ring on the node below the leaf-scar. Internodes nearly round in 

 eross-seetion, straight-sided or slightly depressed on the side on which 

 the bud occurs, usuallj^ largest in diameter at the place of union 

 with the node below ; furrow shallow or none. Nodes medium to 

 large; the portion above the leaf-scar long, typically large in cir- 

 cumference and appearing swollen, or expanding from the bottom 

 upward to the lower limit of the internode ; leaf-scar close to tlie 

 stalk on the side opposite the bud but projecting out from beneath 

 the bud; rudimentary roots very close together and in about four 

 or five rows; the depressed ring forming the portion below the leaf- 

 scar shallow. Buds close to the stalk, or slightly prominent ; young 

 buds typically fiat against the stalk, ovate to acute, and with a nar- 

 row margin, uniform with the sides of the buds. Foliage rather 

 scant, the leaves being shed far up on the stalk ; light green in color. 

 Leaf narrow, short, growing erect, tapering into a long point, some- 

 times breaking off at the throat and falling from the sheath. Leaf- 

 sheath nearly round at the throat ; auricles medium to large, some- 

 times long-pointed on one side of the stalk ; ligula medium length, 

 with the upper edge rounded in outline. Vestiture of leaf-sheath 

 many soft setae. Vestiture of throat of sheath fine hairs on the 

 auricles and adjacent edges and face of the base of the leaf. ]Most 

 important distinguishing characters the shape and size of the nodes 

 and buds, and the manner of growtli of the leaves. 



B-4596. — Habit erect to reclining. Length medium. Diameter 

 medium to hirge, variable. Shape of stalk usually straight. Color 

 yellowish-green to reddish given, usually mor(> red just ;iboA<' the 

 node, sometimes having spots of reddish-brown ; glaucous, especially 

 the lower portion of the nodes; having fine cracks in the epider- 

 ))HS. Internodes medium to long, more or less flattened, often larger 

 above than below the node ; typically straight-sided, plump ; some- 

 times slightly tumid, sometimes subconical ; often a tyj)ieal shoul- 

 der just above the node on the side opposite the one having the l)ud : 

 furrow medium depth. Xodes rather short; the depressed ring form- 

 ing the portion below the leaf-scar distinct; rudimentary roots about 

 two rows. Huds typically large and coarse but varying with the 

 coarseness of the stalk, l)roa(l, obtuse to inoi'e or less acute i)ointe(l ; 

 the margin typically wide, with straight edges and large lobes; some- 

 times broadly ovate-acuminate in outline ; occasionally starting and 

 standing out slightly from the stalk but not producing sprouts. Fo- 

 liage medium in amount, dry leaves readily shed. Leaf medium to 

 bi-oad, medium length, tapering into a point of medium length. Leat- 

 sheath flattened laterally at throat; aui'icles mctlium to small; ligula 



131 



