120 SOUTH INDIAN GRASSES 



10. Cenchrus, L. 



The inflorescences are spike-like racemes, consisting of involu- 

 cellate clusters of shortly pedicelled spikelets jointed on a simple 

 rachis. The involucel consists of hardened spike-like bristles 

 connate at the base into a short coriaceous cup, which is sur- 

 rounded by erect or squarrose bristles. Spikelets one to three in 

 each involucel, persistent, I- to 2-flowered, with three or four 

 glumes. The first glume is very small or absent. The second and 

 the third glumes are subequal 5- to 7-nerved. The third glume is 

 longer than the second with male flower or not, paleate. The 

 fourth glume is coriaceous, with a bisexual or female flower. 

 Lodicules are two. Stamens are three. Styles are long, free or 

 connate below. Grain is broad, oblong and compressed. 



Key to the Species 



Base of involucel rounded ; inner bristles 



shorter, erect, not ciliate •- ... ... I. C. biflorus. 



Base of involucel turbinate, inner bristles 

 longer, spreading and spinescent, ciliate 

 at base ... 2. C. catharticus. 



