MORPHOLOGY OF THE FLORAL ORGANS 123 
We may also conclude that the 2 organs inclosing the flower of 
Homalocenchrus are lemma and palea and that the 2 glumes are 
absent, since in Oryza, a closely allied genus, the glumes are present, 
though small. 
The glumes are sometimes awned, but less frequently 
so than are the lemmas. They are variously modified and 
distorted in a few genera, the first glumes of a group of 
spikelets together forming a sort of involucre around the 
group (Anthephora), thickened like a bird’s head (Lopho- 
lepis), globose and pitted (Rytilix). The large second 
glume is covered with hooks in Nazia so that the group of 
spikelets becomes a bur. In Alopecurus the glumes are 
connate, that is, grown together along the edges to form 
a cup (Fig. 39). 
153. Anomalous glumes.—The ainies of some genera 
of Hordee show certain anomalies. In Lolium and in a 
few allied genera the spikelets are sessile on a flattened 
rachis but stand edgewise to this instead of crosswise as 
is usual in other genera (Fig. 57). But one glume (the 
second) is present and this on the outer side of the spike- 
let. It is longer and larger than the lemmas, sometimes 
longer than the spikelet, and looks like a subtending bract. 
In the terminal spikelet of the spike, however, both 
glumes are developed. In Sitanion and some species of 
allied genera the glumes are reduced to subulate awns, 
these forming a sort of involucre to the groups of spike- 
lets. In certain species of Elymus (e.g., EH. virginicus L.) 
the glumes of the lateral spikelets stand in pairs in front 
of the spikelets. 
Hochstetter states that the glumes of Hordeum and many 
species of Elymus are single but cleft into 2 parts. Schenck thinks 
that they are sterile spikelets. (For full discussion, see Bot. Jahrb. 
Engler 40:97. 1907.) 
