270 



POACEiE. 



53. (116). Lycurus II. B. K. Nov. Gen. et. Sp. 1:141 

 (1815). CUopogon Nutt. Journ. Acad. Phil. (II.) 1:189 (1847). 

 Spikelets 1-flowered, narrow, single or in pairs, sessile or on very 

 short branches of the spikelike panicle, rachilla very short, subartic- 

 ulate above the empty glumes and not produced beyond the flower. 

 Empty glumes 2, membranous, the outer witli 2-3 nerves, extend- 

 ing into bristles, second sliorter. narrower, 1-awned ; floral glume 

 awned, longer and wider than the others, 3-uerved; palea slender, 

 2-nerved, or 2-keeled, briefly 2-toothed. There are some sterile 

 spikelets. Stamens 3. Styles short, distinct. Grain inclosed by 

 the firm floral glume and palea, but not adherent. 



These grasses are tufted, ascending, or erect with solid culms, 

 leaf-blades soon conduplicate. Spikes cylindrical, narrow, exserted 

 or partially included by the sheaths. 



There are two species found in Mexico so nearly alike that it is 

 difficult to distinguish one from the other. 



Following a suggestion of Bentham, I make one a mere variety 

 of the other. As Bentham states : ' ' The long dense cylindrical 

 spike with sterile spikelets intermixed with the perfect ones bring 

 the genus in connection with the subtribe Sesleriea? of Festuceae; 

 but there is never more than a single flower in a spikelet." 



1. L. phleoides H. B. K. Nov. Gen. et. Sp. 1:142 (1815). 



Culms compressed, scabrous, branch- 

 ing sparingly, 30-50 cm. high. Sheaths 

 compressed, about half as long as the in- 

 ternodes; ligule 3-4 mm. long; blades 

 mostly scabrous above, smooth on the 

 lower side, the lower ones 4-7 cm. long, 

 3 mm. wide, terminating rather abrupt- 

 ly in a short bristle ; the longest on the 

 culm are 12 cm. long. Spikes cylin- 

 drical, clavate or tapering each way 

 from the middle, partially included 

 Fig. 47. — Lycurus phleoides. when in flower, 4-7-10 cm. long, 5-8 

 Spikelets. (Richardson.) mm. diam. Spikelets narrowly elliptical, 

 acute, 3-3.5 mm. long, a ring of dark color at the base and apex, 



