308 SOUTH INDIAN GRASSES 



43.0ropetium, Trin. 



A very small densely tufted erect annual. Leaves are filiform. 

 The inflorescence is a simple slender curved spike. Spikelets are 

 very minute, one-flowered, half immersed in the alternating 

 distichous cavities of the rachis of the spike; rachilla is bearded. 

 There are three glumes in the spikelet. The first glume is very 

 minute, empty, hyaline and persistent. The second glume is linear- 

 lanceolate, rigid, empty, persistent recurved when old, tip obtuse 

 or emarginate. The third glume is shorter broader, hyaline, one- 

 nerved, obtuse or truncate, palca is narrow with smooth keel. 

 Lodicules are not found. Stamens are three. Grain is oblong 

 terete and free. 



