, and the rachilla long and feathered with hairs. "Seed" shorter thanA. pratensis, 10-13 mm., and darker in colour.

A. fatuais an excellent type of the grasses with dorsal twisted and bent awns, and easily examined on account of its size. The student will find difficulties with other species ofAvenaandArrhenatherum.Harz says the stiff hairs ofAvenabring about the formation of intestinal concretions (phytobezoars) and are therefore dangerous to domestic animals.✲✲Palea not more than 7-10 mm. long.†Caryopsis 4-5 mm. long.

Harz says the stiff hairs ofAvenabring about the formation of intestinal concretions (phytobezoars) and are therefore dangerous to domestic animals.

✲✲Palea not more than 7-10 mm. long.

†Caryopsis 4-5 mm. long.

Arrhenatherum avenaceum, Beauv. (Fig.47).

Paleæ papery, ribbed. Awn 13-15 mm., twisted below; paleæ, with a tuft of hairs below and a ciliate keel, investing the fruit: the whole being cylindrical, 8-10 mm. × 1·5.

Caryopsis 4-5 mm. × 1·2, fusiform, pubescent. Rachilla hairy.

The distinctive difference betweenAvenaandArrhenatherumis in the spikelets as a whole. The latter has the lower flower of each spikelet male only. Samples contain the “double seeds,” and the awn of the upper fertile portion is short (see Fig.69).††Caryopsis not more than 3 mm. long. A tuft of hairs on rachilla and base.

††Caryopsis not more than 3 mm. long. A tuft of hairs on rachilla and base.

Avena flavescens.

Aira flexuosa, distinguished by its nearly basal awn, harder texture and darker colour of paleæ, andDactylis—awnless and with curved long drawn-out apex—are found as impurities in foreign "seed."

Fig. 69.Avena flavescens.c, “seed," nat. size;aandb, ditto, × about 7. The dorsal twisted and kneed awn is very characteristic. Note also the hairy rachilla. The palea is bifid above—not visible in the lateral view. Nobbe.

Avena flavescens, L. (Fig.69).

Yellow. Palea about 5 mm. long, five-ribbed, bifid at the apex into two long slender teeth, closely investing the brownish caryopsis, and with a sub-dorsal awn 10 mm. long with little or no twist, and hairy at the base. Rachilla flattened and with white hairs. Caryopsis notmuch grooved, fusiform, 2-3 mm. long, glumes unequal, somewhat keeled and rough.

(2)Awn dorsal or basal, fine and hair-like, and little or not at all twisted or kneed. “Seed" small.

✲ A pencil of silky hairs on base or rachilla. Palea bifid at the tip.†Basal hairs longer than palea, and obscuring the awn.

✲ A pencil of silky hairs on base or rachilla. Palea bifid at the tip.

†Basal hairs longer than palea, and obscuring the awn.

Calamagrostis Epigeios.

Of little importance.Digraphishas no awn.Calamagrostis Epigeios, Roth.

Of little importance.Digraphishas no awn.

Calamagrostis Epigeios, Roth.

Palea about 3 mm. long with toothed apex and very thin caryopsis 1 mm. A conspicuous tuft of fine silky hairs, longer than the palea at the base and on the rachilla.

Awn slender, dorsal, about as long as the palea.

C. stricta, Nutt. andC. strigosa, Hartm. are rare.††Basal hairs shorter than palea.⊙Awn brown, bearded in the middle, thickened and white above.

C. stricta, Nutt. andC. strigosa, Hartm. are rare.

††Basal hairs shorter than palea.

⊙Awn brown, bearded in the middle, thickened and white above.

Aira canescens.

The student will find considerable difficulties in the various species ofAiraandAgrostis, owing to their small size and variability as regards awn and basal hair-tufts. All these are weeds, but some occur as adulterants.

Aira canescens, L.

"Seed" (apart from the awn, it is very likeAgrostis) 1·5-2 mm., with a very thin, smooth, keeled, two-nervedpalea, bifid at its apex, through which the yellow caryopsis shines.

