70 SOUTH INDIAN GRASSES 



fourth glume, obtuse, 3- to 5-nerved, paleate, mostly with and rarely 

 without stamens. The anthers are yellow and they do not open 

 until the stigmas and anthers of the fourth glume are thrown out. 

 Lodicules are two and conspicuous. Palea is hyaline with infolded 

 margins. The fourth glume is coriaceous, broadly ovate, tip acutely 

 pointed and almost cuspidate or acute, mucronate, white or brown- 

 ish, reticulately minutely pitted. Anthers are three and yellow 

 Stigmas are purplish. Lodiculcs are small but conspicuous. 



This grass is very common throughout the plains and grows 

 in the bunds of paddy fields and in wet situations, and goes up 

 to moderate elevations on the hills. Cattle eat this grass greedily 

 and seem to like it. It is considered to be an excellent fodder. 



Distribution—In wet situations all over India ascending to 

 6,000 feet. Occurs also in Ceylon, Africa, Tropical Asia and 

 Australia. 



