84 SOUTH INDIAN GRASSES 



or without stamens ; palea is broad, margins infolded, 2-nerved, 

 obtuse and hyaline ; when stamens are present the lodicules are 

 very conspicuous. The fourth glume is slightly shorter than the 

 third, oblong or elliptic, apiculate, minutely rugulose, thinly coria- 

 ceous, with bisexual flower ; palea is similar to the glume in texture 

 and markings. Stamens are three with yellowish anthers. Lodi- 

 cules are small and fleshy. 



This plant occurs widely as a weed of cultivation in black cotton 

 as well as other kinds of soil and shows variation in its leaves and 

 spikelets. In some plants growing in somewhat dry places the 

 leaves are shorter and broader, and those in favourable situations 

 have longer narrower leaves. The spikelets are either perfectly 

 glabrous or pubescent and long hairs may or may not be present 

 on the pedicels. As regards colour the whole plant is green or the 

 exposed portions of stems and spikelets are purplish. This grass 

 is liked by cattle and is one of the most nutritious of Indian 

 fodder grasses. 



Distribution. — Throughout India and Ceylon in the plains. 

 Common in the Tropics. 