Awn slender, basal, dark-brown, with oblique colourless hairs above the middle and with a slight swelling above.

The palea has a few hairs on its mid-rib below.

Caryopsis about 1 mm. long.

This grass is somewhat rare in England. The jointed basal awn, with a minute hair-tuft above the middle, is unique, and readily distinguishes it when mixed withAgrostis.⊙⊙Awn not bearded or thickened.≡Palea bifid at apex.Aira caryophyllea.A. præcox.

This grass is somewhat rare in England. The jointed basal awn, with a minute hair-tuft above the middle, is unique, and readily distinguishes it when mixed withAgrostis.

⊙⊙Awn not bearded or thickened.

≡Palea bifid at apex.

Aira caryophyllea, L.

"Seed" 1·4-1·6 mm., comma-shaped and dark-brown.

Palea acute, nerveless, inrolled at edges and with a dorsal, kneed, very fine, dark twisted awn twice as long as the palea: the latter with two-toothed apex and a basal hair-tuft.

A common impurity in commercial seed.

Aira præcox, L. is very similar, and cannot be distinguished with certainty by the “seed," but has a shorter awn and no basal hairs. Apex of palea two-toothed.≡ ≡Palea jagged or toothed, but not bifid.Aira flexuosa.A. cæspitosa.

Aira præcox, L. is very similar, and cannot be distinguished with certainty by the “seed," but has a shorter awn and no basal hairs. Apex of palea two-toothed.

≡ ≡Palea jagged or toothed, but not bifid.

Aira flexuosa, L. (Fig.70).

Palea 5 mm. long, four-toothed at the apex, and caryopsis 2·6 mm. The fine basal awn waved or kneed, about twice as long as the palea. Fruit with a groove.

Rachilla hairy. Whole “seed" browner thanAvena flavescens(see p.158).

Fig. 70.Aira flexuosa.a, “seed," nat. size;candd, the same, × about 7;b, portion of fruiting panicle, showing the flexuous rachis;e, the caryopsis, nat. size;f, ditto, × about 7. Note the basal hairs and twisted awn. Nobbe. Cf. Fig.44.

An almost worthless grass, on sandy soils, but important as an impurity inAvena flavescens(see note, p.158).

Aira cæspitosa, L. (Fig.44).

The palea, about 2·5 mm. long, toothed above, has a fine straight hair-like basal awn not longer than itself. Caryopsis 1·3 mm., grooved. Rachilla distinctly hairy.

Easily distinguished when mixed withPoa nemoralis, &c.—e.g. by the awn, hairs on rachilla, &c. It requires scrutiny in regard toAgrostis, which also has no awn or basal hairs.✲✲ No basal tuft, or merely a few short microscopic hairs below. Paleæ not bifid above.Agrostis canina.A. Spica-venti.A. setacea.

Easily distinguished when mixed withPoa nemoralis, &c.—e.g. by the awn, hairs on rachilla, &c. It requires scrutiny in regard toAgrostis, which also has no awn or basal hairs.

✲✲ No basal tuft, or merely a few short microscopic hairs below. Paleæ not bifid above.

Agrostis canina, L., is somewhat larger thanA. alba. Palea (only one present, sometimes minute) punctate, 2 mm., with a fine dorsal awn a little longer than the palea. Caryopsis 1·2 mm. Rachilla obsolete.

The awn is usually absent fromA. albaand its varieties; and when present is so small as to be almost negligible.A. caninais easily distinguished fromPoaby the rachilla in the latter, and absence of awn.Airahas basal hairs, &c.

The awn is usually absent fromA. albaand its varieties; and when present is so small as to be almost negligible.

A. caninais easily distinguished fromPoaby the rachilla in the latter, and absence of awn.Airahas basal hairs, &c.

Agrostis setacea, Curt., has the awn basal and just projecting beyond the pointed glumes, and the palea very minute, with a few silky hairs below.

Agrostis Spica-venti, L. (Fig.49).

