THE INFLORESCENCE 109 



which traverse the awn from the base to near the apex, where they 

 unite into a single central strand. 



Immediately within the epidermis, at the three angles and around the 

 inner face of the awn, is strongly developed stereome, the centre being 

 occupied by thinner-walled parenchyma. 



Three vascular strands are found in each awn, namely, one large 

 bundle in the angle between the two bands of green tissue and continuous 

 with the midrib of the glume, and two smaller ones right and left of this 

 also entering from the glume (Fig. 83). 



The palea is of simple structure and between the two keels is only 

 two or three cells thick (about 30 p.). The epidermis is chiefly composed 

 of elongated cells and circular " dwarf " cells with sinuous walls ; over 

 the keels, the margins and surfaces of the apical portions of the palea it 

 possesses hairs 50- 130/4 long. 



A simple vascular bundle runs through the centre of each keel ; 

 associated with it is a small band of green parenchyma, chloroplasts being 

 absent from other parts of the palea. 



A few stomata are found over the green tissue. 



