S. HALAPENSE, L., JOHNSON GRASS. 



171 



sessile spikelet 4, the lower larger than the others, empty, lan- 

 ceolate or ovate, liard and shining, obscurely nerved; the sec- 

 ond empty, narrower, keeled, linn, aci;te or awned; the third 

 much smaller, hyaline, empty; the fourth or floral glume 

 very slender, hyaline, 2-lobed, awned. Palea minute or none. 

 Stamens 3. Styles distinct, stigmas feathery. Caryopsis in- 

 cluded, free. Ann^ials or perennials, often tall with broad, flat 

 leaves, panicle terminal, large. Species now reduced to two. 

 (*S^. lialai)en)<G and S. vulgare). Extensively cultivated in warm 

 and temperate climates. 



S. lialapense, L. Johnsoii Grass, Means' Grass, Cuba 

 Grass, Egyptian Grass, Green Yalley Grass, Arabian 

 Millett, Egyptian Millett, Syrian Grass, Saint Mary's 

 Grass. — From several sources I learn that in 1835 Gov. Means of 

 South Carolina obtained the seed from Turkey. A few years 

 later William Johnson of Alabama obtained the seed of the 

 Governor, and was quite active in advertising its good qualities, 

 hence the }»opular naino of ''Johnson grass." 



Fio. 78.— a, Portion of panicle of Sorghum halapense, L.; h, two spikelets, the otker 

 having been removed ; c, lower spikelet with fertile flower ; d, one upper spikelet 

 with staminato flower. 1 xG.— iSudworth). 