Palea 2·4 mm. long, with infolded edges and punctate; a minute rachilla at its base, and a slender awn, 8-9 mm. or more long, inserted below the bifid tip. Caryopsis 1·5 mm. A few silky hairs at the base of the palea.

(b) Awn terminal or slightly sub-terminal, and straight, or at least not twisted or “kneed."(1)Paleæ so closely adherent to the fruit that the terminal awn appears to come from the latter [Barley type]. The three florets generally coherent.✲Awn at least twice the length of the grain.Hordeum sylvaticum.H. murinum.

(b) Awn terminal or slightly sub-terminal, and straight, or at least not twisted or “kneed."

(1)Paleæ so closely adherent to the fruit that the terminal awn appears to come from the latter [Barley type]. The three florets generally coherent.

✲Awn at least twice the length of the grain.

Hordeum sylvaticum.H. murinum.

Hordeum sylvaticum, Huds.

Palea scabrid, ribbed above, awn at least twice as long as the very narrow grain.

Hordeum murinum, L.

Lower palea 9-10 mm. long, five-ribbed, lanceolate and wrapped round and adhering to the fruit (grain), upper palea also ribbed. The grain about 7-8 mm. × 2 × 1·2, hardly grooved. Awn about 30 mm. long, serrulate. Rachilla slightly serrulate.

✲✲Awn not twice the length of the grain.Hordeum pratense.H. maritimum.

✲✲Awn not twice the length of the grain.

Hordeum pratense, Huds.

Spikelet with a reddish tinge; awn almost smooth, less than 20 mm. long: not twice the length of the smooth and obscurely nerved grain.

Hordeum maritimum, With., similar toH. pratense, but softer and the awn somewhat longer.

The principal features of theHordeum-grain are the closely adherent paleæ and angular fruit, the stiff awn appearing to come off from it as inBarley. The rachilla remains.They are all weeds of no use in agriculture, thoughH. pratenseis not uncommon in good pastures.(2)Palea investing the caryopsis, often closely, but not fused with it, and its tip and awn quite free.✲ Awn not strictly terminal but sub-terminal, or arising from between two teeth or in a sinus at the apex of the palea.† Caryopsis thin, flattened and usually 6-10 mm. long, and the paleæ hairy.≡Palea inrolled, terete-lanceolate-acuminate, or linear-lanceolate (barge-shaped). Apical teeth minute and pointed.ΔPalea scaberulous or hairy, awn from half to about its own length.Bromus erectus.B. asper.

The principal features of theHordeum-grain are the closely adherent paleæ and angular fruit, the stiff awn appearing to come off from it as inBarley. The rachilla remains.

They are all weeds of no use in agriculture, thoughH. pratenseis not uncommon in good pastures.

(2)Palea investing the caryopsis, often closely, but not fused with it, and its tip and awn quite free.

✲ Awn not strictly terminal but sub-terminal, or arising from between two teeth or in a sinus at the apex of the palea.

† Caryopsis thin, flattened and usually 6-10 mm. long, and the paleæ hairy.

≡Palea inrolled, terete-lanceolate-acuminate, or linear-lanceolate (barge-shaped). Apical teeth minute and pointed.

ΔPalea scaberulous or hairy, awn from half to about its own length.

Fig. 71.Bromus asper, a barge-shaped "seed" with terminal awn, nat. size and × about 5. Cf. Fig.50. Stebler.

Fig. 72.Brachypodium sylvaticum, a barge-shaped “seed" with terminal awn, natural size and × about 5. Cf. Fig. 77. Stebler.

Bromus erectus, Huds.

Palea with 5-7 scaberulous ribs, but not hairy, flat above, incurved below, so that the inner palea is clearlyvisible. About 10-14 mm. long and narrowing somewhat suddenly into the smooth stiff awn, shorter than itself. Indications of a tooth at each side of the base of the awn. Caryopsis somewhat flattened, thin and long, barge-shaped, 8-10 × 1·5-2 mm., pointed at both ends, brown, hairy at the tip with the remains of the stigma. “Seed" often purplish. Rachilla long and slender.

