HOW TO KNOW THE GRASSES 



21b. Spikelets placed with the fertile lemma turned away from the 

 rachis of the raceme. Fig. 303. 

 CARPET GRASS Axonopus amnis Chase 



Perennial; producing ejftensive creeping sto- 

 lons; erect culms flattened, 20 — 60 cm. tall; 

 racemes 2 — 5 on each pedimcle, 3 — 10 cm. 

 long; rachis triongiilar in cross section, with 

 the spikelets fitting closely against it. The 

 first glume is absent. Low moist sandy or 

 muck soil on the coastal plain, where it is 

 important as a lawn and pasture grass. March 

 — September. 



Figure 303 



22a. Plants with creeping stems; aquatic or on wet ground. 



23 



22b. Stems not creeping 24 



23a. Leaf blades, sheaths, and spikelets completely glabrous; spike- 

 lets about 2 mm. long. Fig. 304. 



Paspalum dissecium L. 



Perennial; plants creeping by extensive sto- 

 lons; erect culms 20 — 60 cm. tall, bearing 2 — 5 

 racemes, each 2 — 3 cm. long; leaf blades 

 dark green, 3 — 6 cm. long, 4 — 5 mm. wide. 

 The rachis of the raceme is flat and thin, 2 — 3 

 mm. wide. The first glume is lacking. Muddy 

 flats and ditches and in shallow water. Au- 

 gust — October. 



Figure 304 



159 



