234 



Fig. 228. ORCUTTIA CALIFORNICA Vasev, Bv;l. Torr. Bot. Club, 13 : 219. 

 1886._A low, much-branched, ceespitose annual 0.5-1 dm. (2'-4') high, the 

 numerous stem.s bearing 3 to 6 spikelets near the apex. Sheaths open, some- 

 what inflated, sparingly pubescent; leaf-blades plane 2 cm. {!') long or 

 less. Spikelets (a, 6) 12 to 20 flowered, 6-10 mm. (3"-5") long; empty glumes 

 sparingly pubescent; 2-4 mm. (l"-2") long with usually three acute, 3-nerved 

 lobes at^the apex; flowering glume {c) 3-5 mm. (li"-2i") long, with 5 narrow, 

 acute, 3-nerved lobes, the middle lobes the longer. Palea {d) 4-toothed at the 

 apex, thin, 3-4 mm. (l^"-2") long.— Southern and Lower California. April. 