Must be carefully distinguished fromBrachypodium, which has the palea less inrolled and a stouter rachilla.Bromus giganteushas a shorter and flatter “seed" and longer awn.

Must be carefully distinguished fromBrachypodium, which has the palea less inrolled and a stouter rachilla.

Bromus giganteushas a shorter and flatter “seed" and longer awn.

Bromus asper, Murr. (Fig.71).

Palea often reddish, 5-7 ribbed and usually roughly hairy, mid-rib scaberulous, about 15 mm. long, linear-lanceolate (barge-shaped), the tip more distinctly two-toothed and tapering more gradually into the smooth awn, about its own length. Rachilla distinct. Otherwise resemblingB. erectus.

B. giganteushas a shorter “seed" and longer awn.ΔΔPalea scarcely hairy: awn up to twice its length.Bromus sterilis.B. giganteus.

B. giganteushas a shorter “seed" and longer awn.

ΔΔPalea scarcely hairy: awn up to twice its length.

Bromus sterilis, L. (Fig.50).

Palea nearly smooth, somewhat inrolled, terete-lanceolate-acuminate, tough, red-brown, 12-15 mm. long, seven-ribbed, with a long serrulate awn (20-30 mm. or more) practically terminal. Ribs serrate. Caryopsis 9-10 mm. long, flattened, thin. Rachilla distinct, smooth, much wrapped in, widens upwards and is somewhat flattened.

The very slender and long “seed" and caryopsis distinguish this from all butB. erectus, which has a shorter awn. Perhaps the awn is truly terminal: if so it should go withFestuca Myurus, &c. (see p.171). The length varies greatly.

Bromus giganteus, L.

Palea 7 mm. long and inrolled, the base and rachilla bristly, indistinctly 5-7 nerved, the tip bifid: sub-terminal awn serrulate, 12-15 mm. long.

Caryopsis 4·5 mm. long, flattened, thin, glabrous.

The caryopsis is shorter and more ovoid than in other Bromes.≡ ≡Palea expanded above (coracle-shaped), awn from sinus between two blunt or triangular teeth.

The caryopsis is shorter and more ovoid than in other Bromes.

≡ ≡Palea expanded above (coracle-shaped), awn from sinus between two blunt or triangular teeth.

Bromus arvensis.

Bromus arvensis, var.mollis, L. (Fig.73).

Palea oblong or obovate, somewhat flattened above (coracle-shaped), distinctly 5-7 ribbed, 8-9 mm. long, not hairy, though the ribs may be ciliate. Awn smooth, arising from the depression between two teeth or rounded projections. Caryopsis flattened and thin, 6 × 1·5 mm.; apt to fall loose from the paleæ.

In the varietyB. secalinusthe awn is usually shorter than the elliptical palea, and originates in the sinus of a notch (Fig.74): inB. mollisfrom between two teeth, and is as long as the obovate palea.Bromus maximusandB. madritensisare both rare.The broader nerved paleæ ofB. mollisand shorter, fatter caryopsis, as well as the longer awn distinguish it fromB. secalinusandB. arvensis. In the other Bromes the palea is more inrolled and the “seed" more slender as a rule. The rachilla is usually bent above into a slight kink.The Bromes are an extremely difficult group. The awn is inserted between the two teeth of the palea or just below. The palea smooth or ciliate on the nerves or roughly hairy. The fruit isflattened in the antero-posterior plane, and usually shines through the closely investing palea. A rachilla is visible. InBrachypodiumthe caryopsis is less flattened, and the apex tapers into the awn without teeth. InLoliumandAgropyrumthe caryopsis is still more wheat-like and grooved.

Bromus maximusandB. madritensisare both rare.

The broader nerved paleæ ofB. mollisand shorter, fatter caryopsis, as well as the longer awn distinguish it fromB. secalinusandB. arvensis. In the other Bromes the palea is more inrolled and the “seed" more slender as a rule. The rachilla is usually bent above into a slight kink.

