PANICE/E IOQ 



8. Setaria, Beauv. 



These are usually annuals. Inflorescence is usually a spike- 

 like panicle. Spikelets are I- to 2-flowered, jointed on very short 

 pedicels which bear persistent scabrid or barbed bristles (modified 

 branchlets). There are four glumes. The first glume is the 

 shortest equal to about half the length of the third, membranous, 

 3- to 5-nerved. The second glume is equal to or shorter than the 

 fourth, 5- to 7-nerved. The third glume more or less exceeding and 

 resembling the second glume, neuter, rarely paleate and male. 

 The fourth glume is coriaceous or crustaceous, plano-convex, bi- 

 sexual, 5-nerved and paleate ; palea is as long as the glume. Lodi- 

 cules are broadly cuneate. Stamens are three. Stigmas are 

 laterally exserted. Grain is tightly enclosed by the hardened 

 glume and its palea and is oblong or ellipsoid. 



KEY TO THE SPECIES. 



Bristles with spreading or erect barbs. 



Inflorescence cylindric, continuous 



and not interrupted, with six to 



twelve bristles in the involucel ... I. S. glauca. 



Inflorescence interrupted, with three 



to six bristles in the involucel ••• 2. S. intermedia. 

 Bristles with reversed barbs ••• ... 3. S. verticillata. 



