142 SOUTH INDIAN GRASSES 



first and the second glumes are chartaceous. The third and the fourth 

 are hyaline, the former being empty and the latter with an ovary, 

 Lodicules are not present. The ovary is ovoid with very long 

 capillary styles- The grain is orbicular, compressed, channelled 

 at the back and enclosed within the stony, hardened and polished 

 bract. 



This grass usually grows in paddy fields- There are two dis- 

 tinct varieties — one a fairly tall one annual and the other a very 

 tall (5 to 10 feet) perennial one. The racemes of the latter are 

 longer and drooping, the male spikelets are in threes and the wings 

 of the first glume are usually broader than in the other form. This 

 species is easily recognized by the polished bract enclosing the 

 female spikelet. 



Distribution. — Throughout India. 