The Bromes are an extremely difficult group. The awn is inserted between the two teeth of the palea or just below. The palea smooth or ciliate on the nerves or roughly hairy. The fruit isflattened in the antero-posterior plane, and usually shines through the closely investing palea. A rachilla is visible. InBrachypodiumthe caryopsis is less flattened, and the apex tapers into the awn without teeth. InLoliumandAgropyrumthe caryopsis is still more wheat-like and grooved.

Fig. 73.Bromus arvensis, var.mollis.a, “seed," nat. size;bandc, the same, × 3.d, caryopsis, × about 3. The awn originates between two teeth of the strongly ribbed palea. Coracle-shaped type. Nobbe.

Fig. 74.Bromus arvensis, var.secalinus.a, spikelet,bandc, “seed," nat. size;dande, the same, × 6. Nobbe. Cf. Fig.73.

All our Bromes are weeds, but some of them are important adulterants, requiring careful examination.B. inermisis cultivated, and is a valuable grass. Awn short or wanting. Paleæ strongly 5-7 ribbed, inner with a marked central rib, closely adhering to caryopsis.B. Schraderiis also said to be valuable.†† Caryopsis not thin and flattened, corn-like, 3·5-5 mm. Palea smooth, inflated, boat-like.Lolium temulentum.A weed of cultivation, said to be poisonous to cattle, a possible explanation of which may be found in a fungus recently discovered as a very constant inhabitant of the tissues under the seed coats.

All our Bromes are weeds, but some of them are important adulterants, requiring careful examination.

B. inermisis cultivated, and is a valuable grass. Awn short or wanting. Paleæ strongly 5-7 ribbed, inner with a marked central rib, closely adhering to caryopsis.

B. Schraderiis also said to be valuable.

†† Caryopsis not thin and flattened, corn-like, 3·5-5 mm. Palea smooth, inflated, boat-like.

Lolium temulentum.

A weed of cultivation, said to be poisonous to cattle, a possible explanation of which may be found in a fungus recently discovered as a very constant inhabitant of the tissues under the seed coats.

Lolium temulentum, L. (Fig.48).

Palea ovate, 6-7·5 × 2·5 mm., papyraceous, inflated, smooth, the tip dry and emarginate with a slender sub-terminal awn its own length or longer. It tends to adhere to the fruit. Fruit 3·5-5 mm. × 2·5 × 1·5, somewhat depressed. Rachilla large, cylindrical and smooth.

L. perennehas no awn, or the merest trace of one. “Seed" 10-12 mm. long. Boat-shaped. Palea yellow, three-nerved, margins papery. Rachilla flat, see p.143.✲✲ Awn terminal, and with no evident teeth at its base.≡ Palea not much inrolled, ovate-lanceolate to linear-lanceolate, and therefore boat-or barge-shaped.ΔVery hairy.

L. perennehas no awn, or the merest trace of one. “Seed" 10-12 mm. long. Boat-shaped. Palea yellow, three-nerved, margins papery. Rachilla flat, see p.143.

✲✲ Awn terminal, and with no evident teeth at its base.

≡ Palea not much inrolled, ovate-lanceolate to linear-lanceolate, and therefore boat-or barge-shaped.

ΔVery hairy.

Brachypodium sylvaticum, Beauv. (Fig.72).

Palea ribbed and hirsute much like that ofBromus asper, but straw-coloured, shorter (10-12 mm.), linear-lanceolate, more boat-shaped, and tapering without teeth into the longer (10-13 mm.) hairy awn. Caryopsis 7-8 mm., less flattened than inBromus, with a shallow groove. Rachilla smooth.

B. pinnatum(p.171) has a much shorter awn, and is nearly glabrous.These grasses are weeds, but are said to occur frequently as adulterants.ΔΔGlabrous or nearly so.++Palea five-nerved, pubescent.

B. pinnatum(p.171) has a much shorter awn, and is nearly glabrous.

These grasses are weeds, but are said to occur frequently as adulterants.

ΔΔGlabrous or nearly so.

