I46 SOUTH INDIAN GRASSES 



18. Imperata, Cyril. 



These are erect perennial grasses. The inflorescence is a spike- 

 like panicle, with very short filiform inarticulate branches and 

 rachises. Spikelets are binate, J -flowered, all alike, both pedi- 

 celled, articulate at the base and hidden by the very long silky 

 hairs arising from a small callus and from the glumes. There are 

 four glumes. The first two glumes are membranous, lanceolate, 

 and subequal. The third glume is shorter and smaller, hyaline. 

 The fourth glume is still smaller and hyaline. Stamens are two, 

 rarely one. Lodicules are not found. Styles connate below, with 

 stigmas very long, narrow and exserted at the top of the spikelets. 

 Grain is small and oblong. 



