178 GRASSES OF BRITAIN. 



PuLEUM PRATENSE (variety) LONGICILIATUM. 



Bulbous Timothy-Grass. 



Plate LXXVIII. 



This grass appears to be the Phleum nodosum of some authors, 

 which is merely a variety of Phleum pratense, with bulbous roots. It 

 seldom grows to more than a foot in length. The lower part of the 

 stem is prostrate and bent at the joints. The awns of the glumes 

 are short, and the hairs on the keels are longer than in Phleum pra- 

 tense. 



It grows in sandy or barren situations, and flowers in about the end 

 of July. It possesses no agricultural merits worthy of notice. 



The accompanying figure was taken from a specimen gathered on 

 the west coast of Cantire, growing on sandy soil. 



Explanation of Plate LXXVIII. Phleum pratense (variety) longi- 



Fig. 1. Rachis and spikelets, natural size. 



2. Spikelet showing the two glumes and floret. 



3. Spikelet closed, showing the long stout hairs on the keels, which do not 



extend the whole length of the keels but terminate abruptly. 



4. Floret showing the two palese. 



5. Ligule of upper sheath. 



6. Ovarium, pistils, and stamens. 