++Palea five-nerved, pubescent.

Agropyrum caninum.

Agropyrum repensis also often awned and may be described here (see also p.150).

Fig. 75.Agropyrum caninum.Type of boat-shaped “seed" with sub-terminal awn.a, nat. size;b, × about 9, but with awn cut short. Rachilla thicker above and hairy; palea not toothed. Nobbe. Cf. Fig.48.

Fig. 76.Agropyrum repens.Awned variety. The awn is very short and sub-terminal: the rachilla smooth.a, the "seed," nat. size;bandc, ditto, × about 4-1/2. Boat-shaped "seed" with rounded back. Nobbe. Cf. Fig.57.

Agropyrum repens, Beauv. (Fig.76).

Palea tough, 10-12 mm. long, ovate-lanceolate, 3-5 ribbed and smooth; with a short (2-3 mm.) or long(8 mm.) terminal awn or a mere tooth. Rounded back. Fruit grey-brown, ciliate above, 5-6 × 1·4 × 0·7-0·9 mm., depressed, hardly grooved, adhering to the palea. Rachilla smooth or not, and narrowed below.

A noxious weed (see p.150) and hence should be carefully excluded from “seeds."

A. caninum, Beauv., has a longer (10 mm. or more) and rougher awn, and is smaller (about 8 mm.), but otherwise very similar. Palea smooth except at the five-nerved apex. Rachilla thickened above, and hairy (Fig.75).

Elymusdiffers fromAgropyrumin its harder velvety palea, no awn, and its club-like velvety rachilla. It is also larger altogether, as a rule.

Fig. 77.Brachypodium pinnatum.Type of boat-shaped “seed" with awn.a, nat. size;bandc, × 7. Nobbe. Cf. Fig.72.

++++Palea seven-ribbed, smooth.

Brachypodium pinnatum.

Brachypodium pinnatum, L., is similar, but the palea more open and boat-like and narrows more suddenly above into the smooth awn which is shorter than itself (Fig.77). Length 8-9 mm. The caryopsis is, however, much more slender than inAgropyrum.

For distinction fromB. sylvaticum, see above. The inner palea is ciliate and more delicate than inAgropyrum.

≡ ≡ Paleæ rolled round the “seed" which is terete and tapering gradually into a stiff awn.ΔAwn longer than the palea.

≡ ≡ Paleæ rolled round the “seed" which is terete and tapering gradually into a stiff awn.

ΔAwn longer than the palea.

Festuca Myurus.

See alsoFestuca ovina,Cynosurus, &c., p.147, andArundo.

Festuca Myurus, L. (Fig.80).

"Seed" 5-7 mm. without the long (10 mm.) awn, tapering and slender (likeNardus), grey or brown. Finely mamillate upwards. Rachilla small.

ΔΔAwn shorter than palea.

Festuca ovina(var.rubra).Nardus stricta.

Aira flexuosa,Moliniaand other moor-grasses occur with these narrow-leafed Fescues, but are easily distinguished:Moliniaby having no awn and being shorter and stouter, andAira flexuosaby the dorsal awn and basal hairs.

Festuca rubra, L. (Fig.78).

"Seed" pale brown with rosy tinge, 3-5 mm. long without the awn, smooth, or slightly hairy upwards. Caryopsis 2-3·5 mm., compressed, with a shallow broadflat furrow on the ventral face and a median long “hilum." Rachilla cylindrical, smooth, dilated above.

Fig. 78.Festuca ovina, var.rubra.a, “seed," nat. size;bandc, ditto, × about 7. Nobbe. Cf. Fig.59.

Fig. 79.Festuca ovina, var.heterophylla.a, spikelet, × about 3-1/2;b, “seed," andc, caryopsis, nat. size;dande, “seed," andf, caryopsis, × 7. Nobbe.

The varietyF. heterophyllahas narrower and longer "seeds," and a hispid rachilla. Palea 5-6 mm.: caryopsis 3·5-4·5 mm. (Fig.79).

PerhapsBromus sterilisshould also come here (see p.165).

