110 POA MARITIMA. 
of six to ten florets; apex of basal foret stretches considerably, 
beyond the large glume of the calyx. Calyx consisting of two 
membranous glumes, three-ribbed; inner glume nearly twice 
the length of outer glume. Florets of two equal-sized palex; 
exterior one of basal floret sharp-pointed, base slightly hirsute; 
smooth above, five-ribbed. Inner palea having two green mar- 
ginal fringed ribs. Length six to twelve inches. Root creeping 
and perennial. 
Flowers at the beginning of July, and the seeds become ripe 
in a month. 
P. maritima differs from P. distans in having its rachis and 
branches smooth to the touch, its root creeping, and its central 
rib of outer palea extending to the summit. It also differs 
from P. procumbens in its smooth rachis and branches, and 
creeping root. 
The specimen for illustration was gathered near Bristol, by 
Mr. Joseph Sidebotham, of Manchester. 