With regard to these Fescues the student may note thatF. ovina, var.tenuifolia, has the smallest (4-5 mm.) and most ovoid “seeds," usually golden brown in colour.F. rubrais darker and larger (5-6 mm.), as is alsoF. duriuscula(6-7 mm.): the latter is alsonarrower, with toothed palea, tapering suddenly at the base and more awned.F. heterophyllais much likeF. duriuscula, but the palea less toothed, and it tapers gradually at the base. The whole group is very difficult, and needs attention.

Fig. 80.Festuca Myurus.a, "seed," nat. size;bandc, ditto, × about 6. Compare Fig.50. Nobbe.

Fig. 81.Nardus stricta.Type of cylindrical “seed" with a terminal stiff awn, here serrulate;c, “seed," nat. size;aandb, ditto, × 8. Compare Fig.50. Nobbe.

Nardus stricta, L. (Fig.81).

Outer palea tough and fused, 10-12 mm. long, narrow, lanceolate and tapering gradually into the stiff, serrulate,terminal awn shorter than itself. Inner palea minutely toothed at the apex and without awn, loosely enclosing the red-brownish yellow to bluish grey fruit which has no groove. “Seed" 4-6 mm. × 0·6 × 0·5 (without the awn), more or less triangular in section and serrulate on angles above.

Bentham and Hooker,British Flora, London, 1896.

BonnierandLayens,Nouvelle Flore de France, Paris, 1887.

Bruns,Der GrasembryoinFlora, 1892, vol.LXXVI.

Burchard,Die Unkrautsamen der Klee-und Grasarten, Berlin, 1900.

Darwin,Power of Movement in Plants, London, 1880.

Duval Jouve, inMémoires de l’Acad. des Sciences de Montpellier, 1871, vol.VII.

Fream,Elements of Agriculture, London, 1892.

Grob, inBibliotheca Botanica, H. 36, 1896.

Guérin,Recherches sur le développement du Tégument &c. des GraminéesinAnn. d. Sc. Nat.1899.

Güntz,Unters. ü. d. anatomische Structur d. Grasblätter, Leipzig, 1886.

Hackel, in Engler’sNatürliche Pflanzenfamilien,II. Th. 2 Abth. 1887.

Harz,Landwirthschaftliche Samenkunde, Berlin, 1885.

Holzner,Beitr. zur Kenntn. d. Gerste, Munich, 1888.

Index Kewensis, London, 1893-95.

Jackson,A Glossary of Botanic Terms, London, 1900.

Kienitz-Gerloff,Botanik für Landwirte, Berlin, 1886.

Nobbe,Handbuch der Samenkunde, Berlin, 1876.

Parnell,British Grasses, London, 1845.

Pée-Laby, inAnnales des Sc. Naturelles, 1898, vol.VIII.

Percival,Agricultural Botany, London, 1900.

Pfitzer, in Pringsh.Jahrb. f. wiss. Bot.B.VII.

Schmid, inBot. Centralbl.1898, B.LXXVI.

Schwarz,Forstliche Botanik, Berlin, 1892.

Schwendener, inSitzungsber. d. Akad. Berlin, 1889 and 1890.

Settegast,Die landwirthschaftl. Sämereien u. d. Samenbau, Leipzig, 1892.

Sinclair,Hortus gramineus Woburnensis, London, 1824.

Sowerby,The Grasses of Great Britain, London, 1861.

SteblerandSchroeter,The Best Forage Plants, London, 1889.

Sutton,Permanent and Temporary Pastures, London, 1886.

Trimen, ArticleGrasses, inEncyclopædia Britannica, 9th ed.

Van Tieghem,Morphol. de l’embryon &c. chez les GraminéesinAnn. des Sc. Nat.1897.

Vesque,Traité de Botanique Agricole &c.1885.

Warming,Lehrb. d. Oekologischen Pflanzengeogr.Berlin, 1896.

Wittmack,Gras-und Kleesamen, Berlin, 1873.

Back to Index Next